thailand
Ask question

Why are they now asking for USD for the Visa on Arrival at Nong Khai?

Visa On Arrival (VOA)Nong Khai Border CrossingThai ImmigrationCurrency ExchangeExpat ExperiencesTHB vs USD Payment Issues
Dec 11, 2024
a month ago
Sujy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
4,264
views
18
likes
87
all likes
26
replies
0
images
23
users
TLDR : 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.
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 :)
a month ago
Like
Reply
Aake **********
Why not get a real visa instead of trying to scam immigration
a month ago
Like
Reply
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.
a month ago
Like
Reply
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.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
They have always preferred US dollars and yes they’ll overcharge if using Thai baht
a month ago
Like
Reply
Jon *****
You're lucky, I paid 2000 bahts
a month ago
Like
Reply
Darren *******
Just get the non-O and you don't need to worry about it.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Edmund ********
Don't cry for me Argentina
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andrew *********
I always get evisa, saves a heap of room in your passport as VOA is a sticker that takes up a full page
a month ago
Like
Reply
Braulio *********
is this a complaint about 350 Thb????
a month ago
Like
Reply
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?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
I thought they always asked for USD.
a month ago
Like
Reply
David ***********
Pay it and move on
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bart **************
They always ask for USD. Your statement that you visited this border more often is doubtful, as is the rest of your story.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Nick *******
Same, same just pay it.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *******
Nothing new

I think you just want to whinge
a month ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
just fly somewhere nice
a month ago
Like
Reply
Jay *********
I always pay for Lao visas in USD, just easier
a month ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
I've always payed in USD, no matter what they said. Much cheaper!
a month ago
Like
Reply
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.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Joseph ********
 You're also the guy who doesn't know Myanmar borders have been closed since covid.
a month ago
Like
Reply
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 ?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Joseph *********
@Bonnie ********
 Different issue doh doh.

Did it a few times 2011 to 2013 tye git long term
a month ago
Like
Reply
Joseph *********
@Bonnie ********
 your point being.

Why tge aggro.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Joseph *********
Reply
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
a month ago
Like
Reply
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
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marcels *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the rules regarding the use of Lao eVisa at land borders, particularly at Friendship Bridge #3?
29 comments
a month ago
What are the current visa fees and experiences for entering Laos from Thailand?
224 comments
3 months ago
What are the current requirements and experiences for crossing from Thailand to Laos at Chiang Khong?
41 comments
4 months ago
Do I need US Dollars for a Visa on Arrival in Laos during my trip from Thailand?
11 comments
10 months ago
What are the insights and experiences on obtaining a Laos visa from Vientiane for a trip to Thailand?
14 comments
a year ago
What are the best methods to obtain 20,000 THB in Laos for a border crossing to Thailand?
19 comments
a year ago
Do you need USD for the Lao visa at Chiang Khong, or are other currencies acceptable?
7 comments
a year ago
What are the best places to exchange Thai Baht for US Dollars in Pattaya for a visa to Cambodia?
35 comments
a year ago
Can I pay for my visa at the Thai embassy in Laos using Lao Kip instead of Thai Baht?
21 comments
a year ago
What is the process for a Laos border bounce at Chiang Khong for US passport holders?
2 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to pay for a Cambodia visa in USD or Thai Baht when crossing from Koh Chang?
48 comments
2 years ago
Can I pay for my Laos visa on arrival in Thai baht?
6 comments
2 years ago
Can my Chinese friend pay for a Thai tourist visa in USD upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport?
5 comments
5 years ago
Has the Mae Sai border bounce changed from a $10 fee to a 500 baht charge?
4 comments
5 years ago
Can I still pay $10 USD for border runs to Mai Sai, or is only 500 baht accepted on the Burma side?
16 comments
5 years ago
Do they really ask for cash during a Mae Sai border run?
0 comments
5 years ago
What tips should I follow when presenting USD for visa payments at Thai Consulates and Laos Immigration?
0 comments
5 years ago
What currency is accepted for Visa on Arrival in Laos and for Non-B visa at the embassy?
0 comments
6 years ago
Can I withdraw Thai Baht in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and do I need to carry it for crossing the border into Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
Which embassies or countries accept cash as proof of funds for a Thai Tourist Visa?
23 comments
7 years ago
Do I need to show bank statements or have 30,000 baht for a visa run to Laos?
20 comments
7 years ago
Are immigration officers still checking for 20,000 THB cash upon entry in Thailand?
41 comments
7 years ago
What should tourists know about the SETV process and cash requirements at the Sadao border?
4 comments
7 years ago
What are the current requirements for carrying cash at immigration in Thailand?
36 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.