Poipet crossing - tea money

[Essecola]

Can anyone tell me what it is I keep hearing about at Poipet there being two places to pay a 100 baht bribe at the border? Normally Poipet would be a place to avoid, but recently I heard of someone with more than a few exempt stamps in their passport and they were let in no problem. I thought Poipet was one of the places where they don't let you in if you already have a history of exempt or tourist visas. 

[ubonjoe]

There is a limit of 2 visa exempt entries at land border crossings per calendar year (since January 2017) for those on the standard visa exempt scheme. If from a bilateral agreement there is no limit.

I have never heard of paying 100 baht to get into the country.

[BritTim]

There is a lot of uncertainty involved with attempting to enter from Poipet. Most of the reported issues exist with people doing quick out/in border hops. Bribery pertains to Cambodian immigration. Thai immigration may decide to disallow people exiting intending to immediately return with a visa exempt entry (or, even, when they have multiple entry visas). This does not happen all the time, but people should be aware that it can happen. Much more rarely, Thai immigration may deny entry to those entering from Poipet even when the traveler has spent some time in Cambodia. A few of the immigration officials there believe the official immigration rules are insufficiently strict, and may invent their own. There is little anyone can do about this, if denied entry (which is done unofficially without denied entry stamps in your passport or record in the immigration system) except enter Thailand via an airport or another crossing.

[Essecola]

The person said there are two places there where a 100 baht bribe is in order. Didn't mention where or to who it was paid to

[BritTim]

Just now, Essecola said:

The person said there are two places there where a 100 baht bribe is in order. Didn't mention where or to who it was paid to

Most commonly, extra payment is requested (i) for the Cambodian visa on arrival; and (ii) when receiving the exit stamp when returning to Thailand. The amount requested varies, depending on what the official extorting the bribe thinks the traveler is willing to pay.

[darrendsd]

If you already have a lot of Visa Exempts/Tourist Visas then paying 100 Baht is a good deal, if you go via the Airports you run the risk of being denied

 

I can tell you that another border crossing charges a lot more than that if the I/O gets a alert about your history on his computer 

[marke985]

About 4 years ago I used Poipet enroute to Phnom Penh via bus.  I journey I will never do again.

 

When I applied for my Cambodian visa I had all the required docs plus a photo.  After they took everything they asked me for 100 baht.  I assumed it was for the photo as I previously would just the the extra for not having a photo for Visas in this part of the world.

 

I argued with him as it was probably the 4th time that day I was getting conned, but then he pulled out an official document written. In Khmer script that I suspect was the visa application page as I recognized the format.

 

Near the bottom there was a sentence written in Khmer and someone had written In blue pen +100 baht.  Now I think it's funny how poor of an attempt it was but realized after 30 minutes sitting alone in the visa room I was not getting anywhere without paying it.

 

After I got into Poipet had to deal with more crap about getting Abus ticket for the normal price.  Eventually a nice Khmer came up and told me the bus would not wait any longer for me so pay the $20 or find a room for the night as the guys selling the tickets also knew my options.  I think the actual price for the ticket was $8.

 

I told myself I would never travel through there again and have not.

[phuketrichard]

If u have 2 land visa exempt entries  in a calendar year, they  will NOT give you another one entering Thailand, anywhere...Better have a regular tourist visa

 

Went thru poi pet 3 times last year, I am on a retirement extension,

Paid $30/visit for Cambodian visa each time,  never asked for more

The Thai side is not the problem but the Cambodian side can be, 

PS; each time my Khmer gf exits or enters Cambodia at Poi Pet or Koh Kong they demand 100 baht   go figure...

 

Poi Pet is a boom town, 17 + casinos, all non Khmer owned.

[utalkin2me]

3 hours ago, BritTim said:

Most commonly, extra payment is requested (i) for the Cambodian visa on arrival; and (ii) when receiving the exit stamp when returning to Thailand. The amount requested varies, depending on what the official extorting the bribe thinks the traveler is willing to pay.

