Dude, you don't need to bump this every other day.
Or at least if you are, add something to it other than "bump post"
Apologies for that but I see the thread vanish from the front page so feel the need to get it back there. You are of course right and I shall do my best to make more meaningful posts in the future.
Commonwealth resident PAX Swag will be available at this year's PAX!
If you're a resident of a Commonwealth country and are coming to you PAX'08 then you qualify for this rather natty badge for you to wear whilst at PAX. Click on the spoiler link to see it:
To collect it you can come by the Allgames Radio broadcast area at around 3:30pm to 4pm on Friday 29th August where I shall be taking part in the AGR live broadcast which take place near the media room.
Mobile phones - I've asked about this in H/A, the consensus seems to be buy one when you get there, phone shops don't just sell sims, our phone companies will charge an absolute fortune for any calls we make/receive, and you can buy a "pre-pay, disposable phone" aka pay as you go, for about £15, which would be way cheaper than paying 50p per text, or £3+ per call.
There is an AT&T in Pacific Place that will give you a SIM and not charge you for anything more than the money you put on your phone to use it.
You do need an unlocked tri or quad band phone.
Unlocking is easy. Consult the internets.
Trillian on
They cast a shadow like a sundial in the morning light. It was half past 10.
Mobile phones - I've asked about this in H/A, the consensus seems to be buy one when you get there, phone shops don't just sell sims, our phone companies will charge an absolute fortune for any calls we make/receive, and you can buy a "pre-pay, disposable phone" aka pay as you go, for about £15, which would be way cheaper than paying 50p per text, or £3+ per call.
There is an AT&T in Pacific Place that will give you a SIM and not charge you for anything more than the money you put on your phone to use it.
You do need an unlocked tri or quad band phone.
Unlocking is easy. Consult the internets.
Mmm, while I remember, there's loads of OTC stuff we can buy in the UK that you need a prescription for in the USA. I will be a walking chemist's, cos last time I visited USA, I couldn't buy stuff I needed.
LewieP's Mummy on
For all the top UK Gaming Bargains, check out SavyGamer
Mmm, while I remember, there's loads of OTC stuff we can buy in the UK that you need a prescription for in the USA. I will be a walking chemist's, cos last time I visited USA, I couldn't buy stuff I needed.
I'd be thoughtful about what you bring, walking around with unprescribed medicine might not go over very well, we Americans like our wars on things. Cough Syrup's enough for a penalty if you're caught according to this.
No worries, I'm bringing copies of my prescriptions - I overheard 2 blokes at Glastonbury discussing what recreational drugs they'd brought with them; I could have made a fortune if I'd sold the box of Tramadol I had with me! I also wouldn't have been able to walk upright for long, either, so I kept them for myself.
LewieP's Mummy on
For all the top UK Gaming Bargains, check out SavyGamer
mentok1982I could never leave you PAX baby.BaltimoreRegistered Userregular
edited August 2008
US Federal agents now have the power to seize your laptop, hard drives, flash drives, cell phones, iPods,
pagers, beepers, video tapes, audio tapes, books, pamphlets and other written materials for no reason when
you enter the United States. All persons, even US Citizens can have their shit taken.
The agents don't even have to be suspicious of you, they can just take your things.
US Federal agents now have the power to seize your laptop, hard drives, flash drives, cell phones, iPods,
pagers, beepers, video tapes, audio tapes, books, pamphlets and other written materials for no reason when
you enter the United States. All persons, even US Citizens can have their shit taken.
The agents don't even have to be suspicious of you, they can just take your things.
Updated the OP regarding badge pick up. Just to restate all PAX attendees that reside outside of the US will not have their badges mailed to them. You have to pick them up at Will Call registration area.
US Federal agents now have the power to seize your laptop, hard drives, flash drives, cell phones, iPods,
pagers, beepers, video tapes, audio tapes, books, pamphlets and other written materials for no reason when
you enter the United States. All persons, even US Citizens can have their shit taken.
The agents don't even have to be suspicious of you, they can just take your things.
They apparently had that for a few years now. Which means that there's less chance of them taking my shit, as I took it along with my last year without problems.
Also, I'd think there was more chance of them taking it if you were traveling to the US from countries like Iran than there is if you're traveling from the UK.
This is a reminder post to those that are starting to think about what they need to bring to PAX. Look at the OP and see the checklist of stuff there. Remember to get a step-up transformer for charging your DS!
With less than 2 weeks to go you should be thinking about the following items that need to be packed in your luggage for PAX, such as:
1) Money -> Consider how much monoplo...I mean US$ you plan to take. Remember things are generally cheaper in the US than in the Old World so try not to equate the same expenditure.
