cheapest flights to Cambodia

[momtaz]

Hello guys,

would like to ask about the cheapest flights to Cambodia? any recommended airlines?

About the distance from the airport to the Thai embassy at phenom penh,

what if take early flight from Bkk, between 7 - 8 AM, then go directly to apply visa?

or better to fly 1 day before, then go to the embassy from the hotel early morning?

what is the best choice from to commute from the airport to the city? is there such as BTS (Airport link) same as here? or any else?

Any additional info, recommendations will be appreciated,

the soonest feedback will be very much appreciated with lot of thanks in advance!

Kind regards

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Moved to the VISAs for Thailand forum, expect replies there.

Mac

[momtaz]

Moved to the VISAs for Thailand forum, expect replies there.

Mac

Thanks Mac.

[BritTim]

Air Asia is likely to be your cheapest option, and they happen to have an early morning flight. You should have time to apply the same morning. Note that it takes a bit longer than at most nearby consulates to process the visa in Phnom Penh (unless you use an agent).

[jacksam]

Use an agent in PP for setv.

Most your other questions like transport from airport to PP has detailed advice on Google.

I fly aa but pp isn't that cheap even with them as most other destinations. If your just going for setv only you could also consider HCMC. Nice joint for a break. Depending on your nationality you may have 15 day visa exempt in vietnam

[momtaz]

Air Asia is likely to be your cheapest option, and they happen to have an early morning flight. You should have time to apply the same morning. Note that it takes a bit longer than at most nearby consulates to process the visa in Phnom Penh (unless you use an agent).

I checked AirAsia, there is a flight at 6:30, will arrive there at 7:40,

is the time enough to travel from the airport to the embassy?

[BritTim]

Air Asia is likely to be your cheapest option, and they happen to have an early morning flight. You should have time to apply the same morning. Note that it takes a bit longer than at most nearby consulates to process the visa in Phnom Penh (unless you use an agent).

I checked AirAsia, there is a flight at 6:30, will arrive there at 7:40,

is the time enough to travel from the airport to the embassy?

Yes, if you take a taxi from the airport to the consulate, there is plenty of time. I am assuming here (slightly dangerous assumption with Air Asia even on a morning flight) that you do not arrive more than 90 minutes late.

I repeat my warning: if you apply in person, do not expect the passport back with visa the following afternoon.

To save money, make a combined flight+hotel booking through Expedia. You will end up with the Air Asia as your flight and a total cost probably 20% lower than booking the flight with Air Asia and hotel separately with Agoda/Booking.com.

[marke985]

I have made your same trip several times. Airasia will be the cheapest without questions if you do not check any luggage or pay any of the additional fees like insurance. I have never seen the other airlines cheaper.

If you can get US dollars before you go, get them. Cambodia has horrible exchange rates at the airport and all banks. There are street currency exchangers on every block who will give you a little better rate.

Upon exiting the airport you can walk out of the airport and save a few dollars on your taxi (tuk Tuk) there are very few metered taxis but they do exist. (I've never used one) The tuk tuk guys will usually call out at you before you leave the car park at the airport trying to get you as a customer. $5 should get you anywhere in PP, but can probably get for $4 if you really try. There is a bus that will bring you to Riverside (tourist area) for 1500 riel (37 cents?) it usually comes every 30 minutes, but I've waited up to 45 before giving up on it before. The traffic is horrible, much worse than 5 years ago when I enjoyed going there. (The bus does not give change so sometimes I have had to give them $1 US dollar since I didn't have local currency.

If you're going to be making more Visa runs to Cambodia or Laos, I would use the opportunity to use an ATM and get some US dollars as both Laos and Cambodia seem to prefer them when applying for visa ect.

[SantiSuk]

Taxis are widely available af the airport but at a standard charge of about 12 dollars (last years price). Personally I'd pay more than that not to choke in heat and fumes! I thought the standard price for tuk tuks was anout $8, but I guess poster above is more savvy than to take the first cartel ride offered!

