Thailand is famous for foreigners to stay on an extended vacation. However, tourist visas from western nations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia require you to leave the country every 60-90 days. There are several reasons for this both political and economical, but that’s another subject.I did the trip from Bangkok since that is the most central and populated location. Bangkok, among all tourist areas offer services that tout “visa runs”, mostly at tour agency and also can be found at many hotels.
The prices charged are very well inflated by Thai standards, however it worth it to many people as these services complete everything for you ielts 6.0. You don’t even need to physically see an immigration officer! You simply fill out the forms and a person from the agency takes them along with your passport to the border and gets you your stamps. I’ve always found it difficult have my passport handled by another person, especially a complete stranger from another country.
Took the subway to Mo Chit station. This will cost anywhere from 15-40B depending where you are coming from. Take a taxi from Mo Chit Station to the Northern Bus Terminal. 50BGet a bus ticket to Aranyapathet for 400B, round-tripThe bus stops at the Aranyapathet Bus Station which is about 6kms from the border. You can walk, but it better to take a tuk-tuk for 50B.
This step is important. You will have Cambodian men approach you near the border multiple times to assist in the Visa processing. YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THIS. They will be extremely friendly and hospitable. They will have an official-looking application form. You can accept their offer if you choose, but you pay more and plus you have a complete stranger handle your passport. Politely decline and keep moving towards the Thai Immigration office.
Next you will need a Cambodian visa. This is one of things the guys offering assistance will do. Do this yourself with ease. Once you exit the Thai Immigration office, go to the right to the Office of the International Border Check Point of Poipet. You will walk into a large fairly empty-looking room with Cambodian government officers in uniform. You will fill out the visa application and submit it to the window. There will be officers to help you with this.
However, they will ask for a larger fee than is necessary. It is clearly posted that the fee is $20USD. Politely insist that you will only pay that amount. If you don’t have US dollars than it is 1000B, the price it is at the Cambodian Consulate in Bangkok. They will ask if you have medical insurance or say there is a new processing fee. Not true. These officers while looking trustworthy only earn about $30USD a month and will try to extort money from foreigners. But remember to always be polite in your dealings. Also, there is a passport photo required on the application. They will ask for 100B for the photo to be taken.
