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  1. #1
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    Cool Cambodia - Phnom Penh tourist visa December 2010

    went 2 weeks ago, some bits may help readers

    I flew - Air Asia specials booked early this year, 1090 each way plus 700 airport fee.
    There is an additional US$25 departure tax to be paid at the airport when you leave

    Used the e-visa process - simple enough had it approved within about 8hrs from applying. Just need scan of a passport-style photo and a credit card US$20 plus US$5 processing fee
    Seems not too many people bother there was just me and one other on our flight, saved a lot of queue time they had 2 counters open for e-visa travelers

    Royal Thai Embassy
    No.196 Preah Norodom Boulevard,
    Sangkat Tonle Bassac,
    Khan Chamkarmon,
    Phnom Penh

    The Royal Thai Embassy is a few km from the town centre, I paid probably too much US$5 for a tuktuk from north end of PP to embassy, he waited and brought me back


    You can get the visa application form here

    They open at 8.30am to 11.00am for visa applications to be submitted - not open 9.30 like other consulates I've been to. I arrived 9.30 and there was just one other person there.
    Handed over completed application, 2 photos, passport and copy air tickets out for March 2011 - unsure if these required though.

    This was Thursday 9th; Friday 10th was a holiday for staff (Thai Constitution Day) expected to be able to collect Monday afternoon but no was handed a preprinted slip with 'collect after 2.30pm Wednesday 15 December'. Asked if could collect sooner told no. Didn't bother me but have always had next-day service at other consulates.

    The holiday thing is something to be aware of as they get the local ones as well, there's a calendar on their website for 2010 they'll need to update for 2011.

    Back Wednesday 2.00pm, office open but 'by the rules' man made us wait till 2.30. Note: website says collection 3pm-4.30pm but form I had said 2.30pm.

    Noted my visa was actually processed/approved Thursday 9th.

    ****************************

    some notes

    I stayed at California2 Guesthouse US$25 per night, only a year old, good room and excellent staff, will use again

    A good thread here from khmen on things to do round PP

    and pics from Bobc (Tuol Sleng) at Tuol Sleng S21 the Genocide Museum

    and at the Embassy . . . when I went back on the Wednesday to collect my passport the office was unattended, inside sprawled across 5 chairs and asleep a large smelly man in a baseball cap.
    Security guy followed me in, saw Mr Sleep and blew his whistle and shouted 'no sleep' and told him to sit. Fair enough, feet on chairs in an Embassy etc. So Mr S roused himself. What a sight, maybe 60+, the dirtiest once-was-white collared shirt missing buttons, like the rest of him I'd say a long time since there had been any cleaning going on. I found 2m to be an appropriate speaking distance. He looked worse than many of the poor people I'd seen begging in the streets.
    Brief chat re where we lived in Thailand - he was Bangkok and proud that he lives at a place for just $80 a month. No shower or laundry maybe.
    He reclined again and nodded off. Return of security man telling me they had security cameras and 'no sleeping'.
    I just wanted my passport and to get out of there.
    More chat, told me his occupation*, and how he liked his Thai lifestyle, but couldn't get a girlfriend. He'd arrived overnight somehow via PoiPet (back of a cattle truck possibly) and had paid an extra US$20 for same-day visa. Now broke and asked if I could help him out with one dollar. He needs to aim higher I'd have given $10 generous sort that I am. But I suppose if he asks enough people . . .
    Then an 'agent' came in with a handful of passports, which were being processed while he waited. For a fee no doubt.
    2.30 and surly man at counter gave me my passport with new Tourist Visa.
    A quick farewell to Mr Sleepy Hobo from USA and I was away . . .

    *that was too easy to guess. Not joking, he said he was an English teacher.

    *************************
    Last edited by genghis61; 21-12-2010 at 11:37 AM.

  2. #2
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    The Muffinman's Avatar
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    Thanks for the report Genghis, seems like things are pretty much unchanged from since I last went to the Thai embassy in PP about 5 months ago.

    One comment though, and this is by no means directed at you personally, I can't for the life of me understand why people deal with the embassy directly when there are plenty of travel agents available who will do the work for you for a small fee.

    Last time I went for a TV in PP I stepped outside my hotel, walked into the travel agent across the road, handed him my passport and one photo and walked back to the hotel. Next afternoon, went back, handed him $15 and walked away with the visa.
    For the normal application (4/5 days wait) he actually only wanted $2.

    Fuck having to deal with unfriendly embassy staff when this option is available.

