Is the West getting it all wrong? Is there corruption in Cambodia? Or should we call it gratuities for personal services?
Let’s just take a look at what happens when you set your foot on Cambodian soil.
At the Airport:
First, if you need to get a visa at the airport and you need or want to speed up the process; it is a common practice to tip the officials behind the counter. Don’t tip them in the open because they don’t like being seen. A better place to put your money is underneath of your documents.
Next, if you want to avoid waiting on line too long at the visa and passport check in counter--prepare to slip in a few dollars to the officer behind the counter. Those guys in their nice uniform expect you to put some dollar bills underneath or inside your passport. It’s a common practice most Cambodians know. Nowadays, single dollar bills are considered “too cheap,” and they will mumble and give you a mean look. Five dollar is acceptable, but ten or twenty dollar bill will bring you a smiling face and a warm welcome.
Note: If you are Cambodian you will be asked something like this, “Uncle, Brother, Sister, please give [me] a few riels [dollars] for Kuytiev.” But, with foreigners, they might get away from such a request. I have seen them getting in without any hassles. Somehow Cambodians are being “asked” nearly 100 percents with the exception of those who are highly recognized.
Although I have never flown via Vietnam, I was told that passengers flying from Vietnam are not subject to such a “request.” It’s easier and you are being treated nicely.
Then, if you don’t want to have your luggage checked and searched--you will need to help yourself out by tipping those hardworking custom officers before they get their hands in your bags. Otherwise, it may cost you more. They normally stand at the last gate or checking counters before you get out of the airport terminal. If your baggage is misplaced or lost, it is a good manner to tip those who help you. You should “tip” them upfront. Most of the time they can help you find your luggage faster.
It’s a nice relief and a great feeling to get out of the airport without being stranded there for hours, isn’t it? After all it is worth it to see your family members, friends and relatives waiting outside sweating from the 100 degrees heat and humidity.
Oh, before I forget, please make sure you give some cash to those who help you with your luggage outside of the terminal. Single dollar bills are accepted. They expect your help them even if they only touch your bags briefly. You just cannot resist their eyes.
Knowing your taxi fares upfront is a must to avoid being overcharged by scammers.
You should expect to spend 30 to 50 dollars extra in the airport if you want to be free from hassling. You trip then should be (kind of) worry free.
Is the West getting it wrong? Is there corruption in Cambodia? Or should we call it gratuities for personal services?
We may call the activities described above as corruption, but in the eyes of those officials, they don't think they do anything abnormal. It is a part of their job and it is acceptable in Cambodian society. I spoke to a few of government workers regarding briberies, they told me they knew it was wrong, but they would do it anyway. After all, it takes both parties to complete bribery-- the giver and the taker.
What do you think?
============
Let’s just take a look at what happens when you set your foot on Cambodian soil.
At the Airport:
First, if you need to get a visa at the airport and you need or want to speed up the process; it is a common practice to tip the officials behind the counter. Don’t tip them in the open because they don’t like being seen. A better place to put your money is underneath of your documents.
Next, if you want to avoid waiting on line too long at the visa and passport check in counter--prepare to slip in a few dollars to the officer behind the counter. Those guys in their nice uniform expect you to put some dollar bills underneath or inside your passport. It’s a common practice most Cambodians know. Nowadays, single dollar bills are considered “too cheap,” and they will mumble and give you a mean look. Five dollar is acceptable, but ten or twenty dollar bill will bring you a smiling face and a warm welcome.
Note: If you are Cambodian you will be asked something like this, “Uncle, Brother, Sister, please give [me] a few riels [dollars] for Kuytiev.” But, with foreigners, they might get away from such a request. I have seen them getting in without any hassles. Somehow Cambodians are being “asked” nearly 100 percents with the exception of those who are highly recognized.
Although I have never flown via Vietnam, I was told that passengers flying from Vietnam are not subject to such a “request.” It’s easier and you are being treated nicely.
Then, if you don’t want to have your luggage checked and searched--you will need to help yourself out by tipping those hardworking custom officers before they get their hands in your bags. Otherwise, it may cost you more. They normally stand at the last gate or checking counters before you get out of the airport terminal. If your baggage is misplaced or lost, it is a good manner to tip those who help you. You should “tip” them upfront. Most of the time they can help you find your luggage faster.
It’s a nice relief and a great feeling to get out of the airport without being stranded there for hours, isn’t it? After all it is worth it to see your family members, friends and relatives waiting outside sweating from the 100 degrees heat and humidity.
Oh, before I forget, please make sure you give some cash to those who help you with your luggage outside of the terminal. Single dollar bills are accepted. They expect your help them even if they only touch your bags briefly. You just cannot resist their eyes.
Knowing your taxi fares upfront is a must to avoid being overcharged by scammers.
You should expect to spend 30 to 50 dollars extra in the airport if you want to be free from hassling. You trip then should be (kind of) worry free.
Is the West getting it wrong? Is there corruption in Cambodia? Or should we call it gratuities for personal services?
We may call the activities described above as corruption, but in the eyes of those officials, they don't think they do anything abnormal. It is a part of their job and it is acceptable in Cambodian society. I spoke to a few of government workers regarding briberies, they told me they knew it was wrong, but they would do it anyway. After all, it takes both parties to complete bribery-- the giver and the taker.
What do you think?
============
Published : April 02, 2011 :: 12:04:09 [ 847 views ]
Thailand Eleventh Most Corrupt Nation Globally
An Indian website, Indian Express, reported that the leading Hong Kong-based business consultancy firm, PERC rated Thailand at 11 with a scale of 7.55 among 16 countries of the Asia Pacific region.
The countries are rated on a scale of 0 to 10 with the highest being the worst case of corruption scenario. The results show that Cambodia tops the list while Singapore is the cleanest nation.
The lists included these nations: Cambodia (9.27), Indonesia (9.25), Philippines (8.9), India (8.67), Vietnam (8.3), China (7.93), Thailand (7.55), USA (2.39), Japan (1.9), Australia (1.39), Hong Kong (1.10), followed by Singapore (0.37).
Report by : Indian Express
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