I Love Thailand

By Crybaby Bob on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

They usually say to arrive at the airport 2-3 hour before your flight, better early than late. I think they won’t let you go if you arrive at the check-in counter with less than an hour. (you don’t go through customs on departure but there are lots of security checks). You pass through customs on arrival in Thailand and again on arrival at the US on your way back.

There are three parts to the customs equation.

1. Immigration.
2. Baggage claim
3. Customs

Immigration: If you don’t have Thai baht as you come into the immigration hall on the right side there will be a money changer. Get at least $50 changed and make sure you have plenty of 20 baht notes. Immigration is on the left and will usually take 15-30 minutes depending on how many people are standing in line. How familiar they are with the process ( do they have a visa, especially for people from countries that don’t have visa exemptions, do they have the correct documents etc..). Try to find a line with Europeans as Indians and Arabs will have a longer process because of the Visas.

Baggage Claim: (I think you go down the escalator 1 floor to baggage claim) just depends on when they unload the plane. I have gotten through immigration and my bags were waiting and I have waited 30 minutes or so.

Customs: Once you have your bag pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare then it should take 5 or so minutes. You will pass out to the main hall.

If your taking a taxi into town it should be about 350-400 baht. Bypass the touts and go out the door to the taxi stand. They will ask where you are going and provide a taxi. Remember you will have to pay the tolls (I think there are two 65 baht).

You will probably be back to the US on the same day you leave Thailand (because of the time change but it depends on your lay over.
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By Gerald J on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

You do not clear customs or immigration when leaving the US, only when you arrive in Thailand and when you return to the US. Most airlines recommend arriving three hours before an international flight, the lines to check-in and to clear security can be long.

The time it takes to clear customs in Thailand and when you return to the US depends on how many other international flights arrive around the same time as yours. It can take as little as 20-30 minutes to clear immigration, wait for your luggage and clear customs, but can easily take an hour.or more, especially if you are pulled aside to be searched. Knowledge of customs allowances and what is prohibited will make clearing customs easier.

Most flights from Thailand to the US arrive the same day you leave because of the time difference unless you depart Thailand late in the day or at night or have a long layover. The US is 12-15 hours ahead of Thailand, on many flights with short or fairly short layovers you will arrive just a few hours later than you actually left on the same calendar day, especially on flights to the west coast. All airlines list the day you depart and the day you arrive, check to be sure.

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Traveller/TravelEng.jsp?menuNme=Travel
http://www.thereareplaces.com/infgdes/shopping/customs.htm
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By No on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

Listen to Gerald he knows what he talking about. He like me do a lot of traveling from Bangkok. For international flights arrive about 2 hours prior to the flight, security in the US will be a little bit longer than here in Thailand. When you check in for your flight your airlines will just want to make sure you have a valid passport which will not expire in less than 6 months. Once you arrive in Bangkok just follow th cowards to immigrations, time here depends on the number of flights that arrive at the same time, usually it takes me 20 to 30 minutes to get through immigration check but could take an hour. Make sure you fill out your arrive/departure card that the airlines gives you. Fill out both the arrive and departure side of the card, sometime this cause delays at immigrations. Than you go to baggage and by that time your bags will be on the conveyor. Customs here just follow the sign for nothing to declare and walk out into the main airport.

Again when you return arrive two hours before your flight, check in and go through security. Security here is nothing like in the USA. You will arrive the same day you leave Thailand in most cases, It just depends on lay overs and your location in the USA.
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me, living here in Thailand

By scottie322 on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

BKK is a very modern Airport and is well organised. When you arrive you will get your luggage then go to Immigration where your picture is taken and passport checked and stamped ( normally 30day Visa )
When travelling back I suggest you get to the airport at least 2 1/2 hrs before departure for check in and first security point. Do not bring any liquid in hand luggage . When in Duty free do not buy any liquid to take on plane – it will be taken off at last security point before boarding aircraft.
If you are buying Thai whiskey or any other drink put in your main luggage at check-in.
Enjoy your stay in the land of smiles
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