2) Drivers license/ID -> Make sure you have an ID that is recognised as a valid one in the US that proves you are over 18. See the OP for more details.
3) Luggage -> Much as we would love to have the 'Luggage' along to PAX I don't think Rincewind is going to give it up any time soon. Remember to get a sturdy suit case that can withstand the rigours of being thrown about in the luggage hold of an aircraft. Also be mindful or weight restrictions on both hand and luggage stored in the hold of the plane.
4) What to pack -> It's only 5 days so do pack sensibly! You don't need 12 suits, your skiiing gear and a microwave oven. Check out th FAQ post for guides on what to take to PAX if you need help.
5) Pick up this months copies of the following magazines for reading material and use as trade:
PAX is now terribly close with a little over a week left before we make the great pilgrimage to Seattle. Here are some more things to think about that international travellers should have on their minds:
1) Passport -> You may have one that is entirely valid but do you know where it is at this very moment? Are you really sure you left it in that draw, next to the drinks cabinet? Best check eh?
2) Money -> Sadly the US$ has had a bit of a surge of late so £ and € isn't as strong as it used to be. Be prepared to pay a bit more for stuff than you thought you would be.
3) Check flight no. and how you are getting to the airport. Also make sure you know which terminal you are flying from.
4) If you're Australian remember to bring rotten fruit to throw at Harmonix for not bothering to release Rock Band in your fine nation due to distribution issues. I am of course joking. Possibly.
With PAX only days away I decided to check on luggage weight limits and the current status for the visa waiver programme.
For luggage the maximum weight for carry on is limited to 23 kg (51 lbs) and its size is 56x45x25cm (22x17.5x9.85in) (including wheels, pockets and handles).
Luggage to be checked into the hold is limited to 32kg (70lbs). Any heavier and you are charged extra for it.
The visa waiver programme is undergoing a very big change as of August 2008! From now you can apply for a waiver to a visa entry to the US online. This is voluntary at the moment but as of early 2009 it will be compulsory prior to travelling to the US. It is preferred that you do make your application out online at least 72 hours before leaving. The information you need to complete the form is as follows:
1) Passport No.
2) Passport issue date and expirary date.
3) Flight carrier.
4) Flight No.
5) City from which you are flying from.
6) Name and full address of hotel you are staying at whilst in the US.
For access to the online and more information about it click on this link.
Kro, I was having a quick look through the OP and I didn't see anything mentioning using debit/credit cards during the trip.
If you do plan on using a credit/debit card while at PAX you must inform your issuing bank/company that you will be doing so. Banks have an automated fraud detection device that will block your card from working fully if you don't inform them. The best course of action is to call the number that is located on the back of the card.
Sorry if it was already mentioned but it is quite important information to anyone planning on using a card.
Kro, I was having a quick look through the OP and I didn't see anything mentioning using debit/credit cards during the trip.
If you do plan on using a credit/debit card while at PAX you must inform your issuing bank/company that you will be doing so. Banks have an automated fraud detection device that will block your card from working fully if you don't inform them. The best course of action is to call the number that is located on the back of the card.
Sorry if it was already mentioned but it is quite important information to anyone planning on using a card.
Although I'm only a Canuck, I would love a commonwealth badge. Any more news on a commonwealth party?
If you encounter either myself or VThornheart at the Bioware booth then you more than likely get a Paxonieer badge. They are much smaller in number due primarily to the fact that we foriegn folk are in the minority at PAX
As for the party the person who was organising this fell silent some months back so it would appear that it has been canned. Hopefully someone may set up something unofficial in a bar or something. Any volunteers?
Posts
Or at least if you are, add something to it other than "bump post"
Apologies for that but I see the thread vanish from the front page so feel the need to get it back there. You are of course right and I shall do my best to make more meaningful posts in the future.
If you're a resident of a Commonwealth country and are coming to you PAX'08 then you qualify for this rather natty badge for you to wear whilst at PAX. Click on the spoiler link to see it:
To collect it you can come by the Allgames Radio broadcast area at around 3:30pm to 4pm on Friday 29th August where I shall be taking part in the AGR live broadcast which take place near the media room.
Well, the Beach Cricket team shirt anyway. We do love seeing Gladstone Small and Gooch.
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
*cough*
If it means I can have a kickass button, then goddamn I'm a Loyalist reincarnate.
I've actually decided to make one for folks in these fine forums too actually. Click on the spoiler buttons below for a work in progress view of it:
Front
Back
*breaks out the tar and feathers*
I know all the words to God Save The Queen and would gladly slam the door in the face of Black Rod if given the chance.
Heck, I'll mind the gap on my way to Wimbledon (now that the public is allowed in) while discussing the possible expansion of the CCZs.