  3. #3
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    Hi - I had no idea about using agents until this trip. Silly me. Surprised my hotel didn't recommend anything, being aware why I was staying there.

    I'd happily pay - will do so next time I'm there - June - as want to see Sihanoukville area not PP again.

    Though the 'entertainment' from the English teacher was probably worth a few $. Was in KL Oct for MotoGP and did visa at same time, there we were treated to a 'show' a very angry and loud young man from USA who didn't have the right papers for whatever visa he was applying for (not a TV) he starting yelling about his rights under the United Nations, and reminded them 'I am an American'. Last seen headed to a private room with security.

    Maybe for a nice cup of tea and biscuits.

  4. #4
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    I recently went to Cambodia overland to Poipet. Despite getting the Tesco Lotus bus which was recommended I got taken to the Thai scam office. After many smiles and being firm got our $20 visas for $25 plus 100baht. Too late once you've been stupid enough to hand over your passports. In the circumstances I was probably let off lightly, another tourist paid 1300baht for his visa.

    If you get caught by the same scam make sure you walk down the road. Ignore the very large road sign indicating it is the official office.

    Next time I will take the advice above and apply for an e Visa

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by genghis61
    Last seen headed to a private room with security. Maybe for a nice cup of tea and biscuits.
    Possibly...or for his first Muay Thai lesson?

  6. #6
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    Pol the Pot's Avatar
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    No need to get the e- visa.

    VOA very convenient for airport arrivals.

    You don't get out of the building faster anyway because the time you save at immigration will be added to the time you're waiting for your luggage with everybody else. Unless, of course, you travel without check in luggage.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pol the Pot
    Unless, of course, you travel without check in luggage.
    As i do, under the 7kg limit, enough for a visa trip

  8. #8
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    Pol the Pot's Avatar
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    Good one ^.

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by genghis61
    under the 7kg limit
    My carry on is rarely less than 15kg......555555

  10. #10
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    when I went to KL in October Air Asia were weighing all carry-on for under/over 7kg and checking it fitted inside their size restrictions (56 x 36 x 23cm) rejecting a good percentage and extra fees had to be paid

    This time they just seemed to be on the lookout for over-size, saw one guy picked up with a full-size backpack - regardless of weight was about twice+ the allowable size

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    Mine is always camera gear, they can't put it in the hold so I get by, at least to date I have...

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pol the Pot
    No need to get the e- visa. VOA very convenient for airport arrivals.
    Saves a whole page in the passport and it means I don't have to change Baht into US$. I can just walk through Immigration, get money from the ATM and go outside to buy some beers and meet the driver.

    The good thing with Air Asia is their 30KG check-in allowance is generous compared to other airlines. You pay a little extra for it but worth it.
    Coming back from HK I was well over my 30KGs allowance; paid HK$75 for my excess over the limit. A bargain as I had 100,000thb of electronics in the case.
    Last edited by Nostradamus; 25-12-2010 at 03:19 PM.

  13. #13
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    Pol the Pot's Avatar
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    If you had check in luggage you'll wait for it with everybody else at the belt. No time advantage though the passport page saved might be critical.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pol the Pot View Post
    No need to get the e- visa.

    VOA very convenient for airport arrivals.

    You don't get out of the building faster anyway because the time you save at immigration will be added to the time you're waiting for your luggage with everybody else. Unless, of course, you travel without check in luggage.
    And the more that get the e- visa, the less in line you wait for VOA. Not withstanding its a lottery who gets of the plane first.

  15. #15
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    Don't agree with that either.

    The e- visa is actually the result of corrupt dealings between the ministry of the interior and a Malaysian company that's been kicked out and replaced by a second Malaysian company.

    See the shit fight all over the internet.

    Less people should use it. Let them go bankrupt.

  16. #16
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    sunsetter's Avatar
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    so how many days does this trip get you then?

  17. #17
    Nostradamus
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    I will continue to use the e-visa simply because it is far more convenient; saves me changing THB into US$ in BKK (I think they have an ATM airside now in PP but there was a lengthy queue to use it last month), saves me a page in the passport (most important consideration IMO) and it's much quicker for getting through immigration on the dozen or so times I have used it so far I have been out of the airport within 5 minutes of stepping off the plane.

    There's always that chance there will be a long wait for the VOA and you'll be ages stuck at Immigration thereafter so not worth the risk IMO.

