Latest Info Needed On Cambodia Visa's And Border Scams

[Deacx]

Travelling to Cambodia from Thailand soon. Hoping to stay around 6 to 9 months. Maybe do a bit of volunteer work. Can you get business visas at Poipet and Koh kong? Can you extend visa for 3 or 6 months? Do you need business proof to do this? What is the cost and where can I extend?

Lastly, What is the lastest gossip on border scams and taxi's and buses from the borders to Siem reap and Koh Kong town?.

Sorry if I'm asking alot but they have built a road between Poipet and SR since I travelled Cambodia last and scams come and go . I bet there are still no decent buses or coaches travelling this route and only one bus from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville?

[ubonjoe]

You should have a look at this topic on the Southeast Asia forum. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Cambodia-Visa-t145841.html

You might also find answers to all your questions on that forum.

[Deacx]

Thanks, I've just checked that out but its postings are very old. I'm looking for the latest experiences with scams to look out for and info on if I need a business doc to obtain a business visa anywhere on the borders or in PP. I've picked up some usefull scraps though. I hear you cannot get a tourist visa then try to extend with a business. Any up to date experience from members would be welcome. I got to Siem reap from Poipet in a taxi by myself once at 4pm by being insistant and NOT paying until I got to SR. If they still don't have a decent coach/bus service the latest experience on this journey from anyone would also be welcome. The journey from SR to border also. Maybe a "good mafia taxi" scheme is needed if they aint never going to improve tourism by organising a decent way into and out of the country.

[EffectiveAnger]

Here's a good site that I like to use:

http://www.canbypublications.com/cambodia/overland.htm

I don't recommend taking the Poi Pet boarder to SR. I took it a few months ago by taxi and it was the pits of hel_l, even in an air-con 'good' taxi it's still dangerous as their are too many large rocks to dodge and revines (sp) that you have to take to go around the bridges under construction. It's just not safe. When they finish paving that road, it will be a very nice drive indeed.

The Koh Kong to Sihanoukville route is spectacular! The road is paved very well and there are excellent buses. The scams you have to worry about are with the moto drivers who will try to rip you off right at the Koh Kong boarder. Get a firm price and make them stick to it. As for Sihanoukville, it's a GREAT place to start and you'll find plenty of NGOs there who will help you get involved as a volunteer. There's a lot of possibility there!

For your visa questions, check out this site:

http://www.cambodiaevisa.com/asia/cambodia...sy-in-thailand/

There's a map to the Cambodian Embassy where you can apply for the business visa. I don't suggest even thinking about applying for one at the boarder even if it were available. The business visa is a little bit expensive, but very easy to get. That I know for sure!

Good luck!

Edited September 4, 2009 by EffectiveAnger

[gorshar]

Ignore above. The road is finished. Two easy hours by taxi to Siem Reap.

Scams

Only get your visa at the visa services building on the right *after* you've been stamped out of Thailand. They will give you a business visa here but it's unlikely you'll get it for $25, expect to pay around 1500 THB, but if you can get it for or close to $25, good on you. Do not get or try to get a visa at any other location no matter what anybody tells you.

Do not change any money at the border no matter what anybody tells you.

You will be approached by two kinds of touts, some touting for "black" cabs, others touting for the official cabs. You can get a "black" one for a lot less money and so long as you don't pay up front you shouldn't have a problem.

Your business visa will can be extended to 3, 6, or 12 months. 6 and 12-month extensions are multi-entry. All it takes is money and a photo. Any travel agency can do this for you.

[Deacx]

Ignore above. The road is finished. Two easy hours by taxi to Siem Reap.

Scams

Only get your visa at the visa services building on the right *after* you've been stamped out of Thailand. They will give you a business visa here but it's unlikely you'll get it for $25, expect to pay around 1500 THB, but if you can get it for or close to $25, good on you. Do not get or try to get a visa at any other location no matter what anybody tells you.

Thank for that. Is it ok to get my business visa at Bangkok then and avoid the hassle at the Border?. Last time I travelled they tried to sell me a visa on the Tuk Tuk ride to the border, stopped at the consulate and this guy came out with a badly photocopied badge saying 'offical' and tried to sell me one at $25 i refused and told the driver to take me to border or I walk, it worked and i avoided the long walk. At the border, the office on the right, this lone offical guard lured me away from the ticket window and insisted it was $25. I looked up and there was a clear sign saying $20, I pointed this out, the guy just shrugged and smiled. At the ticket window $20. $5 is not alot of dosh but the principle is don't let these bustards rip you off or intimidate, it can cast a gloom over the start of your trip.

I think there is only 1 or 2 buses from Koh kong to snookyville at about 7.30 in the morning unless anyone has updates? it means spending the night in Koh Kong, last time I was there it was like the wild west with wild/ owned? dogs taking over from 10pm. Has it improved? anyone know decent hotel too too much $?

[Machugok]

Good to know the road is finished. The only worry is taxi scams.