[momtaz]

Thanks a lot guys to all of your informative contributions,

Already the air ticket booking with Air Asia ,, via traveloka,

but made the decision to fly a day before, take rest then go to the embassy in the next day, and wait to the following,

collect the passport and fly back in the same day evening,

However, my last question: at PP, shall start using the Cambodian Riyal, shall i get some change from Super rich here?

or change US dollar at there once at the airport?

As well to ask about the visa cost, to prepare the exact amount in USD or their currency?

As decided to and booked to fly a day before, I would like to know the transportation means otopns that available there? or only taxis? and approximately how much will cost from the airport to the embassy (approx.) just to have an idea, to avoid similar scam case happened here in the last 1 or 2 months ago, when the taxis driver asked 2 Swiss guys 6000 baht !! an approximate idea would be fine just to have an idea.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE !!

anything else

[johnatong]

Thanks a lot guys to all of your informative contributions,

Already the air ticket booking with Air Asia ,, via traveloka,

but made the decision to fly a day before, take rest then go to the embassy in the next day, and wait to the following,

collect the passport and fly back in the same day evening,

However, my last question: at PP, shall start using the Cambodian Riyal, shall i get some change from Super rich here?

or change US dollar at there once at the airport?

As well to ask about the visa cost, to prepare the exact amount in USD or their currency?

As decided to and booked to fly a day before, I would like to know the transportation means otopns that available there? or only taxis? and approximately how much will cost from the airport to the embassy (approx.) just to have an idea, to avoid similar scam case happened here in the last 1 or 2 months ago, when the taxis driver asked 2 Swiss guys 6000 baht !! an approximate idea would be fine just to have an idea.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE !!

anything else

Riyal is not the currency of Cambodia. You should take a supply of small value $US Bills. You will receive change in Riel.

Most Thai banks do not buy/sell Reil

[EggertHoen]

When is the best time to travel in Cambodia?

[momtaz]

Super Rich I guess they sell/buy Cambodian Riyal,

however, will get prepared for both options,,

[momtaz]

Guys, anyone parked car at DM airport? how much they charge per day?

I was checking the airport webpage: http://www.donmuangairportonline.com/ did not find any link to parking service,

any shared idea will be highly appreciated !

[ubonjoe]

Guys, anyone parked car at DM airport? how much they charge per day?

I was checking the airport webpage: http://www.donmuangairportonline.com/ did not find any link to parking service,

any shared idea will be highly appreciated !

Found it on the official website but it is in Thai. http://donmueangairportthai.com/en/383-parking

[JackThompson]

Regarding money in Cambodia:

Dollars are generally used for larger denominations and riel used in place of coins. Their Riel currency is fixed to the dollar at approximately 4,000 Riel to 1 USD, with only a small amount of "float" in that rate. I have found the best USD/Riel exchange rates at jewelry stores in markets, which will have the rate on a display-card on the counter. Currently, the official rate is 4,067 Riel / dollar, and small stores, taxis, etc generally use a 4000/1 ratio - so you can save a bit using Riel (~1.7% minus the exchanger's cut).

Thai Baht exchanges are done at a fair rate in Poipet (on the border), where Thai-Baht is used regularly as local currency. But if I were flying to Phnom Penh, I would convert only enough Baht to get to an ATM and withdraw dollars - or go to an ATM en-route and convert none. If you can get dollars at a good rate in Thailand first, that is another option. Canadia had the lowest ATM fees when I was last there, but the fee-rate varies widely by machine. Generally, you want to use an ATM which is attached to a bank-branch - not a stand-alone machine, which will incurr a higher fee. ATM Fees/Rates can change at any time, so others may be able to provide a more recent "best ATM in Phnom Penh right now" suggestion.

