Darin S

Your NOA1 date shouldn't change.

Found the same mistake on our forms. Submitted a request to update, received notification that the update was done. Didn't notice any delay from requesting the update.

Use Form I-131 for the purpose of a reentry permit. It shows intent to return, and establishes your absence from the US as temporary. Any absence of 6 months or more risks abandonment of their LPR status.

Form I-191 seems to be for absences of longer than 2 years.

USCIS is more critical of 6 month absences from the US when applying for naturalization. You should be ok to leave the US for up to 1 year without losing your conditional legal resident status. I-131 is a re-entry permit if you plan to be out of the US for more than 1 year. If you have any doubts about receiving your green card prior to travel, be sure to file for Advance Parole... which is also Form I-131.

I'd recommend reading about "maintaining permanent residence" here:

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/maintaining-permanent-residence

You'll also want to be concerned with retaining documentation for Removal of Conditions. USCIS will want to see co-mingled finances, inhabit the same dwelling, etc...

Darin

Airport gives bad exchange rate, but its good to have a small amount of local currency for transportation.

ATM is very convenient, just be aware there are usually transaction, exchange, and cross border fees. If you use your VISA/MC debit card, don't let the merchant convert currency for you, have them charge you in the local currency. It'll be converted at whatever the market rate is for your bank, but its most likely better than the rate/fee the merchant will charge.

Most smaller exchange booths (and Banks) do not like to exchange more than a few $100 bills.

You should be aware, Money Exchangers can be very picky about currency they will accept. Make sure your bills are in excellent condition with no marks or tears. Even creases from excessive folding can be grounds for refusal. Series is important, some places will not accept Series 2003 or previous.

"Super Rich" seemed to have the consistently best rates... main branch located near Central World in Bangkok.

If you're converting a small amount of currency, its not worth going out of your way to the currency exchanger with the best rates. $1500 would probably be worth a trip to Super Rich if you're in Bangkok.

http://www.thebangkokshoppingguide.com/money_exchange_bangkok - I think this is where I found info on Super Rich before I traveled to Thailand earlier this year.

Darin