Embassy registration

[FreeTime]

Just wondering how many long stay expats bother to register at their respective embassy? I can understand how useful it might be if there is a domestic emergency back home, an environmental disaster here in Thailand, or extreme political turmoil. On the other hand, many residents might prefer to maintain a certain independence from additional/unnecessary contact with government representatives. Any pros/cons that come to mind apart from those noted above?

 

[cavanami]

When I was living / working in Taiwan I registered, as I was project manager so I was responsible for the personnel that can to site.

 

I was also a contact person and would notify others in the case of an emergency.

 

If you will be over a few months in a foreign country, it is a good idea to register.

[Hornman]

Itâ??s not a hassle to register on the web these days. Nothing lost in registering, but helps if some thing goes wrong - IMHO

[ThaiHome]

EAsy to do, here is Link for Bagnkok embassy that will take you to the state dept registration site. I get at best 1 or 2 e-mails a month, most having to do with the traveling roadshow the American Citizen Services does around the country. Some travel warnings.

TH

[limbo]

Thanks ThaiHome, can you now please provide the 279 links from all other Embassies in BKK.

 

You must just love my tagline.

[exileexpat]

I did and got a sms from my embassy at 230 in the morning on the night of the coup saying there was a coup and to stay indoors. I think it is a good thing as long as you are registered as a non-resident of your homeland. ( ie not declaring benefits, pension etc)

[FreeTime]

exileexpat brings up a good point about official declaration as a 'non-resident'. At this point in time I have not gone that far, or even checked into this as I anticipate leaving Canada only for about 5-6 months each winter. Regarding pensions, I start collecting next year at age 55. I don't believe travel status has any bearing on that. I know that declaring onself as a 'non-resident' can have significant implications tax wise, but I seem to recall that one has to demonstrate that most connections to Canada have been severed to be delared a 'non-resident'. Something to check into in any event as time goes by if one spends more and more time outside Canada/USA/Europe.