How did you handle your finances for the first 6 months?

programmer · Post by **programmer** » Sat Oct 12, 2019 1:31 am

My understanding is I need to show 6 months of residence before being able to open a bank account at ABA or other Cambodian banks. I have accounts in Thailand and the US right now. I plan to come on a tourist visa and then switch to either business or ER depending on what is best for me as a 34 year old.

For the first 6 months how did you guys handle your finances? I suppose the only option is bringing some cash or traveler's checks, and then using ATMs with bad forex rates and other fees unless you have one of those ATM reimbursing banks' cards?

Anchor Moy · Post by **Anchor Moy** » Sat Oct 12, 2019 1:41 am

programmer wrote: ↑Sat Oct 12, 2019 1:31 am My understanding is I need to show 6 months of residence before being able to open a bank account at ABA or other Cambodian banks. I have accounts in Thailand and the US right now. I plan to come on a tourist visa and then switch to either business or ER depending on what is best for me as a 34 year old.

For the first 6 months how did you guys handle your finances? I suppose the only option is bringing some cash or traveler's checks, and then using ATMs with bad forex rates and other fees unless you have one of those ATM reimbursing banks' cards?

No, I'm pretty sure that you don't need six months residence to open a bank account. AFAIK, you need a business/ordinary visa ( with maybe a 6-12 month visa extension ?) and an address in Cambodia to open an account .
That's from what I remember when I opened an account myself, but other people here will correct me if that's no longer the case.

samrong01 · Post by **samrong01** » Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:18 am

You cant open a bank account with a tourist visa. Get an ordinary visa on arrival then 6 or 12 month extension. Then no problem at most banks. In Siem Reap no need for address (there are none) - maybe needed in Phnom Penh.