I am writing to Sianoukville (4hrs boat from Koh Kong). I want to tell you about our Arrival in Cambodia. So Koh Kong border city of the South is also the name of an island (many people think they are over but the island is uninhabited, although one can spend the day is also the name of the province). Arriving at the customs, the action begins! The officers lead us in a little room to issue the visa (30 days) and most importantly, try to make us pay more than the amount stated in the guides, or $ 20US, they require Bhats 1200 (37 U.S. $). I add here, the currency is the Riel. Do not panic, Felix has handled the situation with a beautiful smile and great conversation. It must say they are daunting but not aggressive, that they earn about $ 40 a month while they spend p'tites speeds tourists (they apparently do very often). After a mini-survey on their names, their families, exchanging smiles and even''jokes,''they brought down their aspirations for $ 25US. We remained undaunted: we knew the week before, a passenger had paid the official. After 30 min, their patience exhausted, we got in line paying $ 20US. Word up! By welcoming, one of the officers gave us fruit! Paradoxical.
My opinion on the subject: Win $ 30 per month, sad and touching, everyone agrees. Nevertheless, it is not bilking the tourists that the situation will improve. The effect is harmful because this kind of attitude scares and discourages many travelers on their trip to Cambodia. One can imagine what will the rest if the officials are crooked! Is harmful, being the first contact with foreign countries. If they were not trying to cheat us, people would feel safer to come spend their money here. Also, give money to children who beg does not help, there are adults who are waiting behind the money scrupulously while the child could attend school and not the street. It is better to give disabled (victims of landmines) to the monks who hold the charities and orphanages.
My opinion on the subject: Win $ 30 per month, sad and touching, everyone agrees. Nevertheless, it is not bilking the tourists that the situation will improve. The effect is harmful because this kind of attitude scares and discourages many travelers on their trip to Cambodia. One can imagine what will the rest if the officials are crooked! Is harmful, being the first contact with foreign countries. If they were not trying to cheat us, people would feel safer to come spend their money here. Also, give money to children who beg does not help, there are adults who are waiting behind the money scrupulously while the child could attend school and not the street. It is better to give disabled (victims of landmines) to the monks who hold the charities and orphanages.
