Answered2 years ago
Why are they now asking for USD for the Visa on Arrival at Nong Khai?
Another shocker! At Nong Khai on the Laos side they asked me to pay in USD for my VOA just now. $40 USD for Canadian. Ofc, I didn't have it because they always ask for THB and complain that USD is not in pristine condition when you mention USD.
So ofc I overpayed 1.7k baht because its their usual scammy rate. I could have saved 350THB. Well, now they don't care about THB, they ask for USD first.
I've been crossing that border for 12 years, and it's the first time they speficially ask for USD. They even have a new pink exchanger booth on the Thai side by the photocopy booth, which I should have deduced is there for a reason.
So if you need to bounce, come here with THB and exchange on Thai side and they will take your USD and I'll save 300-400THB in bogus conversion.
So ofc I overpayed 1.7k baht because its their usual scammy rate. I could have saved 350THB. Well, now they don't care about THB, they ask for USD first.
I've been crossing that border for 12 years, and it's the first time they speficially ask for USD. They even have a new pink exchanger booth on the Thai side by the photocopy booth, which I should have deduced is there for a reason.
So if you need to bounce, come here with THB and exchange on Thai side and they will take your USD and I'll save 300-400THB in bogus conversion.
Answer summary
A recent experience at the Nong Khai border revealed that immigration officials now specifically ask for USD payments for Visa On Arrival (VOA) applications, causing confusion for travelers accustomed to paying in Thai Baht (THB). Despite previously being able to pay in THB, a traveler reported being charged 1,700 THB (overpayment) because they didn't have the required pristine USD notes. This change highlights a trend of stricter enforcement and suggests travelers should come prepared with USD when crossing the border.
26 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Alina ********************
On the right hand a bit further down across from where you pick up the immigration form on the laos side there is an Exchange office as well, if you dont Exchange before leaving thailand :)
Aake **********
Why not get a real visa instead of trying to scam immigration
Bonnie *********
The requirement for pristine currency was just changed. I'll try to find the article later.
You're angry at the wrong people, it's all on you.
You're angry at the wrong people, it's all on you.
Toby ******
It has always been like that- well for at least 15 years. When I can I bring dollars to the Lao border but yeah they have to be pristine.
Bob **********
They have always preferred US dollars and yes they’ll overcharge if using Thai baht
Jon *****
You're lucky, I paid 2000 bahts
Darren *******
Just get the non-O and you don't need to worry about it.
Edmund ********
Don't cry for me Argentina
Andrew *********
I always get evisa, saves a heap of room in your passport as VOA is a sticker that takes up a full page
Braulio *********
is this a complaint about 350 Thb????
Ralph *******
If you’ve been doing it for 12 years the Thai immigration may soon refuse you. They are getting stricter on it. Unless you have a visa?
Kevin ******
I thought they always asked for USD.
David ***********
Pay it and move on
Bart **************
They always ask for USD. Your statement that you visited this border more often is doubtful, as is the rest of your story.
Nick *******
Same, same just pay it.
Matthew *******
Nothing new
I think you just want to whinge
I think you just want to whinge
Jo **********
just fly somewhere nice
Jay *********
I always pay for Lao visas in USD, just easier
Shayne **********
I've always payed in USD, no matter what they said. Much cheaper!
Joseph *********
Scamming is alive and well at border crossings.
Yeas ago when I used to get 2 ×2 entry at Mai Sai they charges 500Thb that was mentioned nowhere.
Yeas ago when I used to get 2 ×2 entry at Mai Sai they charges 500Thb that was mentioned nowhere.
Bonnie *********
@Joseph ********
You're also the guy who doesn't know Myanmar borders have been closed since covid.
Mike ********
@Bonnie ********
wrong, I bounced at Mae sot in 2023, cost 500 bht, but I went back for a second time and then the border was closed to farang,.I don’t know if anything’s changed to date ?Joseph *********
Joseph *********
Andreas *********
my buddy and me had to pay 1900+100 Thai Baht crossing into Laos, at Chong Mek. You can feel lucky if they let you in for 1700.- THB
Marcels *********
they always asked for usd. the visa fee is announced on all official websites in usd. nowhere its stated in baht. ofc they accept thb but the amount isnt equivalent to 40 usd.
and it was like this already ten years ago when i came to laos the first time.
dont complain if u havent done proper research before u go
and it was like this already ten years ago when i came to laos the first time.
dont complain if u havent done proper research before u go
Activity
24 joined24
people
Related
25What should I do if my online 90-day visa reports keep getting denied in Thailand?
12.3k1081362mo
What is the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at immigration?
2.9k13584mo
What experiences have expats had when applying for visas from Savannakhet, Laos?
1.3k404mo
What should I expect during immigration when entering Thailand with a DTV?
1.6k5354mo
What should I expect when transferring my DTV stamp to a new passport in Bangkok?
1.4k425mo
What challenges might one face crossing the Nong Khai border into Thailand?
7.5k57901y
What challenges did you face applying for a DTV visa from Dubai and how did you overcome them?
4.8k27791y
What are the current fees and wait times for obtaining a Certificate of Residence in Thailand?
5.6k31481y
What could have caused the rejection of a Soft Power Muay Thai visa application in Hanoi?
6.5k64362y
What are the recent issues surrounding DTV Soft Power visas and gym accreditation in Laos?
6k43752y
Can I let my education visa expire and re-enter Thailand on a DTV?
1.7k1392y
Why is my Multiple Entry Tourist visa being questioned at Thai immigration?
5.2k43493y
What is the process of home visits by Immigration for the NON-O married visa in Thailand?
4.7k35323y
What are the current procedures for crossing the Mae Sai border into Myanmar?
3.8k35223y
What are the steps and requirements to obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand, and how do 90-day reports work after leaving the country?
3.9k24544y
What are the travel requirements and tips for a Latvian citizen visiting Thailand on a visa exemption?
896464y
What are the difficulties faced when applying for a Non-O visa extension based on marriage in Thailand?
3.2k22354y
How can I successfully apply for an STV extension in Thailand?
2.2k11325y
How can I obtain a second visa extension in Thailand if my first extension was processed in a different immigration division?
1.5k10136y
Is there any flexibility on the 40,000 Baht monthly income requirement for a marriage visa in Thailand?
8.6k85596y
What are the documents required for extending a tourist visa for a child in Thailand?
3k21347y
Have expats on a retirement visa faced difficulties at Thai immigration?
1.8k9247y
How can I extend my Non Immigrant OA visa in Thailand, and what are the requirements?
878568y
What should I expect at Thai immigration after multiple tourist visas and frequent entries?
5.1k39548y
Will my recently deposited funds meet the 3-month rule for a retirement extension renewal in Thailand?
2.3k20129y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served