Chong Chom/Osmach in out for 90 day non I’m o visa requirement

[smoo1954]

Has anyone done the required 90 day border hop at Chong Chom lately and if so was the process uncomplicated? I will be obtaining a Multi Entry Non O Marriage from Savannakhet this year and will need to do it eventually.

[DILLIGAD]

Not lately, but it was one of the easy-going borders. The only possible problem is if there are hundreds of Thais wanting to cross to enter the 2 (grim) Casino's just across the border. 

 

Expect the usual 'scams' re US$xBaht exchange rates &the 300b charged by Cambodian Immigration when you 'return' on the same day.

[zzzzz]

pre covid the best Thai/Cambodia crossing>>
BUT even back than might Cambodian immigration might hit you with a 300 baht "fee" for quick entry/exit

never saw a line of thai's heading to the casinos, an i've used that border dozens of times

[Red Phoenix]

An alternative is to take the Chong Sa Ngam/Anlong Veng border-crossing, which is only 60 km from Chong Chom.

I have used that Chong Sa Ngam border-crossing many times and it was never busy.  Which is also logical as it is in the 'middle of nowhere', and you will wonder whether you are on the right road because it is relatively deserted.  Some 10-15 kms before you arrive at the actual border-crossing you will pass a parking and rest area with a breathtaking view over the area.  Worth a stop!

On arrival at the border-crossing, there is a large vehicle parking space. 

After being stamped out by Thai border-immigration, you cross the small 'No Man's land'  to the Cambodian Imm Office, where you buy a Cambodian Visa on entry.  It costs 50 US $ but they also accept Thai bath (but obviously not very good exchange rate). Previously you needed also 1 or 2 passport photos, but last time I was there they had the automatic picture taker (but in case it is broken, might still be useful to take passport photos with you).

The Cambodian Imm Officer will probably ask you whether you want to return immediately to Thailand (there is no charge for doing so).  You can do so, but it's worth staying half-hour or so to check out the shops on the Cambodian site, that have amazing deals of beautiful and super-cheap woodwork, as well as cheap cigarettes (200 THB for 10 packages of 20 smokes - all brands available).

[zzzzz]

Quote

It costs 50 US $ 

WTF:
its only $30

[BritTim]

7 hours ago, zzzzz said:

WTF:
its only $30

In many cases, I find the Cambodian officials will quote a crazy price initially, in the hope that it will be paid without question, but back down when challenged. It is unclear whether that applies here.

[Red Phoenix]

20 hours ago, zzzzz said:

WTF:
its only $30

You are correct, it is officially 30 US $.

When taking the Chong Sa Ngam/Anlong Veng border-crossing, I paid with a 50 US $ note but I don't recall whether I got any change back, so it's well possible that the friendly Cambodian officer did hand me the change.

[zzzzz]

i have used the land borders dozens of times and always had exact change an never paid more than $20 ( before) and $30 for past 7 years or so ( maybe more, not sure exactly when it changed)