FAQS

FAQ's

With a VFW membership, you'll find all this and more!
  • Camaraderie
  • Empowerment
  • Access to a vast network of resources
  • Assistance securing the benefits you've earned
  • Numerous discounts on a number of products and services
Further, your VFW membership establishes your place in the VFW legacy that dates back to our founding in 1899.

Your dues of just $45.00 will cover the cost of your membership for a full calendar year as a Member of the Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575 in Phnom Penh.
 
($1.98 of your membership dues goes toward your VFW magazine subscription.) 

Then every year on your anniversary date, renew your annual membership dues of $45 (subject to change), and continue to enjoy the benefits of belonging.
 
Hate having to worry about when you are supposed to renew?
 
A Life Membership to the VFW ensures that you will always enjoy your benefits. Plus, you'll never have to worry about the cost going up.
 
Life Membership is prorated based on your age. From 18 to 30, it's only $425. At a little less than ten years, you've broken even.
 
But not everyone walks around with that kind of cash. So, we'll make it easy on you. Pay the annual rate of $45, which secures your annual membership. Then 11 monthly payments of $35 after that. If you are older than 30, it's even less.
 

Yes, we can help you with getting Veteran Benefits.

As the largest organization of combat veterans, we understand the frustrations that can arise when transitioning out of the military or filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn't try to navigate alone. That's why the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) was established to help all veterans, service members, their families and survivors.
 
Our Junior Vice Commander, Cody Fuerst, also acts as our Post Benefit Advisor, and he is the best person to help you get what you are entitled to.
 
 
Or call Cody directly at his cell +855- (0)69-898-035

HOWEVER, he cannot help with issues concerning Social Security, the IRS, or US Immigration.
 
See the other FAQs about contacting those agencies for assistance.

No, thankfully, you don't. For South East Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, etc.) Social Security is handled by the
Federal Benefits Unit
United States Embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita, Manila 0930
Philippines
Phone: 632-5301-6200
Fax: 632-8708-9714 or 632-8708-9723
Email:FBU.Manila@ssa.gov
 
The Post cannot decide Social Security cases or access your records. We can help you find the right contact and understand what documents you may need.

Things like Visas are handled by the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. Here's the address:

U.S. Embassy in Cambodia
#1, Street 96
Sangkat Wat Phnom
Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Phone: (855-23) 728-000

If you are in immediate danger or need police, fire, or ambulance services, contact Cambodian emergency services first, if possible.

American Citizens should call the Embassy as soon as is practical in the event of an arrest, death, hospitalization, or other emergency involving a U.S. citizen.
 
In an emergency, Embassy personnel can assist in talking with medical personnel, police, or other officials on behalf of the U.S. citizen and his or her family.

For emergencies during regular office hours (8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday) please call +855 23-728-000.

In the event of an emergency after hours, please call +855 23-728-000.  Press 1 and then 0 to be transferred to the operator.

A duty officer is always available outside of normal office hours to assist American citizens with serious emergencies.

U.S. citizens with emergencies should call the Embassy’s main number, 023-728-000. Please note that routine matters such as visa inquiries or replacement pages for passports do not constitute emergencies.

Callers in the United States can also contact the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free at 1-888-407-4747.

For non-emergency issues, please visit the US Embassy -- Cambodia's general information page.


Emergency Assistance
U.S. Citizens with Emergencies
Please call: +855-23-728-000

Outside of Cambodia: +855-23-728-000

Outside of Office Hours: +855-23-728-000

 No.
 
U.S. citizens can apply to renew or replace a passport through the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. For routine passport services, you must make an appointment; the Embassy does not accept walk-ins for non-emergency consular services.

Do not wait until the last minute. Many countries and airlines require travelers to have at least six months of passport validity before travel. Check the entry rules for every country you plan to visit.

 
If your passport is expired, lost, stolen, or you must travel within two weeks, contact the Embassy about an emergency passport. If eligible, the Embassy may issue a limited-validity emergency passport for urgent travel. You will later need to replace it with a regular passport.

If you move to Cambodia, you can still get care for VA-rated service-connected disabilities through the VA Foreign Medical Program. If you also have TRICARE, it may help pay for a wider range of medical care. Medicare usually does not pay for care in Cambodia, but keeping Medicare Part B may be necessary if you use TRICARE For Life.[va][newsroom.tricare][medicare]

Getting VA-covered care

The VA Foreign Medical Program, or FMP, helps eligible veterans who live or travel outside the United States.

FMP can pay for medically needed care for:

  • A VA-rated service-connected disability
  • A condition that makes a service-connected disability worse
  • Some care connected to VA Veteran Readiness and Employment

Before you move, contact FMP and ask for your benefits letter. It lists the disabilities that FMP can cover. You may see a licensed doctor, clinic, or hospital in Cambodia. In many cases, you pay the bill first and then file a claim with FMP. Keep your medical records, itemized bills, and proof of payment.[va][va][va]

FMP is not full health insurance. It usually will not pay for care that is unrelated to your service-connected disabilities.[va][benefits.va]

If you have TRICARE

TRICARE may fill an important gap. It can cover a broader range of medically necessary care than FMP, depending on your plan and eligibility.

