Latest scam at Cambodian immigration - Koh Kong

[SoiBiker]

Not a pleasant experience and - before people come on here and say "it was only $7, you should have just paid it and got your visa quickly" - it is quite simply WRONG! Itleaves a bad taste in the mouth and a poor opinion of Cambodia.

I'm coming straight on and saying just that: "it was only $7".

$7 would have been a bargain to avoid the wait, abuse and frustration. I'll go a step further and say that I can't believe what people will do to save $7.

How much are they asking in baht?

That's almost five bottles of Leo, you know...

[paz]

I'm coming straight on and saying just that: "it was only $7".

$7 would have been a bargain to avoid the wait, abuse and frustration. I'll go a step further and say that I can't believe what people will do to save $7.

How much are they asking in baht?

Why do you have to bend over a shameless scam, no matter the amount.

Or you get out in the morning to be taken small money here and there.

It is right the the OP made a big deal of that. Everybody should do the same, and they would get an attitude adjustment.

[khwaibah]

Not a pleasant experience and - before people come on here and say "it was only $7, you should have just paid it and got your visa quickly" - it is quite simply WRONG! Itleaves a bad taste in the mouth and a poor opinion of Cambodia.

I'm coming straight on and saying just that: "it was only $7".

$7 would have been a bargain to avoid the wait, abuse and frustration. I'll go a step further and say that I can't believe what people will do to save $7.

How much are they asking in baht?

That's almost five bottles of Leo, you know...

More like 20 bottles of Angkor Beer and far superior.

[stevo2]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

[paz]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

I think you have been had properly. Their attitude changes only when you rise hell, ask for the supervisor, show official printouts etc...

In all other cases they count on the foreigner giving in in 30 seconds, which most do, not knowing better.

[tropo]

Agree totally 8000 Miles from home and risking serious problems over $7 just bizarre

Not risking anything. You can be fearful, but at least be informed.

He was taking a risk, but he was just too naive to realise it. Life is extremely cheap in Cambodia and making Immigration officials your enemy over a lousy $7 is really stupid.

The drama he caused over $7 is only going to make the officials more resolute (on collecting the extra tax) the next time a zealot arrives at the gate. He probably made it worse for everyone else that day by putting the officials in a bad mood.

[kkerry]

I tell friends visiting Thailand never to get in disputes over petty amounts and to just pay up and walk away. The American murdered with a machete in Bangkok over a few baht by a taxi driver comes to mind.

I used to cross the Cambodian border on a regular basis but I never ever paid the extra they demanded because they are government officials so why should I pay more than the official amount. I always stood my ground and the longest I was ever kept waiting was 10 minutes, no SARS certificate. I probably crossed that border for five years but then along came Air Asia with their cheap flights so one day I decided I had had enough of all the aggro and booked a cheap flight to KL. Since then I have only crossed the border at Poipet once, on the way to Ankor Wat. Cambodia's loss and Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia's gain, seen a lot of different places with a lot less hassle.

[tropo]

I'm coming straight on and saying just that: "it was only $7".

$7 would have been a bargain to avoid the wait, abuse and frustration. I'll go a step further and say that I can't believe what people will do to save $7.

How much are they asking in baht?

Why do you have to bend over a shameless scam, no matter the amount.

Or you get out in the morning to be taken small money here and there.

It is right the the OP made a big deal of that. Everybody should do the same, and they would get an attitude adjustment.

I've lived in SEA for about 16 years in 2 very corrupt countries (Thailand and Philippines). I didn't come here with an agenda to stamp out corruption. I came here to retire and live a peaceful life, which means living with corruption the best way I can.

Everyone knows Cambodia is an extremely corrupt country where life is very cheap. I can't believe people are actually taking stands (over peanuts) with the belief that they will make a difference and change anything. The OP saved $7, and that's all he did. Well done!

[paz]

He was taking a risk, but he was just too naive to realise it. Life is extremely cheap in Cambodia and making Immigration officials your enemy over a lousy $7 is really stupid.

The drama he caused over $7 is only going to make the officials more resolute (on collecting the extra tax) the next time a zealot arrives at the gate. He probably made it worse for everyone else that day by putting the officials in a bad mood.

Nonsense. A scam is a scam and when done by an officer is even worse. You can pay all all you want but don't tell others that wrong is right.

Now we have to worry about scammer's mood? Ridiculous!

Well done OP!

[EmptyHead]

I got done travelling into Laos from Vietnam with my Indonesian ex- girlfriend.

