wil webster
@Captnw4
American expat in Cambodia
Forum posts
58
Contacts
13
About me
American, Single, 80 years old
Lives in Siem Reap
Registration: 23 December 2010
Tipping habits of expats by Guestposter822
This has probably been discussed before but times change and so do habits so I'm putting it out there again. I'm just wondering if the Vietnamese tip when going to a coffee shop. I have some Vietnamese friends that do if the service is ...
I am a tipper. In hotels, I always tip the cleaning staff and sometimes front desk. They seem to feel comfortable with it. I have stayed in a thousand hotels and for a time, I worked in one. Tipping seems normal in that venue. However, yesterday I ... Read More
Reading habits in Cambodia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Books can be your greatest companions whether you have already settled in Cambodia or are now planning your move. Are you an avid or occasional reader? We would like to know more about your reading habits. What type of reading ...
I find that reading in Asia in general is nearly impossible. I have been here nine years and the constant cacophony of construction, music played to loudly and children wailing makes reading or concentration in general difficult at best. Cambodians ... Read More
SSA benefit recipients by GuestPoster678
Not sure if others here in Vietnam have the same problem with mail delivery as I do when it comes to the U.S. Social Security Administration. But again this year I did not receive my SSA-7162. Each year I have had my benefits stopped. So you may ...
Not sure this will help but I have been in South East Asia for 10yrs. When I was in Bangkok I had less problems. Each year as I recall, I had to make long Skype calls to Bea in PHI. She would take care of contacting SSA for me after "proof of ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
It has been my experience that your speech in foreign lands will usually be "corrected" by locals because your don't use their specific dialect and because they want time to scope you out. Read More
Hotel Manager asking for passport to show police by HenryJo
When I checked in he said he needed to keep passport to show police. I refused as I had seen advice by the British Foreign and Commonwealth office that we keep our passport safe at all times. If I hand it over to hotel staff to keep I cannot be ...
Cheaper Hotels in Siem Reap keep the guests passports at the front desk in a locker with a key. I have not stayed at said cheap hotels in Siem Reap. I just talk to people and know a manager of one. Knowing that you are in Saigon and that is not ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Cambodia? Is the public ...
I have lived in Siem Reap, Cambodia a fair amount of time. I have needed to do some essential 'mailing' and I will tell you this: Cambodia is not a part of the real world when it comes to postal service. I have maintained a Post Office Box ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
I was living in Thailand for five years. Now in Cambodia for five years. Thinking of visiting Vietnam with the thought of making it a prolonged visit. Anyone familiar with a "temporary residency card" for retirees? I hear it costs $800 ... Read More
aba bank quaifications for expat?
Today I was rejected for a Cambodian account with ABA. Direct Deposit from the USA SSA has a form: OMB No. 0960-0686 Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (Cambodia). The bottom half require the "Bank Official" to sign. They would not do it??? Any ... Read More
I've had enough of Cambodia. I booked my return flight by marukai47
As the title states. I'm through with this country. There's too many scams and tonight was the straw that broke the camels back when someone on a moto took my phone. I come here to spend money and this is what happens? No Thanks. I'll ...
I have been here for 3yrs. It has had its rough patches. The robbery you experienced could happen in most big cities on Earth. How Ever.. you are not alone in your feelings about Cambodians. Remember this: they killed off all intellectuals in the ... Read More
Keeping up with the news in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
Kabe: Out spoken people here go to jail if they are foreigners who insist on things being like they are in the USA. Eventually they are deported for getting involved in labor, internal governmental issues or trafficking. By the way, the word ... Read More
Finally in PP by MikeThm
Hello people! I am Mike by name, and I come from the United States of America. I am here on a research project, and I am looking forward to enjoying my time here and getting to know more about the Cambodian culture.
