Cambodia - Poipet

[kratindaeng]

Hey,

Anyone been into Poipet recently, there and back in one day?

Just a last minute question check on the Aranyaprathet - Poipet border visa run to those who have done it recently - Its ok to get stamped into Cambodia and out back into Thailand (on a Non B ) the same day/without having to spend 24 hours in Cambodia right?

Thanks in advance!

KD

Edited May 29, 2007 by kratindaeng

[kratindaeng]

anyone?! 44 have read this so far. Please! I want to be 100 per cent on this run before I dive into Poipet! Sounds paradise.... Edited May 29, 2007 by kratindaeng

[jdinasia]

you do not have to stay overnight ever ... anywhere <assuming the border is open when you are trying to go through>

[visarunner]

in Poipet nothing is 100%sure.

If you are a Newbie they come up with various reasons to make some money.

Good luck.

[richard10365]

They should put a sign at the Cambodian/Thai border. Farangs not welcomed. You would see it as you entered Thailand. The sign would only be in Cambodia as Thai immigration practices are somewhat normal everywhere else.

[cali4995]

Kratindaeng, If you and the prettier half are going to drive yourself anyway, you might want to consider going to had lek checkpoint in Trat province. They get drastically less traffic and it's a much more attractive trip. The immigration officials seem less mercenary there.

[lopburi3]

There is no problem with Thai Immigration if you want to leave/return immediately. It is inside Cambodia where the 'extra charge' may be requested from reports I have seen. If you don't pay you may not receive an exit stamp for a considerable period of time (or until you pay) - or it may have no effect.

You are aware of the need for 10k upon return (not often checked) and for an outbound ticket within 30 days (closely checked).

[Digitalbanana]

and for an outbound ticket within 30 days (closely checked).

Just curious how do the immigration guys closely check this? Not that I am advising breaking any laws but with all the computer generated e-tickets these days it must be easy to fake one? Are they actually checking with airlines? If not the whole process seems superfluous?

[lopburi3]

If they have doubt's they can check with airline but I would strongly caution anyone that this would not be a classroom cheating type offense. If you submit false documentation in Thailand it is considered a very serious offense and could result in jail time and probably black listing.

[astral]

I am not sure about Poipet, but Cambodian Immigration at Had Lek (near Trat) does charge a "tax" of 200 baht if you do not stay overnight.

[bangkapiboy]

There is no problem with Thai Immigration if you want to leave/return immediately. It is inside Cambodia where the 'extra charge' may be requested from reports I have seen. If you don't pay you may not receive an exit stamp for a considerable period of time (or until you pay) - or it may have no effect.

You are aware of the need for 10k upon return (not often checked) and for an outbound ticket within 30 days (closely checked).

I handle this very easily by telling everyone I am going to the casino. Getting my exit stamp at the window I respond to no question. They stamp and I walk away. No bribery needed. Except one time when I gave an official's helper an extra 50B to to stamp my passport before the other 30 backpackers in line. And it seems $20USD is easily accepted now. Just don't argue about it, simply hand over the passport, application, and money and walk away and sit down. You will get your visa... eventually.

[jeebusjones]

You are aware of the need for 10k upon return (not often checked) and for an outbound ticket within 30 days (closely checked).

He's on a non B, he doesn't need an outbound ticket.

I went to the Had Lek border once and was asked for 300 baht to stamp out the same day. I refused to pay it, and they just laughed at me and refused to stamp me out. After 20 minutes I caved in and paid.

[cali4995]

The corruption is really offensive. On the Cambodian visa stamp it says $20. But you're asked to pay 1,000 baht which is like $28-29. Then they still want 200-300 baht more to stamp you out. These immigration officers are ambassadors for their country. Your very 1st impression of Cambodia is that they're a bunch of thieving thugs, and their gov't apparently doesn't care to stop it.

Edited May 30, 2007 by cali4995

[lopburi3]

You are aware of the need for 10k upon return (not often checked) and for an outbound ticket within 30 days (closely checked).

He's on a non B, he doesn't need an outbound ticket.

I went to the Had Lek border once and was asked for 300 baht to stamp out the same day. I refused to pay it, and they just laughed at me and refused to stamp me out. After 20 minutes I caved in and paid.

Your right. No outbound ticket required. He was so concerned I mistakenly took it to be a first time border run for 30 day stamp rather than a multi entry visa.

[kratindaeng]

Thanks for the replies fellas!

Sounds like the run to Poipet is all 'fun and games', not! So I am guessing I can expect a mixed bag of corruption, bribery, smiling (?) Immigration officers and beautiful scenery!? lol! On a lighter note cheers for the input and information, very much appreciated! Thanks again, I will let you know how I get on.....

Cheers!

KD