They told me she needed a visa. I said, "No, she's Indonesian; they get free entry".

He showed me some piece of paper typed in Laotian with the word INDONESIAN (in English) put in places and started saying she needed a business passport to enter free.

Anyway, he made me go back into Vietnam (entered the country without visa on motorbike taxi) to the nearest town (about 45 mins away at least) to find an ATM machine to get the money out for her visa which she shouldn't have needed!

[paz]

I got done travelling into Laos from Vietnam with my Indonesian ex- girlfriend.

They told me she needed a visa. I said, "No, she's Indonesian; they get free entry".

He showed me some piece of paper typed in Laotian with the word INDONESIAN (in English) put in places and started saying she needed a business passport to enter free.

There is a chance that the officer was correct

http://www.vietnam-visa-for-vietnam.com/laos-visa-exemption.html

Indonesia diplomatic passport get visa exempt entry in Laos, regular passport does not.

Wikipedia page does't not make this distinction, which is important, a lot of countries including Thailand do make it.

[nidieunimaitre]

Not a pleasant experience and - before people come on here and say "it was only $7, you should have just paid it and got your visa quickly" - it is quite simply WRONG! Itleaves a bad taste in the mouth and a poor opinion of Cambodia.

Always said Cambodia puts Thailand to sham on scams.

Nooooooooooooooooooooo! They are brothers in arms.

At Ban Pakard and another crossing that I use for my 90 day Non O stamp runs, I have the choice between:

1/ do everything myself and pay about 800 baht extra to the Cambodians

or

2/ use the service of Thais that operate under the eyes of Thai immigration, service fee about 800 baht.

Usually I let myself be scammed by the Thais, it saves walking 100 meters, but there is a risk (since it is illegal).

One time they brought me back the wrong passport - I panicked..... but fortunately it was only an "honest" mistake and the tout found my passport.

[ubonjoe]

I got done travelling into Laos from Vietnam with my Indonesian ex- girlfriend.

They told me she needed a visa. I said, "No, she's Indonesian; they get free entry".

He showed me some piece of paper typed in Laotian with the word INDONESIAN (in English) put in places and started saying she needed a business passport to enter free.

There is a chance that the officer was correct

http://www.vietnam-visa-for-vietnam.com/laos-visa-exemption.html

Indonesia diplomatic passport get visa exempt entry in Laos, regular passport does not.

Wikipedia page does't not make this distinction, which is important, a lot of countries including Thailand do make it.

She should of gotten an exempt entry according to the webpage. http://www.laos-guide-999.com/visa-exemption.html

"3 Indonesia Diplomatic/Official 14

Ordinary 30"

[samran]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

That must have changed. We were there in December and they had no problem taking crisp USD.

[stevo2]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

I think you have been had properly. Their attitude changes only when you rise hell, ask for the supervisor, show official printouts etc...

In all other cases they count on the foreigner giving in in 30 seconds, which most do, not knowing better.

No, I have not. That is the price for all. Quite simple " Don't pay No Visa". Seen people try it. No US dollars. Seen people try it.

Let's face it.....anyone who is on a multi is paying around 5000 a year to Thailand. Anyone complaining about the 1250 baht a trip to enter Thailand? Especially as visa exempt is free. Anyone complaining about the difference in price at different consulates? Anyone complaining about the "tea money" box on most desks in Immigration?

The money to be paid at any border is worth it. It means that Immigration can be avoided. No double trips, or more if there are new documents needed, and no waiting.

[stevo2]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

That must have changed. We were there in December and they had no problem taking crisp USD.

I was there in January.

By the way, how many US did they want?

[samran]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

That must have changed. We were there in December and they had no problem taking crisp USD.

I was there in January.

By the way, how many US did they want?

Cambo's were happy with 30 of the best for my wifes NZ passport.

Having said that, there was a 100 baht admin fee for them to stamp our Thai passports. At least they filled in the immigration forms for us. They took their bloody time though!

[paz]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

I think you have been had properly. Their attitude changes only when you rise hell, ask for the supervisor, show official printouts etc...

In all other cases they count on the foreigner giving in in 30 seconds, which most do, not knowing better.

No, I have not. That is the price for all. Quite simple " Don't pay No Visa". Seen people try it. No US dollars. Seen people try it.

See the other reports where people paid with dollars.. it's a posture that they keep for as much they can. It changes when you raise hell, start taking pictures, noting names, making calls, etc. They know what they do is wrong. They give in when the bets are off, I have seen it before.