I don’t think I ever got the one at exit stamp. 

 

I got the one at arrival invariably. You can actually talk your way out of it but I paid it almost every time. I just figured over the years it’s not worth taking even a small chance pissing someone off over there. 

[JackThompson]

10 hours ago, marke985 said:

After I got into Poipet had to deal with more crap about getting A bus ticket for the normal price.  Eventually a nice Khmer came up and told me the bus would not wait any longer for me so pay the $20 or find a room for the night as the guys selling the tickets also knew my options.  I think the actual price for the ticket was $8.

Correct.  Night buses leave between approx 7 and 9 PM.  For anyone else dealing with this, and heading to Phnom Penh -  Do NOT take the "free" bus to the so-called "international bus station" - a place out of town with overpriced tickets and no other options.  Keep walking down the main st away from the border.

 

The guy following you down the street speaking pretty-good English is lying - the buses are not "all the same" - he gets a cut of the rip-off price from his agent-buddy.  Do not buy bus-tickets from any "agents;" every other shop on the road is an "agent," selling overpriced so-called "vip" bus tickets for ordinary bus seats.  Find the Virak Buntham office and buy a ticket there for actual retail price. 

 

The closest to "vip" is buying 2 adjoining seats, so you can spread out and sleep well, unless with your gf/wife.  The higher-priced "sleeper bus" and "hotel bus" options are designed for people the height of the average Korean (where the buses came from).

 

There are now better options heading to Siam Reap, but I haven't tried those.

[Fairynuff]

15 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

There is a limit of 2 visa exempt entries at land border crossings per calendar year (since January 2017) for those on the standard visa exempt scheme. If from a bilateral agreement there is no limit.

I have never heard of paying 100 baht to get into the country.

I used to do this crossing fairly often until the corruption just got the better of me. There are just too many scams including the 100 baht one. It was often described as “ for checking application”  once I started to get visas online it was called something else. Then there’s the fastrack scam, then there’s another scam and so on. Far better just to fly in

[Card]

What a disgusting request - not only do you want to happily go along with the corrupt practices in SE Asia, you are likely making it more difficult for others who do not. I have never had any problems at any border posts in Thailand over 35 years because my papers have always been in order. I suspect your request for information infringes some Thai laws on facilitating bribes. 

 

Why don't you scurry off back under the floorboards?

[Thailand J]

100B to get in, 100B to get out at Poi Pet.

Last month I refused to pay when I got out, the immigration officer punished me by making me go back to the start of the line, add more details on the form and let me out.

[Wang Lalker]

[Thailand J]

There may be a long line at the Thai immigration on your way back, it's a good idea to make a stop at one of the casinos, they have clean toilets and at no charge.

 

[visarunner]

16 hours ago, BritTim said:

There is a lot of uncertainty involved with attempting to enter from Poipet. Most of the reported issues exist with people doing quick out/in border hops. Bribery pertains to Cambodian immigration. Thai immigration may decide to disallow people exiting intending to immediately return with a visa exempt entry (or, even, when they have multiple entry visas). This does not happen all the time, but people should be aware that it can happen. Much more rarely, Thai immigration may deny entry to those entering from Poipet even when the traveler has spent some time in Cambodia. A few of the immigration officials there believe the official immigration rules are insufficiently strict, and may invent their own. There is little anyone can do about this, if denied entry (which is done unofficially without denied entry stamps in your passport or record in the immigration system) except enter Thailand via an airport or another crossing.

I see many many cases which got denied entry at POI PET and being send back to Cambodia and been told come back with visa or try to fly. Sample enclosed.

[Media1]

18 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

There is a limit of 2 visa exempt entries at land border crossings per calendar year (since January 2017) for those on the standard visa exempt scheme. If from a bilateral agreement there is no limit.

