Grotesqspade

Thanks for the response. I ordered an unlocked phone from Amazon : Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini GT-i8190 factory Unlocked International Verison BLUE + a SIM card from TRUE: hope to get the phone set up and ready when I land. I will follow your advice & call the hotel to make sure my arrival time is clear. I think the taxi is my best option, too. Again thanks for the help.

Thanks, I've just ordered a prePaid SIM card from TRUE. If I can set up the phone prior to my trip & have it working the minute I land, that would be ideal. Thank you for the link & suggestion.

I will be arriving in BKK in November of this year. I have a 17 day trip planned. One of my concerns however is my arrival time to the airport will be just after midnight. After factoring in collections of baggage and getting my bearings, I'm guessing I won't be arriving in downtown Bangkok till 2 AM. Couple of questions: #1 - Just take a metered taxi from the airport or would it be better to arrange scheduled pick up service (i.e. Limo)? #2 - My flight from the states will be a redeye. I may not be ready for bed due to the time difference. If I am game for entertainment, are there after hour bars? From what I've read following the government army issues, nightlife shuts down after 2 AM? What options are available if you are wide awake at two in the morning on a Saturday in Bangkok? #3 - I will be staying at the Dream hotel. I have scheduled the start of my stay the day before. I was planning to contact the hotel to confirm that they are aware of my 2 AM arrival and check in. Any concerns that this might not work or has anyone had any similar situation of an early check-in? #4 - Would it be easier to bring a unlocked phone and purchase a Sim card on arrival? Or would it be less of a hassle to go to a local mall later that day and purchase a simple phone in Thailand?

Query?: Which is easier? Bring a unlocked phone & swap in a SIM card or purchase phone (with SIM) in BKK? I know it is cheaper to bring a unlocked phone & get a SIM card but I am looking for which is easier. I was thinking of going to a big Mall & let them set everything up. Just get a usable phone for calls & texting. However, I would love to bring a Smart Phone I am familiar with, have music & maps loaded for the trip ( to use even when no WiFi ), but my worry is that it won't work for some reason. Then I will need a new phone anyway. Just want a no headache experience, not necessarily the cheapest. Thanks for the help.