[tropo]

He was taking a risk, but he was just too naive to realise it. Life is extremely cheap in Cambodia and making Immigration officials your enemy over a lousy $7 is really stupid.

The drama he caused over $7 is only going to make the officials more resolute (on collecting the extra tax) the next time a zealot arrives at the gate. He probably made it worse for everyone else that day by putting the officials in a bad mood.

Nonsense. A scam is a scam and when done by an officer is even worse. You can pay all all you want but don't tell others that wrong is right.

Now we have to worry about scammer's mood? Ridiculous!

Well done OP!

Who was saying it wasn't a scam? That's pretty obvious, but you have your head buried deep in the sand if you think that Cambodian border officials who scam are not capable of worse...especially when you're making them lose face. Perhaps they could detain you on some trumped up charges, for example. What are you going to do? Call your lawyer?

I'm not telling you that wrong is right or that right is wrong. I'm telling you that I don't need a sermon on morality as it is irrelevant in countries like Cambodia. Save it for church.

[paz]

Who was saying it wasn't a scam? That's pretty obvious, but you have your head buried deep in the sand to think that people who scam are not capable of worse...especially when you're making them lose face.

I'm not telling you that wrong is right or that right is wrong. I'm telling you that I don't need a sermon on morality as it is irrelevant in countries like Cambodia. Save it for your church.

No sermon and no churches here. You're the one defending extortion, and continuing scaremongering. Fine with me, others can judge by themselves.

[ubonjoe]

Gentlemen it is time to stop the bickering.

[Sandman77]

I also in cambodia I just pay always 5 dollar more no drama nothing!

Imagine you are the officer sitting all your life in a dark office stamping hundrets of passport with miserable gov salary !

Wood you realy not charge more?

Sure it's a high amount at end of month but not one officer take it alone , there are more wants also money!

When a police man realy have only 30 dollar a month what I read in travel book , then you can understand them better!

If I begin to make a drama because of 5 dollar maybe I marked in computer also end when I next time enter the boarder have more problem

Aranrachatep last time officer told me pay me 200 baht with my wife each and you not must wait in line with hundrets of people payed and save one hour of time and earn a smile!

Maybe it was not real..

[stevo2]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

I think you have been had properly. Their attitude changes only when you rise hell, ask for the supervisor, show official printouts etc...

In all other cases they count on the foreigner giving in in 30 seconds, which most do, not knowing better.

No, I have not. That is the price for all. Quite simple " Don't pay No Visa". Seen people try it. No US dollars. Seen people try it.

See the other reports where people paid with dollars.. it's a posture that they keep for as much they can. It changes when you raise hell, start taking pictures, noting names, making calls, etc. They know what they do is wrong. They give in when the bets are off, I have seen it before.

One report. Also check the dates.

[Jip99]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

For visas they do stevo.

I am not talking about in and out visa runs, I have no experience of that.

[Jip99]

Not a pleasant experience and - before people come on here and say "it was only $7, you should have just paid it and got your visa quickly" - it is quite simply WRONG! Itleaves a bad taste in the mouth and a poor opinion of Cambodia.

I'm coming straight on and saying just that: "it was only $7".

$7 would have been a bargain to avoid the wait, abuse and frustration. I'll go a step further and say that I can't believe what people will do to save $7.

How much are they asking in baht?

I fear that you have missed my point.

In all probability I would also pay the 'scam' for the sake of an easy life.

I am not particularly poud of that and I firmly maintain that it is wrong. The attitude that goes with it, and the expectation that Farangs can be exploited, is also wrong.

Making e-visas acceptable at all border points (with the actual Cambodian visa price of $30) would cut out thid crap and cut operating costs for the Cambodian government.

[khwaibah]

Chong Chom/ O samach border do not accept US dollars.

They are very friendly about it and smile and say "1500 baht please". I asked why and they simply said that borders in most ASEAN countries are charging the same. The offer was there to go somewhere else.

Someone else mentioned Laos as an alternative. Well that too is 1500 baht. I know they accept dollars but there have been reports that the bills have to be pristine.

Where I am the border crossing is only about 13kms more than immigration. As things stand I think it is good value to be on a multi entry and just leave every 90 days. Some of the stories I have heard from Immigration lately make me sure of that.

For visas they do stevo.

I am not talking about in and out visa runs, I have no experience of that.