I have never heard of paying 100 baht to get into the country.

no tea money but be sure to have already the exact US notes for Cambodia VISA or they rob you on exchange. They will try to get 500 BAHT service fee refuse and take a seat.

if it's a HOT day you can pay 200 baht outside office to police sitting on desk.

give them your passport and they will go get it stamped and race it back on police bike.

 

Be warned do not talk or give passport to anybody else

[Media1]

19 hours ago, BritTim said:

There is a lot of uncertainty involved with attempting to enter from Poipet. Most of the reported issues exist with people doing quick out/in border hops. Bribery pertains to Cambodian immigration. Thai immigration may decide to disallow people exiting intending to immediately return with a visa exempt entry (or, even, when they have multiple entry visas). This does not happen all the time, but people should be aware that it can happen. Much more rarely, Thai immigration may deny entry to those entering from Poipet even when the traveler has spent some time in Cambodia. A few of the immigration officials there believe the official immigration rules are insufficiently strict, and may invent their own. There is little anyone can do about this, if denied entry (which is done unofficially without denied entry stamps in your passport or record in the immigration system) except enter Thailand via an airport or another crossing.

there is no border hopping. 2 times  year only. You must have a VISA. NO uncertainty 

[PerkinsCuthbert]

6 hours ago, Card said:

What a disgusting request - not only do you want to happily go along with the corrupt practices in SE Asia, you are likely making it more difficult for others who do not. I have never had any problems at any border posts in Thailand over 35 years because my papers have always been in order. I suspect your request for information infringes some Thai laws on facilitating bribes. 

 

Why don't you scurry off back under the floorboards?

Still fighting the good fight after thirty-five years? Good luck with that.

[PerkinsCuthbert]

5 hours ago, visarunner said:

I see many many cases which got denied entry at POI PET and being send back to Cambodia and been told come back with visa or try to fly. Sample enclosed.

There is a reason given for this denial of entry: the handwritten part says the holder is unable to show he/she has sufficient means, in particular cash on him/her (ติดตัว). 

[phuketrichard]

i wonder,  if u are stamped out of Cambodia and refused entry to Thailand an have to go back to cambodia

Do u need buy a new visa or will they give you the amount of time left on the previous one as the departure is cancelled??

 

Anyone thinking they will get a third visa exempt land entry in a calendar year has his head up his a@#

[ExpatOilWorker]

What is the official price for the Cambodian Visa?

 

From memory I paid around 1,500 baht last I visited.

[Wang Lalker]

anyone know if there are thai bank atms in no mans land before going into thailand from cambodia where you can withdraw baht cash from thai banks without being hit international extortion fees

[JackThompson]

19 hours ago, PerkinsCuthbert said:

There is a reason given for this denial of entry: the handwritten part says the holder is unable to show he/she has sufficient means, in particular cash on him/her (ติดตัว). 

I'd like to know the full story on that - pressed the IO after the initial refusal, or didn't have the cash, or what.  In any case, best to always avoid Poipet.

 

1 hour ago, phuketrichard said:

i wonder,  if u are stamped out of Cambodia and refused entry to Thailand an have to go back to cambodia

Do u need buy a new visa or will they give you the amount of time left on the previous one as the departure is cancelled??

They let you back in, per the cancelled-stamp on the exit of the pic above. 

 

1 hour ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

What is the official price for the Cambodian Visa?

From memory I paid around 1,500 baht last I visited.

$30 = ~ 945 Baht. 

 

With regard to paying for the Cambodian Visa in USD, to avoid this ripoff, there are some money-exchange options, but the rates may not be as good as those just outside no-man's-land on the Cambodian side (after you "stamp in" to Cambodia on the left side of the main-road).  I could find no where to buy dollars on the Thai side, except Thai banks when/if they happen to have some USD.

 

1 hour ago, Wang Lalker said:

anyone know if there are thai bank atms in no mans land before going into thailand from cambodia where you can withdraw baht cash from thai banks without being hit international extortion fees

I could not find any the last time I was there.