    Additionally, if you fly Air Asia the BKK and KL flights sometimes land at the same time. I once witnessed the queue for the VOA all the way up the stairs to the finger port corridor. Of course I had an e-visa so I just jostled my way through and went straight through Immigration.

  18. #18
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    Good info on the e-visa, thanks. Last 2 times I was there the VOA queue was short plus I naturally walk pretty fast so I was the first one there. But as you said, might not always be like that.

  19. #19
    Newbie jobsworth's Avatar
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    Thai visa from Cambodia

    Do use the evisa to obtain a one month visa for Cambodia.
    Who cares if it is a corrupt organisation or not.
    It does the job and saves a whole side in the passport.
    Do use an agent to obtain a Thai visa in Cambodia.
    By the time you have paid living expenses and travel in Cambodia
    it works out much cheaper.
    I suggest a visit to Koh Kong in Cambodia.
    Go to Trad in Thailand and then the mini bus to the border.
    All can be done by public transport and much cheaper than
    the expensive visa runs.
    In Koh Kong find RIFTY who has a small office next to the DUGOUT hotel
    on the high street near the roundabout.
    He will take your passport to Phnom Penh and give it to LUCKY MOTORCYCLES
    on Monovong Boulevard near Psar Orusay. Yes I know yet another agent
    but both of them are highly recommended and trustworthy.
    The inclusive price is $25 for normal service
    usually about 4 days depending on public holidays and weekends
    or $40 express next day return.
    I hope that this helps. The Thai tourist visa is free.
    You may need a passport sized photo.
    Either you pay agents or you pay for living expenses.
    Of course if you want to visit Cambodia that is another matter
    but it is no longer the cheap enchanting place that it was.

  20. #20
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    just for ur info, The price seems to be $2-5 to allow just about any travel agent ( i usually send my gf to Lucky motor) and they will always get it back to you in 3 working days. $ 10 will get u next day service if they get it to the embassy before 10 am
    BUT u must watch those holidays.

    Forget Shinoukville as the beaches here in Thailand are much nicer ( although the islands off of Shian are very nice) head uip to Siem Reap instead and get teh 3 days Angkor pass ( $40)

    Note visa are still free for another 3 months so ......
    "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol or insanity, but they've always worked for me" HST

    View my pics

  21. #21
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by genghis61 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Pol the Pot
    Unless, of course, you travel without check in luggage.
    As i do, under the 7kg limit, enough for a visa trip

    Be aware that Air Asia out of Bangkok are now weighing carry on luggage.

    Do not go over the 7 kg limit or you will pay a premium price, a nasty shock for some of the punters I seen blowing there tops.

    If your carry on is 9 kg you will pay for the whole 9 kg and not the 2 kg one would expect.

    Be warned.

  22. #22
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    seems to me if u have an extar 2 kilos that could go in ur pockets or just carry in ur hands or do as i do, always carry a small empty light bag in ur bag in case ur over.

    I have never been asked to pay for my laptop bag, ( WHICH IS NEVER WEIGHED)
    and one carry on so it seems two small bags i cool

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phuketrichard View Post
    seems to me if u have an extar 2 kilos that could go in ur pockets or just carry in ur hands or do as i do, always carry a small empty light bag in ur bag in case ur over.

    I have never been asked to pay for my laptop bag, ( WHICH IS NEVER WEIGHED)
    and one carry on so it seems two small bags i cool

    Yep, that's the go innit.

    Some people arn't that smart though and think they can just get away with it as has been the case in the past.

    Times are changing and I seen them carrying out this practice for the first time this year.

    I make sure I'm within my limit and if I'm going to be over I'll pre pay when I buy my ticket.

    Too easy.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by jobsworth View Post
    ...
    Who cares if it is a corrupt organisation or not.
    ...
    You're some [at][at][at][at]. Did you really write that, you piece of turd?

  25. #25
    Nostradamus
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    Quote Originally Posted by terry57
    Be aware that Air Asia out of Bangkok are now weighing carry on luggage.
    Previously, they were selectively weighing people they don't like the look of. Are they weighing everyone now? I have been weighed once in Bangkok having used Air Asia more times than I can remember!

    Air Asia are great if you have checked-in baggage too; their 30Kg limit is generous and their excess fees are far cheaper than any other airlines. They are also the only airline I know that will allow you over 30Kgs in a single piece of baggage.

    They are what they are; a shitty budget airline but they do have their benefits and this coming year I have 4 free flights to Phnom Penh, one to Phuket and one to HK already!

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