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Hi

I did a little volunteering in the Siem Reap area recently (community centre/ orphanage/ free school) and would like to support the community a little further. I have some established contacts, so I believe I can identify a guy with a family to help out, that will work hard and maybe just needs a leg up. I'll try and be brief.

Idea:
I buy a tuk-tuk outright and give it to a guy. I give him an old smart phone with whatsapp and some data and gas money. He gets work and saves a dollar a day to pay for the tuk-tuk. Rough figures, it takes 5 years to pay back, interest-free. If he pays it back sooner I buy another one. Not charity (guy has to pay for his tuk-tuk), more social enterprise (absolutely not-for-profit in any way). I'd set up a simple website and if I can get a few temple tours booked through that, he pays back an extra $2 in the month for each trip. I'm still thinking about the speaking English bit, but I have a few ideas. I'll cross-"promote" with those groups I know that go out to work at the community centre.

Questions:
1. Phone costs - from the forum, looks like $5/ month would cover data for the whatsapp - just correct me if I'm way off!
2. Bank account - I will continue to read through the forum, but can anyone give me an idiot's guide to setting up a bank account in Siem Reap in a day? One that has internet banking so that I can check it? What docs would I need? Would I need to get in touch in advance? Any banks to recommend? Is it even possible for a foreigner with no work pass?
3. Tuk-tuk - I've seen a few posts, some of which give prices and directions to possible vendors. Again, very specific advice about where I might get one (in terms of address or google maps location), paperwork required to purchase, paperwork required to get it on the road. A way to communicate with a possible tuk-tuk vendor in advance of April would be great.
4. Anything else. What have I missed, or what do I need to know? Anyone have input as to why this is a silly idea? (I know there's a risk that guy number one doesn't make repayments, but I'm writing off the initial cost anyway - I don't want that back).

I want to try and get organised so that when I return at the end of April, I make the best use of my time - I'll be there about 4-5 days. I've lived in Asia for 10 years but never in Cambodia.

Thanks in advance

*Inserts cynical comments here*

the western world

I don't think you'll be able to open a bank account with only a tourist visa. Subject to that, ABA are easiest.
Renting a tuktuk is a well-established market. I imagine the going rate is more than $1 a day and with no smart phone thrown in, so you ARE offering charity. IMHO, Cambodians do not respond well to charity, however they often respond well to good business propositions.

in my early days of visiting, me and another idiot bought a tuktuk for our regular driver who was renting his ride from his MOTHER IN LAW for $3/day. we did it mainly for hate of mothers in law.
the slimy little fucker then proceeded to arrange secret commissions on assisting us with purchase of motorbikes and other stuff.

better just give it to him outright than try and make it a loan

I've read a few threads - I expect a few cynical comments - that's ok

As for the charity thing - I'm conscious of the sensitivities. When I work it out in detail (I just posted rough figures), I'll hopefully be able to position it so that it is clearly more business proposition than charity - a strictly 'not for profit' where any proceeds are recycled back through the scheme. That will be the intention. More to expand/diversify the work/impact of the community centre than anything else. The more 'business' it looks, the quicker we would get to tuk-tuk #2, which suits everyone. The idea is mainly to eliminate a possible barrier out of poverty for a family. There is a lot of work being done to help out the kids and feed, clothe and educate them, we've just been talking about expanding the reach and sustainability beyond the kids.

Thanks for the input so far - all responses welcome. There will be loads I haven't thought of. The bank thing may be frustrating.

Secret commissions? The country runs on them.

If any repairs are needed or if there's an accident, then you'll be paying, because it's "your tuk tuk."

It will only be "his tuk tuk" when he's collecting fares.

Secret commissions? The country runs on them

the little shit at Jim's place. you would recall him.

What does he do now
Does he have a legit license
In whose name will it be
Who will buy insurance
who will pay for repairs
Where will he hang out to get fares
Does he have friends that own/rent tuk tuks
Why do u need a bank account? He could just pay someone you know and trust

Its not just a matter of buying one and letting him pay you back at $1-2/day

good idea, but, sad to say, u might be opening a can of worms getting involved.