There is an AT&T in Pacific Place that will give you a SIM and not charge you for anything more than the money you put on your phone to use it.
You do need an unlocked tri or quad band phone.
Unlocking is easy. Consult the internets.
They cast a shadow like a sundial in the morning light. It was half past 10.
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
Nice tip! I've put it onto the OP. Thanks!
Front
Back
In the UK, it's Paracetamol. In Canada and the US, its called Tylenol or Acetaminophen.
glutenfreegamer.blogspot.com
Excellent tip and quite a handy one too. I have added it to the OP.
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
I'd be thoughtful about what you bring, walking around with unprescribed medicine might not go over very well, we Americans like our wars on things. Cough Syrup's enough for a penalty if you're caught according to this.
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
pagers, beepers, video tapes, audio tapes, books, pamphlets and other written materials for no reason when
you enter the United States. All persons, even US Citizens can have their shit taken.
The agents don't even have to be suspicious of you, they can just take your things.
Welcome to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! Welcome to the United States!
Penny Arcade comic, The Fedral Bureau of Taking All Your Shit.
PS3: Mentok || Steam: mentok1982 || Diablo 3: mentok1982#1212
Links: GPUReview.com My IGN activity My IGN Blog [H]ard|Forum
The fourth frame would have had them do a righteous fist pound.
Seriously though, I hope the ACLU and EFF can get SCOTUS to do something about this.
They apparently had that for a few years now. Which means that there's less chance of them taking my shit, as I took it along with my last year without problems.
Also, I'd think there was more chance of them taking it if you were traveling to the US from countries like Iran than there is if you're traveling from the UK.
1) Money -> Consider how much monoplo...I mean US$ you plan to take. Remember things are generally cheaper in the US than in the Old World so try not to equate the same expenditure.
2) Drivers license/ID -> Make sure you have an ID that is recognised as a valid one in the US that proves you are over 18. See the OP for more details.
3) Luggage -> Much as we would love to have the 'Luggage' along to PAX I don't think Rincewind is going to give it up any time soon. Remember to get a sturdy suit case that can withstand the rigours of being thrown about in the luggage hold of an aircraft. Also be mindful or weight restrictions on both hand and luggage stored in the hold of the plane.
4) What to pack -> It's only 5 days so do pack sensibly! You don't need 12 suits, your skiiing gear and a microwave oven. Check out th FAQ post for guides on what to take to PAX if you need help.
5) Pick up this months copies of the following magazines for reading material and use as trade:
The Edge
GamesTM
Retro Gamer
1) Passport -> You may have one that is entirely valid but do you know where it is at this very moment? Are you really sure you left it in that draw, next to the drinks cabinet? Best check eh?
2) Money -> Sadly the US$ has had a bit of a surge of late so £ and € isn't as strong as it used to be. Be prepared to pay a bit more for stuff than you thought you would be.
3) Check flight no. and how you are getting to the airport. Also make sure you know which terminal you are flying from.
4) If you're Australian remember to bring rotten fruit to throw at Harmonix for not bothering to release Rock Band in your fine nation due to distribution issues. I am of course joking. Possibly.
For luggage the maximum weight for carry on is limited to 23 kg (51 lbs) and its size is 56x45x25cm (22x17.5x9.85in) (including wheels, pockets and handles).
Luggage to be checked into the hold is limited to 32kg (70lbs). Any heavier and you are charged extra for it.
Source: British Airways website.
VISA WAIVER PROGRAMME CHANGES
The visa waiver programme is undergoing a very big change as of August 2008! From now you can apply for a waiver to a visa entry to the US online. This is voluntary at the moment but as of early 2009 it will be compulsory prior to travelling to the US. It is preferred that you do make your application out online at least 72 hours before leaving. The information you need to complete the form is as follows:
1) Passport No.
2) Passport issue date and expirary date.
3) Flight carrier.
4) Flight No.
5) City from which you are flying from.
6) Name and full address of hotel you are staying at whilst in the US.
For access to the online and more information about it click on this link.
The OP has been updated to reflect this change.
If you do plan on using a credit/debit card while at PAX you must inform your issuing bank/company that you will be doing so. Banks have an automated fraud detection device that will block your card from working fully if you don't inform them. The best course of action is to call the number that is located on the back of the card.
Sorry if it was already mentioned but it is quite important information to anyone planning on using a card.
Excellent tip! I'll add it to the OP.
If you encounter either myself or VThornheart at the Bioware booth then you more than likely get a Paxonieer badge. They are much smaller in number due primarily to the fact that we foriegn folk are in the minority at PAX
As for the party the person who was organising this fell silent some months back so it would appear that it has been canned. Hopefully someone may set up something unofficial in a bar or something. Any volunteers?