Some time they accept USD for a visa as for going to SR. For other its the 1500 baht scam even going to SR. Its a crap shoot. As said for a visa ruin its 1500 bath and another 300 baht for a u turn. And for taking a motor bike across its normally no charge. For taking a car in as of recent its looking good but can be another 1000 baht payable to the the Thai side.

[Lex Talionis]

Flew into Phnom Penh this morning. Went to get my visa and realized I didn't have dollars just Baht. When I told the IM officer this he said if I wanted to pay in Baht the price was 1200. I knew he was scamming so I pulled out my phone which has a currency converter and showed him that $30 was 978 Baht. This caught him off guard. He looked ruffled and said if I was to change my money out there I wouldn't get that price. "I'll pay you 1000 Baht" i said and waved the bill in front of him. He smiled, took it and handed me my passport.

So I agree with poster who reminded us that everything is negotiable in Cambodia. Just keep your cool and make offers till you get close to what you should be paying. No loss of face as long as you make him feel your both in on it and it's no big deal as this is common here and you just want to be scammed only a small bit.

The thing that really got me going was the exchange rate at the airport. The officer was right, it was a plain ripoff. I traded 6400 Baht @ 39.0879 and got $163.73. Serves me right for not thinking ahead and making the change in Bangkok. I figure that cost me roughly $30.

Went out to get a tuk-tuk and the guy there showed me a printed bill that said the fare was $9. I told him that last time I paid $6. "Yes but fare go up!" Didn't want to argue over $3 and got in. On the way to the hotel the driver asked if I had already paid for my room. I guess he's was going to try to steer me to a different hotel where he would collect a commission. They're always scamming over here but you know what? I don't mind being taken advantage of as long as it's limited to a few dollars here and there. Life's too short & I love Cambodia and it's people. I look at it as a small donation to these incredibly poor people hustling to make an extra buck. And thanks my stars I wasn't born here.

[BritTim]

I got done travelling into Laos from Vietnam with my Indonesian ex- girlfriend.

They told me she needed a visa. I said, "No, she's Indonesian; they get free entry".

He showed me some piece of paper typed in Laotian with the word INDONESIAN (in English) put in places and started saying she needed a business passport to enter free.

There is a chance that the officer was correct

http://www.vietnam-visa-for-vietnam.com/laos-visa-exemption.html

Indonesia diplomatic passport get visa exempt entry in Laos, regular passport does not.

Wikipedia page does't not make this distinction, which is important, a lot of countries including Thailand do make it.

It is my understanding that the rules are different for regular passports and official passports. However, current rules allow visa-free visits to Laos for Indonesian holders of both types of passports. The summary at http://www.laos-guide-999.com/visa-exemption.html tallies with my understanding. My guess is that either the event happened years ago when the rules were different or (not unlikely) the official was simply out of date in his understanding of the rules.

[BritTim]

I am extremely reluctant to propagate the prevailing culture of corruption in many parts of SE Asia. Avoiding doing so requires a combination of confidence, politeness and (really) friendliness.

First, recognize that most officials/employees involved in large scale corruption are cogs in a wheel. They did not create the system and, in many cases, do not even approve of it. They do, however, want to keep their jobs. Approach them in the right way, and they will mostly hold no grudge against you. Also, recognize that they are even keener to avoid trouble than you are.

I have often been faced with the exact issue faced by the OP, minus the clumsy modified e-visa document. Any time I have been faced with this, I smile at them, say I understand they need to ask, but that I know the correct fee and intend to pay it. I say this while speaking very softly, and smiling as broadly as possible. I also suggest that we deal with this quietly so others do not learn that they are being overcharged. In my experience, they give in with no argument and no scowls. We both know what is going on, and neither of us wants any trouble. He has done his "job" trying to overcharge, and I have made it clear (in friendly terms) that this will not work in my case. We part amicably. Occasionally, the official is mildly upset, but I have never been a target of abuse.

Occasionally, when you are in the wrong, there is no way of avoiding a bribe without potential serious consequences. Try to avoid being in these circumstances. Once you are, negotiate very politely and in a friendly fashion. Expect to pay. Feel bad about it, because you are helping to maintain a system that is wrong.

[leon9mm]

If you cave in your condoning their actions and ultimately supporting it...

We in the west do have certain principles and we generally stick to them no matter where we are.

Wrong is wrong and the only thing they can do is keep you waiting a little longer.

I think the op was totally right and I'm proud you made a stand.

Pity more people don't ...