As to Transport:

When using taxis, motos or tuk-tuks, be sure to negotiate the price before you get on/in. Suggesting an amount, per what locals advise is the 'normal rate' is often the best plan, as this avoids the driver quoting very high, then being unwilling to back down as a matter of pride. Politely saying "thank you" and checking other nearby options (if they exist) can be helpful, but only where there is active competition.

[blackcab]

Super Rich I guess they sell/buy Cambodian Riyal,

however, will get prepared for both options,,

Maybe they do, but I don't see riels advertised on their website.

[momtaz]

Regarding money in Cambodia:

Dollars are generally used for larger denominations and riel used in place of coins. Their Riel currency is fixed to the dollar at approximately 4,000 Riel to 1 USD, with only a small amount of "float" in that rate. I have found the best USD/Riel exchange rates at jewelry stores in markets, which will have the rate on a display-card on the counter. Currently, the official rate is 4,067 Riel / dollar, and small stores, taxis, etc generally use a 4000/1 ratio - so you can save a bit using Riel (~1.7% minus the exchanger's cut).

Thai Baht exchanges are done at a fair rate in Poipet (on the border), where Thai-Baht is used regularly as local currency. But if I were flying to Phnom Penh, I would convert only enough Baht to get to an ATM and withdraw dollars - or go to an ATM en-route and convert none. If you can get dollars at a good rate in Thailand first, that is another option. Canadia had the lowest ATM fees when I was last there, but the fee-rate varies widely by machine. Generally, you want to use an ATM which is attached to a bank-branch - not a stand-alone machine, which will incurr a higher fee. ATM Fees/Rates can change at any time, so others may be able to provide a more recent "best ATM in Phnom Penh right now" suggestion.

As to Transport:

When using taxis, motos or tuk-tuks, be sure to negotiate the price before you get on/in. Suggesting an amount, per what locals advise is the 'normal rate' is often the best plan, as this avoids the driver quoting very high, then being unwilling to back down as a matter of pride. Politely saying "thank you" and checking other nearby options (if they exist) can be helpful, but only where there is active competition.

Thanks for the well detailed information Jack,

As for the fly and lad at the airport, would be suggested to bring USD bucks of 100, as well small notes such as 10, 20, 50, to be used as much as we go,

as first landing we shall exchange at the airport, then we see how we go,

Bytheway, for a single entry visa, shall pay in US Dollar or in their Reyal? and how much the amount in each currency?

Thanks

[momtaz]

Guys, anyone parked car at DM airport? how much they charge per day?

I was checking the airport webpage: http://www.donmuangairportonline.com/ did not find any link to parking service,

any shared idea will be highly appreciated !

Found it on the official website but it is in Thai. http://donmueangairportthai.com/en/383-parking

Thanks ubonjoe,, managed to call and get the needed information, alot ,, lot of thanks.. as usual and always being kind and helpful in here !!!

[JackThompson]

...

Thanks for the well detailed information Jack,

As for the fly and lad at the airport, would be suggested to bring USD bucks of 100, as well small notes such as 10, 20, 50, to be used as much as we go,

as first landing we shall exchange at the airport, then we see how we go,

Bytheway, for a single entry visa, shall pay in US Dollar or in their Reyal? and how much the amount in each currency?

Thanks

The Thai Visa is priced and paid for in dollars. I would advise using an Agent, as this is normal practice there. In addition to convenience, an agent can obtain your visa faster than you can, going to the Consulate directly; the agent-fee will be higher for faster service (options are usually 4, 3, or 2 day processing, at graduated rates). The Thai Consulate does not offer "next day service" for walk-ins like Laos and Penang - it can take 4 week-days. But even if I were going to be there for a week, and did not mind the wait, I would still use an agent.

If you mean the "visa on arrival" to enter Cambodia, that is also paid in dollars. I have not arrived in Cambodia by airport, but one gets a very poor exchange-rate using Baht at the voa on the border - so best to have USD.