Retired service members and eligible family members may qualify for TRICARE Select Overseas. If you have TRICARE For Life, it may also cover approved care overseas. In Cambodia, you may need to pay the provider first and submit a claim for reimbursement.[myarmybenefits.us.army][newsroom.tricare][newsroom.tricare]

Before you leave the United States:

  • Confirm which TRICARE plan you have.
  • Update your address and enroll in the overseas plan if needed.
  • Ask International SOS, the TRICARE Overseas contractor, how to find providers in Cambodia.
  • Ask about referrals, approvals, prescriptions, claims, emergency care, and medical evacuation.
  • Check whether a hospital or clinic can bill TRICARE directly before you receive non-emergency care.[newsroom.tricare][tricare-overseas][tricare-overseas]

Medicare in Cambodia

Medicare usually does not pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, or routine emergencies in Cambodia. Its foreign-care exceptions are very limited and normally do not apply to someone who lives there.[medicare][medicare]

If you have TRICARE For Life, do not drop Medicare Part B without getting advice from TRICARE. In most cases, you must keep Part B and continue paying its premium to keep TRICARE For Life. While you are in Cambodia, TRICARE For Life is normally the main payer for covered TRICARE care because Medicare does not pay overseas.[newsroom.tricare][newsroom.tricare][osan.tricare]

How the programs work

Need
Main program to check
Care for a service-connected disability
VA Foreign Medical Program
Care for other covered medical problems
TRICARE Overseas or TRICARE For Life
Routine care in Cambodia through Medicare
Medicare usually does not pay
Care when back in the United States
Medicare and TRICARE, if eligible
Medical care not covered by VA or TRICARE
Private insurance or self-pay

 

Do not send the same bill to VA and TRICARE without first asking which program should pay. Keep copies of every bill, receipt, test result, and treatment record.[newsroom.tricare][newsroom.tricare]

Before you move

  1. Contact the VA Foreign Medical Program and confirm the disabilities it covers.
  2. Get copies of your VA rating decision, medication list, recent records, and FMP benefits letter.
  3. Confirm your TRICARE eligibility and overseas enrollment.
  4. If you have TRICARE For Life, make sure Medicare Part A and Part B remain active.
  5. Find clinics and hospitals near where you will live, and learn their payment rules.
  6. Budget for care that FMP and TRICARE may not cover.
  7. Consider private medical and evacuation insurance, especially if you live far from a major hospital.

The most important point is simple: FMP can help with service-connected disabilities; TRICARE may provide broader care; and Medicare usually will not pay in Cambodia. Contact the VA and TRICARE before moving so you know what your own benefits cover.[va][newsroom.tricare][medicare]

First, let's address the latest travel advisory about Cambodia, released on September 15, 2026.
The State Department is recommending these general precautions:
  • Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance.
  • Do Not Travel to Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to unrest.
  • Exercise increased caution in Phnom Penh due to crime.
  • Exercise Increased Caution in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces due to unexploded ordnance.
More specifically, they state:

... Risks in specific areas
  • Level: 4 - Do not travel
    Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia – Thailand border due to ongoing tensions between Cambodian and Thai military forces. Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties. There is a collateral risk of violence. Avoid all unessential travel within 50km of these border areas until further notice. 
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in this region due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.

  • Level: 2 - Exercise increased caution

    Exercise increased caution in Phnom Penh due to crime.
    Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather. Do not resist as this can result in injury. Violent crimes, such as sexual assault and homicide do occur. These are sometimes committed against foreigners.

Exercise Increased Caution in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces due to unexploded ordnance.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote areas throughout Cambodia, including these provinces:

  • Battambang
  • Banteay Meanchey
  • Pursat
  • Siem Reap
  • Pailin
  • Kampong Thom
  • Preah Vihear
Do not touch unknown metal objects.

Instead, notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center by dialing 012-800-473, or 023-995-437.
Use local guides when walking in forests or dry rice paddies in these areas."1 

This information, and more can be found on the travel.state.gov website.
But sometimes it can be time-consuming to track down that information.
So, why doesn't the Government have a service that warns us? It does.

The US State Department offers a free service to all Americans traveling the world:
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program2 
 A logo for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
 
"It is a free service that sends you email updates and alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad."
Just click on the picture to go to the sign up page.
 

1. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/cambodia.html
2. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/smart-traveler-enrollment-program.html

Do not assume that a tourist visa is the right visa for living in Cambodia.

A tourist visa is meant for short visits.
It is usually valid for one month after entry. People who intend to live, work, retire, or stay in Cambodia long term should learn about the proper visa and extension options before they arrive—or before their current visa expires.

Using a tourist visa for a long stay can lead to repeated border runs, extra expense, and immigration problems. A border run does not solve every visa issue, and rules can change.

Do not overstay your visa.
 
Cambodia can fine, detain, deport, or bar people from returning if they violate immigration rules.
 
The U.S. Department of State reports that overstays are fined at $10 per day.
 
An overstay of more than 30 days can also require an exit visa, obtained in Phnom Penh, before leaving the country.

Before you move or renew your stay:

  • Check the expiration date in your passport and on your Cambodian visa.
  • Start the extension process well before the expiration date.
  • Make sure your passport has enough remaining validity. Cambodia generally requires at least six months of passport validity beyond your arrival date.
  • Use official Cambodian immigration information or a reputable, established visa service.
  • Keep copies of your passport, visa, extension paperwork, receipts, and contact information.
  • Do not rely only on advice from social media, a bar, or a friend.
    Immigration rules and enforcement can change.
The Post cannot tell you which Cambodian visa you personally qualify for, process your application, or guarantee an extension. We can help point you toward official information and practical local resources.

The State Department currently says tourist and business visas are valid for one month from entry, warns that overstays can lead to arrest and deportation, and notes the stated $10-per-day overstay fine.
 
The Cambodian General Department of Immigration is the official source for immigration information. Click on the link or email them at info@immigration.gov.kh