Sacombank sorted the bank account issue. All done in less than 45 minutes. 2 branches of ABA gave totally different reasons why they would provide an account for myself.

Dumb question but referring to earlier post above, why not let them put you on a drip? (I'll admit to being a bit cynical and blasé with this) From recent experience, most of the drips seem to be prescribed by folks who in fact are not actual GPs/medical doctors. There is a sort of black-magic gene...

I'm often disappointed with coffee. Like Gin, often smells great, then let down by the lack of flavour. My two favourite places in recent times are- Departures area, Quebec airport. I used to grab a really nice Guatemalan coffee before a flight. Properly refreshing, with a decent caffeine high. Staf...

i'll try and get the name of the place in the next few days, but it's on the block on riverside, south of St136

unfortunately I was not, as I would need the passport to leave in a few days time, unless I paid $85 express fee, which makes it financially silly. So i'll do it next time through in September.

I quite like AirAsia, still, though I'm not quite so enchanted with the setup at KLIA2. It takes quite a bit of time getting through. I liked it in the early days of their op when it was the sheds at the end of the field.

I haven't tried JC yet. I'm sure I shall.

Well, I found somewhere to sort the visa. The new problem being that the visa won't be back before I head to Europe. They are quoting a return after the 27th. 10 working days.
So that seems to be a non starter.
At least I know where to go next time

I'm going to try and find an agent to extend the visa this morning, hopefully sort he account this evening.

FWIW regarding bank accounts-

Both CIMB and ABA would not allow me to open an account.
For CIMB, they refuse on account of not having a work permit.
For ABA, because my visa is less than 6 months.

cheers.
I'll avoid that particular agent, and try another.