New Maesai Border Crossing Fee Regulation?

[Iamemjay]

I did a border crossing at Maesai last week, but when I produced the usual US$10 fee they refused to accept it, saying that that was only acceptable if I stayed overnight - otherwise I must pay 500B. When I questioned this (new rules?) the Myanmar officials involved refused to discuss it further.

Does anyone know if this is indeed a new rule, or is it just a scam the particular officials were running? (given that 500B is in fact much more than US$10).

[Mario2008]

Nothing unusual I believe., and indeed it seems to be a scam where they can pocket the difference.

[CHANGOVER]

Doing my 90 day visa run there in a couple of weeks as Mae Sot's still closed and expect to pay the normal 500 baht fee.

Never heard of people offering $10??

[true blue]

they did take 10 bucks or 500bht years ago,but suppose they relised the exchange rate wasnt really in there favour.

[CHANGOVER]

500 is the fee still.

[Iamemjay]

I've been over that border numerous times, the last (ie. prior to last week) being less than a month ago. There has always been the option of paying US$10 or 500B. Of course for a long time $10US has been the cheaper and therefore preferable option.

Maybe the slide in the greenback is the explanation - but my suspicion is that its a scam.

[motdaeng]

last wednesday it was business as usual. 10 dollar are still accepted but

beware the 10 dollar have to be in "clean and good condition" ...

did not go to tachileik market, just return back to thailand ... as usual!

[CHANGOVER]

There you go - still 500 baht, same as all Burmese crossings.

More expensive and larger visas (stamps) in Cambodia and Lao tho' !

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

They want the 500 baht but if you shrug and turn your pockets inside out then they will take a crisp $10

[rodcourt49]

Nothing unusual I believe., and indeed it seems to be a scam where they can pocket the difference.

..why infer it is a 'scam' when in fact it was always in Thai baht (currently 500)..the fact they accepted US currency was only doing the person entering Myanmar a favour!

[Mario2008]

I always understood there is an option, so you can choose.

[Iamemjay]

Yep - there is even a sign on the window at the passport counter on the Thai side saying just this.

I always understood there is an option, so you can choose.