Non-surgical out-of-pocket costs for SRS in Bangkok

[melissa90299]

Other than air fare, which, of course, depends on where one is and can be easliy determined, does anyone have an estimate of other out-of-pocket costs. I am planning on booking with Kunaporn.

[Sheila]

Hi Melissa,
    I don't know anything about that doctor, but Dr. Preecha has a whole floor set up so you can stay while you are in Thailand. Now he charges for anyone who is not a patient. It wasn't much, so you might have to find lodging for anyone who will be going. My doctor also was going to charge me for anytime after release, so it would have been for 10 days as I stayed two weeks and was discharged from the hospital after 5 days. I was well enough to be an outpatient. I had planned on this and the motel that we stayed in was only three blocks away. After you are out of the hospital you will have to plan on food. I also bought some sanitary napkins while I was there. I bought some stents too. Now, you could go online and buy some for yourself before you go, I found out that they were the same price and in some instances they were cheaper buying from the doctor. You will need lubricant. You will also need to buy more underwear as you might have an accident or two. We didn't have anyplace to do laundry. Thailand has stores so you can buy most anything you need. I was told before I went to buy everything as they might not have it. I found the opposite to be true. They had everything and it was cheaper. We were in Bangkok, Thailand. There were lots of malls and stores to buy anything we needed.
Sheila

[melissa90299]

So othe than air fare, the out-of-pocket costs are reather minimal, let's say under $1,000?

[Sheila]

I would say so. It depends on how your doctor will put you up. If you stay in a motel or not. Your food. In 2004 I spent 12,000 on everything and that is with my wife going with me and a lot of things that we bought. My surgery was 6,600 complete. My wife stayed in a very nice motel for two weeks and I was there for little more than a week.
Sheila

[melissa90299]

I just checked Orbitz and they have a flight for just over $600! Kunaporn charges around $8000 now for the same all-inclusive package I am still considering others though If I can do this for around 10k, I am in good shape I just have to stop spending so much on clothes, jewelry, nightlife etc.

I am also considering giving up my studio and seeking a rommate situation. I put an ad on craig'slist with my pic and am getting tons of responses, som emay come with strings attached, of course.

[Buffy]

Hi Melissa,

I have been to Thailand twice for FFS and SRS.

I have spent very little money both times outside of the surgery costs.

Accomodation is relatively chesp, My Hotel in October was $25 per night (and if you check out for the 4-5 days when in hospital) can be even cheaper. Food is very cheap, I spent < $10 per day and if you have a hotel with a buffet breakfast, stock up for lunch. Sharing a room can reduce the cost.

Other expenses are very cheap, I got my washing / ironng done every 3 days or so for about $1, which included hangers andwrapping in plastic cover!

Phone cards are cheap, about 400 Baht upwards and this is a better option than people calling you as you will be charged for the mobile call while overseas for using Thai Telecom services.

Internet acces is fairly cheap, I used an internet cafe, cost was about $3 per hour. I also used my lap top with Dial up access or wireless access where I could. If you have access to Skype, phone calls are cheap as well.

Taxi's - use the local taxis and you can agree the price, when you get in the taxi.

Excursions - You can get very cheap days out, lots of people know people who will take you (for a small fee) to various tourist attractions. I went to Tiger Sancturys, Nature reserves, palaces, River cruises and floating markets... all great attractions.

On my last visit which was for 16 days I spent < $1000, which included presents and momentoes.

REMEMBER .... to keep 500 baht in cash as this is the Passenger Airport Tax, required to leave the Country. I have heard it may be 700 Baht next year.

Buffy