Cambodian to Vancouver

August 2, 2006 11:04 AM

Need help buying a plane ticket for a Cambodian to come to Vancouver Canada from Phnom Penh. I'm in Vancouver.

Because she is a Cambodian citizen, we would prefer the flight didn’t stop over in USA, even if it’s just a fueling stop, she would need a visa, and that’s an extra $100 dollars plus interview.

A flight from Phnom Penh, then to Singapore, Japan, the Philippines or Hong Kong then straight to Vancouver would be best.
Because these countries seem to allow transit visas or exemptions. Maybe Korea too.

I tried checking out a couple Vancouver travel agents, and they all quoted prices that were very outrageous. It would be cheaper to buy TWO round trip tickets TO Cambodia then just cancel half of each of them.


So any suggestions on how to purchase a cheaper ticket? Any travel agents you know, in Vancouver preferably, that could get me a cheaper ticket. Or any www sites that could help too?

posted by Iax to Travel & Transportation around Vancouver, BC (6 answers total)

An acquaintance bought a ticket through skyauction.com from NY to Brazil and it was only $600 return. He's bought from that site before with success, but I can't speak first hand about it. I don't know what you were quoted by travel agents in Van, but the site gives a price of $1740USD (which is outrageous to me but maybe not to you?) for a flight on Sept 1. When does she want to travel?
posted by girlpublisher at 11:44 AM on August 2, 2006

I'm not don't know about Canada specifically, but Bangkok is a major hub for the area, you may be able to find cheaper flights from there, and pay a small amount for the seperate hop from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, by flight or bus.
posted by MetaMonkey at 12:58 PM on August 2, 2006

It would work best if she could arrange the flight with a travel agent of some sort in Cambodia, then you could communicate with the agent and pay directly via credit card (by fax, phone or email) or bank transfer. Failing that, you could wire the money to her and she could pay for the ticket herself. It's bound to be cheaper if it is bought in her country.
posted by fish tick at 7:44 PM on August 2, 2006

I second MetaMonkey's advice. Air Asia flights from PP to BKK are about US$25 or so. From there to Vancouver, EVA and China Airways usually have the best fares, but if they don't work then check THAI or Air Canada
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 7:51 PM on August 2, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks.
Flight doesnt have to be for a month or so.
I was just worried about scams. Shes in Cambodia, and you dont have much luck with police there.

From the www sites Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese posted, the clause they all seem to have is some variation of
"You are required to present the credit card used to purchase the ticket during check-in at the airport. Passengers who fail to do so will be denied boarding unless they purchase a full-fare ticket at the airport ticket counter. "
Any way to buy the ticket for someone else?
Because the flights they offer seem to have the best price.
posted by Iax at 9:54 PM on August 2, 2006

Any way to buy the ticket for someone else?

I'm not sure, Iax. You could try calling Air Asia, or the other airlines, and telling them the detail. I know Air Asia's call center staff speak English.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 5:56 PM on August 3, 2006