Accident s of all kinds are frequent. Police do not respond to calls. Until u have done something really serious, they are invisible. Like most eastern countries, police are only in it for suplimental income. Read More
will be looking to meet Like minded people
Looks like you have been in Cambodia for about a year, poppy. Howzit going so far? Not sure we are like minded since you have not shared much about yourself. But feel free to contact me. Wil Read More
Keeping up with the news in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
I depend entirely on the internet. I get daily posts directly to my email from Cambodia Daily. Since I have no cable and don't want it (whether Khmer or Major Networks like CNN). I don't care about news from conglomerates. As ubiquitous as ... Read More
Had enough by madmax888
This September, I will be leaving Cambodia for good. After nearly 6 years, I have had enough. Many of you long time posters know me, as my first thread was read thousands of times. What you don't know is that my wife, after 4 1/2 years of living ...
My Lady of over two years left me last week. About two months ago she was given an Android phone and tablet by (she says) her cousin. She started facebooking (which you know) is very different here. She would go into the other room all times of the ... Read More
Stolen Passport by jimmi monk
last year i had my bag stolen from a restaurant in Sihanoukville.I did the right thing and went and reported it and got a police report tried to send of for a new passport but uk passport office wanted a birth cert from me .now i did not have a ...
Thanks! Appreciate you quick response. I just had a 1yr visa renewal. Wonder how that will work when I hit the paper mill. I am sure they will get some money from me. Maybe even have to leave and come back. Yikes! I heard rumors that it is $5.00 a ... Read More
Stolen Passport by jimmi monk
last year i had my bag stolen from a restaurant in Sihanoukville.I did the right thing and went and reported it and got a police report tried to send of for a new passport but uk passport office wanted a birth cert from me .now i did not have a ...
Excuse me. I have a question. Since I have lost my passport as well, I am curious how the "fine" was calculated. I have been looking for my missing passport for two weeks now with no results. I made an informal report to the police in the ... Read More
Business etiquette in Cambodia
Concur! Completely. And I know other business people who agree. Western Style business is out the window in Cambodia. But then, most of us don't come here for that. Read More
how to get money quick , besides atm method ... easy way by Wimbleton
If you need cash quickly you proceed to Canadia bank on second floor with a credit card ( visa and MasterCard ) ... Not American Express ..... U need a passport , and telephone # Anything 2000. Us and no paperwork detail ... after 2000 and up ...
Lucky Mall on first floor left of the entrance can get a cash advance on credit cards in minutes. Need passport and valid Visa card. Read More
American Express Phnom Penh by jesse099
Hey guys, Does anyone know of any ATMs that accept American Express Credit Cards around Phnom Penh? I've tried a bunch but none seem to be working. Thanks.
Visa credit or debt are the only ones that seem to work reliably here. Not Master Card either. Read More
Mastercard, WHAT is the problem? by lifemagic
What is it with Mastercard? I'm never anywhere near my limit. About half the time it's declined in a bank. Sometimes in a shop they try and process it without a pin and it doesn't work, then someone else comes, asks for my pin and it is ...
I had no idea this was going on here. Thanks for the warning. I was about to get a Master Card debit from Direct Express (see my comments on this blog). Glad I did not follow that path. It pays to read these blogs. THANKS Read More
Receiving Mail in Phnom Penh by DavidseattleY1
I read very negative reviews of the Postal Office in PP. Has anyone found alternatives to the public mail? Mail from the U.S.? Do Fedex and DHL rent mailboxes? Thanks, David
DHL seems to be the ticket. Have it sent to "you"/care of DHL with your phone number. They will hold it at the office nearest you and call you when it comes in. I also have a post office box. It is cheap and some what effective here in ... Read More
Receiving mail in Phnom Penh by zeubie
Hi folks, I was wondering if someone could help me with this. A few days ago, my bank in Canada notified me that my MasterCard had been compromised and that they were going have to cancel my card and send me a new one (with a new account number). ...
Hey Zeubie, from what I know getting something in 9 days is a miracle! What service did you use? Or did you financial institution mail it to a friend who sent it DHL or what. I am going through a similar mailing dilemma now. I have a POB in Siem ... Read More
How to come live not work in cambodia with my partner?Im 65 by Robin 667
Hi slava I need as much help as possible, I am at the moment still in Uk, but want to come and live in Cambodia with my Ukraine partner.can you give me any help with how we can live not work there and can we get visass easy for us to be able to live ...