If you are showing up with US-dollars in-hand, you are set. No need to change anything to Riel at the airport except, maybe, a couple of those $10 bills so you have exact change for a tuk-tuk or moto and to buy something cold to drink from a street vendor. I would bet your hotel quotes rooms in dollars, which is likely your next expense. Unless spending a signficant sum (staying there long term or doing a lot of shopping), your savings using Riel is minimal, so not worth a lot of effort to make the exchange.

[momtaz]

...

Thanks for the well detailed information Jack,

As for the fly and lad at the airport, would be suggested to bring USD bucks of 100, as well small notes such as 10, 20, 50, to be used as much as we go,

as first landing we shall exchange at the airport, then we see how we go,

Bytheway, for a single entry visa, shall pay in US Dollar or in their Reyal? and how much the amount in each currency?

Thanks

The Thai Visa is priced and paid for in dollars. I would advise using an Agent, as this is normal practice there. In addition to convenience, an agent can obtain your visa faster than you can, going to the Consulate directly; the agent-fee will be higher for faster service (options are usually 4, 3, or 2 day processing, at graduated rates). The Thai Consulate does not offer "next day service" for walk-ins like Laos and Penang - it can take 4 week-days. But even if I were going to be there for a week, and did not mind the wait, I would still use an agent.

If you mean the "visa on arrival" to enter Cambodia, that is also paid in dollars. I have not arrived in Cambodia by airport, but one gets a very poor exchange-rate using Baht at the voa on the border - so best to have USD.

If you are showing up with US-dollars in-hand, you are set. No need to change anything to Riel at the airport except, maybe, a couple of those $10 bills so you have exact change for a tuk-tuk or moto and to buy something cold to drink from a street vendor. I would bet your hotel quotes rooms in dollars, which is likely your next expense. Unless spending a signficant sum (staying there long term or doing a lot of shopping), your savings using Riel is minimal, so not worth a lot of effort to make the exchange.

I checked the Cambodian visa on arrive costs 30 USD,

as there is a link for online visa, I won't apply for such online stuff, just pay cash on counter,

However, prepared small exchange bucks for any need, the hotel going to book near the river side about 2-3 km far from the embassy,

[phuketrichard]

use an agent, any of them will do the thai visa for you

3 nights $40

2 nights $45

next day $50 ( in by 11 am , back at 3 or so)

otherwise u need take a tui tuk there an back twice an stand in line twice.

You will pay for EVERYTHING in US$ and only will have riel if u get change less than a $. no reason to have it. go to a bank an get 20-30$ in 1$ bills

and than take $20 bills

PS: make sure u have 1 pic for ur Cambodian visa and 1 for ur thai visa

Enjoy,

[momtaz]

use an agent, any of them will do the thai visa for you

3 nights $40

2 nights $45

next day $50 ( in by 11 am , back at 3 or so)

otherwise u need take a tui tuk there an back twice an stand in line twice.

You will pay for EVERYTHING in US$ and only will have riel if u get change less than a $. no reason to have it. go to a bank an get 20-30$ in 1$ bills

and than take $20 bills

PS: make sure u have 1 pic for ur Cambodian visa and 1 for ur thai visa

Enjoy,

PhukethrIchach, Thanks a lot for the advise, prepared some bucks in $, 10x4 and 20x4, 100x4 notes, you think will be enough for the Cambodian visa, as I heard 30 USD, right? or will need $ 1,5 notes also?

Actually i am joining my friend in this trip who is going to apply for Thai visa, this is Non-F, this type of visa issued for officials and Govt officers, and he told me the Thai mofa gave him reference to show it at the embassy there, because they issue this type upon MOFA correspond with the embassy, not anyone obtains it,

Anyway, we are going to see how it will be,

again, thanking you very much for the kind efforts and sharing. appreciated!