 

 

[BritTim]

2 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

What is the official price for the Cambodian Visa?

 

From memory I paid around 1,500 baht last I visited.

The official price is US$ 30. There is no official price when using Thai baht, and you can expect to pay a big premium. When using dollars, they will typically ask for a 100 baht tip, but it is possible to avoid paying if done carefully.

[phuketrichard]

no atms in no mans land

BTW,  last time i was up there, GF's Khmer aunt an uncle crossed with us back to thailand and didn't even bother with immigration at either side, ( they live in Poi Pet)..LOL

[jackdd]

6 hours ago, JackThompson said:

With regard to paying for the Cambodian Visa in USD, to avoid this ripoff, there are some money-exchange options, but the rates may not be as good as those just outside no-man's-land on the Cambodian side (after you "stamp in" to Cambodia on the left side of the main-road).  I could find no where to buy dollars on the Thai side, except Thai banks when/if they happen to have some USD.

I once entered Cambodia at the border crossing in the very south of Thailand. Had 30 USD with me. They refused to accept them, said 1500THB or they don't give me the Visa. At this point i decided that i don't like Cambodia

[JackThompson]

13 hours ago, jackdd said:

I once entered Cambodia at the border crossing in the very south of Thailand. Had 30 USD with me. They refused to accept them, said 1500THB or they don't give me the Visa. At this point i decided that i don't like Cambodia

This is not uncommon - but a 100 Baht "extra fee" will get you through except at Koh Kong.  Never enter Cambodia at Koh Kong, except with an eVisa; that will run you over $35, but still better than the rip-offs at that entry-point.

 

But in Thailand, its a 13,000 Baht "extra fee" to an agent for me to get a Non-O visa in Thailand I legally qualify for in Jomtien - and that or more to get a visa-type conversion there, even with all the required paperwork.  And I've never heard of Cambodia arbitrarily refusing entry at a border or putting someone in detention at the airport, because they have "been there too often/long recently," based on some IOs imaginary rule on how long he/she personally thinks a foreigner should be allowed to be in the country in the last calendar year, or rolling 12 months, or rolling 15 months, or whatever arbitrary length of time has to be made-up, to get a day-count reaching the magic "too many days" number. 

 

Thailand is preferable to Cambodia in many ways for an expat, but the Thai Immigration system is not one of them.

[Chrisdoc]

I once entered Cambodia at the border crossing in the very south of Thailand. Had 30 USD with me. They refused to accept them, said 1500THB or they don't give me the Visa. At this point i decided that i don't like Cambodia [emoji14]

There is alot of info on wikitravel about the Koh Kong border scams. I went online and printed out a notice from Travel Cambodia about a visa for $30 usd. At the Koh Kong immigration office they asked for 1500b,showed them the notice, they said it was wrong, I said my friend from Tourism Cambodia gave it to me. They asked why do you come here and not fly, I said I love Cambodia and don't like planes. Sat for 5 minutes in silence. I had the 30usd in my hand. Went through it all again. After 15 minutes or so they they gave in and gave me the visa for 30usd. Three weeks later went through again. Same discussion, same wait. If you are polite and patient and persistent they will give it to you. The printout about a visa helped. The e-visa has a hidden credit card charge and if you are on a budget or a regular crosser it can be a pain.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[phuketrichard]

15 hours ago, jackdd said:

I once entered Cambodia at the border crossing in the very south of Thailand. Had 30 USD with me. They refused to accept them, said 1500THB or they don't give me the Visa. At this point i decided that i don't like Cambodia

there is NO thai/Cambodian border in the far south of thailand.

The southernest crossing is at  Had Lek/Koh Kong

I cross this border all the time with my car,  never a problem, Only have to pay 100 baht /day for every day my car will be in Cambodia. BUT the ONLY other border u can bring a car in easily ( with out advance permits) is O'smach up north

 

PS: the E-visa comes to $40 with service charge/CC fee.Does save ya a page in ur passport