Pattaya, Thailand has many Russ... SR ? Read More
New members of the Cambodia forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cambodia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
surenpillai, you may consider Aseana Angkor Residence run by Rudolf Knuchel is here on this blog under housing. It is about 2km outside Siem Reap. I live there. Also connect with Lucky Tuk Tuk. I can get you his number in a private message here. ... Read More
How do you guys go home after a night out? by sister0092
Hi everyone, nice to meet you all. Thank you for reading this- I don't go out often, but I sure do like to meet new people. when my company told me they'd like to send me to Phnom pehn, first thing came up in my mind was 'How do I go home after ...
Me and an expat friend from Uk were walking to our hostel at midnight. He got a little ahead of me. Suddenly, out of the darkness, three women grabbed me and groped me! One got one wrist, another the other and the third went for my crotch. They let ... Read More
US Social Security in Cambodia
Keeping, restoring and receiving US Social Security benefits in Siem Reap, Cambodia can be a challenge. This entry is my experience. I just today have had mine restored. BooHaa! First and foremost, nothing happens here in Cambodia without ... Read More
New members of the Cambodia forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cambodia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Siem Reap has some good school all around. You can live just outside of town and it will be peaceful and quiet, so to speak. All the schools charge for enrollment. I don't know how much, but I can find out. There are some international schools near ... Read More
New members of the Cambodia forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cambodia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hello, I have been here a while and have just had my US Social Security stopped. I use direct deposit to a US bank. I have done some research. Still not happy. Wil Read More
Social Security and my Vietnam address by lostvietdreamer
Hello, I could use some help. I just had my Social Security income stopped because they said I can not collect it if my address is in Vietnam. My Social Security is direct deposited into my US bank account. It is not sent to Vietnam. The reason I ...
Thanks, Budman1. Looks like I am doing the right things. So far I have an appointment at the Consulate for the 25th. Your efforts are huge, unexpected and much appreciated. Thanks! Read More
Social Security and my Vietnam address by lostvietdreamer
Hello, I could use some help. I just had my Social Security income stopped because they said I can not collect it if my address is in Vietnam. My Social Security is direct deposited into my US bank account. It is not sent to Vietnam. The reason I ...
Hey, Nam. You can learn alot by scanning back through this thread and subscribe to it so you get notifications from here into your email when someone posts. That is how I learned about your post here. Wil Read More
Social Security and my Vietnam address by lostvietdreamer
Hello, I could use some help. I just had my Social Security income stopped because they said I can not collect it if my address is in Vietnam. My Social Security is direct deposited into my US bank account. It is not sent to Vietnam. The reason I ...
Yes, I just had my payments stopped without notice and talking to SSA US does not help. I have someone overseeing my things while I have been away. They have his address in Hawaii in care of. The letter somehow did not get to me. Any ideas???? I am ... Read More
Any Tips on Hostels
Thanks, Stumpy... Ya, you are right. I am going for Mercure first (couple of nights), then Rivertime Ecolodge Resort, then ), Funky Monkey Hostel, and finally iHouse Residence, and back to Siem Reap, Cambodia. I have a month there. Appreciate your ... Read More
Any Tips on Hostels
Hostels that offer private rooms and internet. I don't need A/C. But food needs to be close by. I prefer to hear from those people with hands on experience. I have been to Vientiane several times and looking for variety. Read More
How to extend your Laos visa? by kristagiang
You used to worry about Laos visa extension procedure? Now reading the information here will help you minimize your worry. It is quite simple to extend any type of Laos visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane. There are two common cases as ...
Thanks, That is very helpful. I am going to Vientiane in two weeks and intend to stay for a month or so. Is the visitor visa still good for 30 days? Read More
why is it so hard to find friends in bangkok? by sepide
Why is it so hard to find friends in bangkok?
Well, your question deserves a clear and honest answer. There are many foreigners in Thailand that have very strange beliefs and want to force them on others. This has happened to me. Also, people who come here to stay are often misfits in their ... Read More
Minimum Income for Retirement Visa
Does anyone know the minimum income requirement for a retirement visa in Thailand? I heard many rumors. I am 66 years old... Read More
Anyone living in the north of Bangkok around Ramintra, Lad Prao,... by bisdjer
Hi @all, does anybody live around Lad Prao, Bang Khen or so? Would be nice to meet some people in my area for hanging out after work. If so please contact me.