[phuketrichard]

$$ is fine, take ut atm card with you just in case, atm machines spit out $$

agents will usually ONLY work with obtaining tourists and non o single entries, A non F, no idea the cost, a single non o or b is $90

you will need go to the embassy

[ubonjoe]

$$ is fine, take ut atm card with you just in case, atm machines spit out $$

agents will usually ONLY work with obtaining tourists and non o single entries, A non F, no idea the cost, a single non o or b is $90

you will need go to the embassy

All single entry non immigrant visas have the same fee.

[Saastrajaa]

...

Thanks for the well detailed information Jack,

As for the fly and lad at the airport, would be suggested to bring USD bucks of 100, as well small notes such as 10, 20, 50, to be used as much as we go,

as first landing we shall exchange at the airport, then we see how we go,

Bytheway, for a single entry visa, shall pay in US Dollar or in their Reyal? and how much the amount in each currency?

Thanks

The Thai Visa is priced and paid for in dollars. I would advise using an Agent, as this is normal practice there. In addition to convenience, an agent can obtain your visa faster than you can, going to the Consulate directly; the agent-fee will be higher for faster service (options are usually 4, 3, or 2 day processing, at graduated rates). The Thai Consulate does not offer "next day service" for walk-ins like Laos and Penang - it can take 4 week-days. But even if I were going to be there for a week, and did not mind the wait, I would still use an agent.

If you mean the "visa on arrival" to enter Cambodia, that is also paid in dollars. I have not arrived in Cambodia by airport, but one gets a very poor exchange-rate using Baht at the voa on the border - so best to have USD.

If you are showing up with US-dollars in-hand, you are set. No need to change anything to Riel at the airport except, maybe, a couple of those $10 bills so you have exact change for a tuk-tuk or moto and to buy something cold to drink from a street vendor. I would bet your hotel quotes rooms in dollars, which is likely your next expense. Unless spending a signficant sum (staying there long term or doing a lot of shopping), your savings using Riel is minimal, so not worth a lot of effort to make the exchange.

I checked the Cambodian visa on arrive costs 30 USD,

as there is a link for online visa, I won't apply for such online stuff, just pay cash on counter,

However, prepared small exchange bucks for any need, the hotel going to book near the river side about 2-3 km far from the embassy,

The Cambodian online visa is a very good thing. Cambodia is way ahead of every other country in SEAsia in this regard. Yes, you pay a bit more, but a) you ignore the often horrendous, convoluted queuing for on-arrival visas, and you don't lose a page in your passport with a huge sticker. I highly recommend the online visa.

[Saastrajaa]

As another poster suggested, go with the monitored, official airport taxis. No hassle, no bargaining, a flat $12, no tip expected nor required. And as for that one "$5 tuk tuk" recommendation? In your dreams. You'll never get a tuk tuk to go anywhere useful in the city for that cheap.

[phuketrichard]

if u walk outside to the road u will pay $5 in a tuk tuk to riverside but its a long dirty ride in a tuk tuk

get the taxi

note the online Evisa is $40 and just not worth saving 5 minutes in line.

Burma also has an online visa in advance and u also save the full page ( no full page sticker) beats Cambodia as Burma does NOT have a voa.

so u save a trip to the embassy

[SantiSuk]

It's been said many times but the OP is a newbie (to Cambodia at least) so I'll say it again.

The E-visa (online) may be more expensive than the VOA and it's true that you would normally expect not to have a long wait at PP airport in the VOA line. However, if you are a frequent traveller and can foresee your passport filling up fast the E-visa may well be worth it in saving pages in your passport. UK replacement passports, in particular, are very expensive and require one or more trips to Bangkok to replace/renew. You don't want to be paying for a new one of those other than on its 10 year expiry, if you can help it.

[momtaz]

$$ is fine, take ut atm card with you just in case, atm machines spit out $$

agents will usually ONLY work with obtaining tourists and non o single entries, A non F, no idea the cost, a single non o or b is $90

you will need go to the embassy

All single entry non immigrant visas have the same fee.

Thank you..