Hi there. I'm a relatively new diver without much gear. I will be living in Bangkok for three years and am thinking about investing in a regulator, BCD, and maybe a couple tanks for myself and my wife. I'm hoping to be able to do 20-30 dives per year while I'm in SE Asia - in Thailand and beyond.
Is there any advantage to buying this stuff in the USA at my local dive shop? Shipping it overseas isn't a real cost issue as I can just add it to the pile of stuff that will be sent in a container.
Is this sort of gear more or less expensive in Thailand than in the USA? I know that imported stuff can be expensive because of high import duties. Can someone comment on the price, quality, and availability of gear in Thailand? I can find rental prices all over the web but actual gear pricing has proven to be a challenge.
Also, I know Bangkok has a lot of custom tailors. Can anyone comment on any custom wetsuit manufacturers in Thailand?
Thanks for any ideas.
--chuck
Is there any advantage to buying this stuff in the USA at my local dive shop? Shipping it overseas isn't a real cost issue as I can just add it to the pile of stuff that will be sent in a container.
Is this sort of gear more or less expensive in Thailand than in the USA? I know that imported stuff can be expensive because of high import duties. Can someone comment on the price, quality, and availability of gear in Thailand? I can find rental prices all over the web but actual gear pricing has proven to be a challenge.
Also, I know Bangkok has a lot of custom tailors. Can anyone comment on any custom wetsuit manufacturers in Thailand?
Thanks for any ideas.
--chuck