Well, I am married and live in Don Muang near the airport. What are you looking for? I am from Hawaii, 66, and retired. Wil Read More
*WARNING* Be careful when withdrawing money from ATM's in BTS by LuisF
*WARNING* Be careful when withdrawing money from ATM's in BTS Today I saw a very suspicious activity in the BTS. I got to the BTS this morning at 8,50 in OnNut, and I saw across the other side two guys with white clothes over their heads in two ...
Thanks a million. All good advice here. I always make sure that my face is visible to the machine by removing eye ware and hat. Then before I put in my pin, I check the reflecting surfaces to see if there is a face behind me looking, or a hand held ... Read More
Visa
Watch out for G Visa. They make promises and take your money. Then they apologize and say they were wrong in the first place. But they do not want to refund your money. They told me that I would not need to go outside Thailand to get my visa. They ... Read More
Banking in Bangkok by Yud
Hello dear members, Can you recommend some financial institutions i.e. Commercial Banks in Bangkok? [b]What about their facilities they offer?[/b] For example: [i][Internet Banking, Credit Facilities, ATM's machine availability throughout the ...
I am about to open an account at Bank of Bangkok. Apparently, they are the only one that allows accounts by foreigners. They have a good website. Minimum is small. ID is two passport and drivers license. I will let you know how that goes. I aim to ... Read More
living in siem reap by riverboat
if anyone is interested in living in siem reap and need some advice,i may be of some help.althrough not by any means an expert i have now lived in siem reap for 5 years and 10 years in se asia and have started a few businesses along the way.fully ...
I am a retired boat captain from Hawaii. I am American living in Thailand. What would it take for me to move to Siem Reap? I visited there last month and would like to consider moving. What about visa restrictions there? I don't need to work if I ... Read More
visa runs abroad
Thanks again, Staydog. I am currently looking into a viable "retirement" visa renewable annually. It looks feasible for me. Read More
visa runs abroad
Actually, Straydog, I was thinking more about going abroad every month to get the visitor visa. Now I think that is only possible for six months even if I go by air. But thanks for the info. I appreciate your reply! Wil Read More
visa runs abroad
I am looking for inexpensive ways to get my "visitor" visa stamp monthly. I would prefer to take a train or bus from BKK to neighboring countries, eat lunch and return. Is there anyone out there willing to share their experience on visa runs? Wil Read More
Visa Stamps by fiercegolfer
How can a person stay in Thailand longer than the 30 days that the Immigration people give to tourist. I would like to live there for an extended period of time. But, it does not seem possible with every tourist book saying the same thing about the ...
I am looking for inexpensive ways to get my "visitor" visa stamp monthly. I would prefer to take a train or bus to neighboring countries, eat lunch and return. Is there anyone out there willing to share their experience on visa runs? Read More
Retiring in Thailand by raynzel
Hi I am considering retiring in Thailand, either in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, and would like to ask for some info I can't seem to find. These are all expenses I need to get a handle on to see if I can support my self on my stinking little ...
Rayznel... suggest you make several visits to Thailand and get a feel for life here and meet people, etc... I did. The north is much different from the south and language can be a big obstacle. There is a lot to learn. Wil Read More
Retiring in Thailand by raynzel
Hi I am considering retiring in Thailand, either in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, and would like to ask for some info I can't seem to find. These are all expenses I need to get a handle on to see if I can support my self on my stinking little ...
I have been to Perth several times on business. It is a lovely city! I live in a Don Mueang apartment that is clean and convenient to shops for food and banking, etc.. Total cost is 4,000 baht or $130 USD. I am happily married to a Thai woman. We ... Read More
retiree direct deposit
Is anyone out there retired and receiving Social Security from the United States via "direct deposit". The Social Security website says that "direct deposit" is not available in Thailand yet. I wonder if anyone out there is using a global bank, ... Read More