PracticalPractical
ATM in Cambodia
Cambodia runs on US Dollars, thus the ATM machines dispense USD (although there are some where you can choose to have Khmer riels, but they are almost useless for tourists). US Dollar bills cannot have any marks, tears, or signs of wear. As for Khmer riels, they can be dirty and marked to the point you hardly recognize the value…
Since 2005, the ATM network has steadily increased. ACLEDA Bank has the most extensive network, with ATMs across the country and even in the smallest of places. ATMs of ANZ/Royal Bank are concentrated in the capital Phnom Penh and in tourist places like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Money and Costs in Cambodia
On the whole Cambodia is an inexpensive place, although it is a bit more expensive than neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. Of course you can reduce your costs by bargaining, although you shouldn’t overdo this as in Cambodia foreigners are quoted higher prices, but not nearly as much as in e.g. Vietnam.
Cambodia’s official currency is the riel, but you’ll see many people using the US Dollar to pay for everyday expenses. Don’t be fooled into changing dollars into riel at the land border crossings! The touts will tell you that the dollar is now not used anymore, so you have to change into riel at their ridicolous low exchange rate.
DO NOT BELIEVE any story like that.
Dangers and Annoyances in Cambodia
Cambodia for many people still has a reputation of a dangerous country.
Well, these people are wrong.
If you are not wandering off in far-away places you’ll not come across any landmine.
Pickpockets are active – of course – as they are in your country, just keep your wits about.
There is one thing that can be dangerous in Cambodia: the traffic, especially on the routes between towns.
Drinking Water & Ice: Is it safe?
A question asked by many travellers: what about the water in Cambodia? Can I drink the tap water and what about the ice in our drinks?
Is it safe, or should I avoid ice in drinks?
Here we explain to you what is safe and unsafe.
What the difference is between the big blocks of ice and ‘clean ice’.
And what the quality is of the tap water in Cambodia.
Malaria & Dengue Fever
Mosquito bites are irritating - and can be fatal. Malaria and Dengue Fever are serious diseases carried by mosquitoes.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are defined as malarial areas with low rates of transmission while the rest of Cambodia should be considered as high risk malarial areas.
Dengue fever is prevalent especially in heavily populated areas. Insect protection measures should be taken throughout the day.
Because mosquitos breed in still standing water, in the wet season mosquito activity is increased. However mosquitoes may still be active in the dry season.
How to make cheaper international phone calls from Cambodia
If you use the ‘normal’ international gateways, calling from Cambodia to abroad is very expensive. But that needn’t be, as most mobile phone providers have much cheaper international gateways.
This only applies to calls made from a mobile phone, fixed phone lines do not have access to these cheaper gateways.
Read in this Cambodia Travel Guide ‘tip & trick’ how to make cheaper phone calls from Cambodia to overseas. Of course there are other alternatives, like Skype, but we leave these out of this tip.
Read more: How to make cheaper international phone calls from Cambodia
Fast boat Phnom Penh-Siem Reap resumes service: Do or Don't?
The fast boat services from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and vice versa will resume operating from August 15, 2011 onwards.
These fast boat services have been on and off over the last few years, so we’ll see how long this restarted service will last.
Anyway, should you consider this option for travelling between Cambodia’s capital and the temples of Angkor?
To be honest, we would say: NO.
Here are a few (but probably not all) reasons why.
Read more: Fast boat Phnom Penh-Siem Reap resumes service: Do or Don't?
Foreign Embassies in Cambodia
Here you find the complete list of countries with an embassy or consulate in Cambodia with contact information including address, phone number and website address.
By the way: on the boulevard along the Tonle Sap in Phnom Penh you see a row of flags. These flags on the riverside boulevard are of countries and international organizations represented in Cambodia.
Cambodia's riel survives alongside the dollar
In Cambodia, money talks as loudly as it does anywhere else in the world - but at least it never burns a hole in your pocket.
That's because there aren't any coins. You can't talk about coppers or nickels in Cambodian riel. The national bank gave up striking anything metallic more than a decade ago.
Cambodia Visa Application
To get into Cambodia is real easy. Visa’s are now available at almost every entry point, whether you enter the country overland or by air. Note that visa’s for neighbouring Vietnam and Laos are not available at the border crossings.
For most nationalities there’s no need to apply for a visa at Cambodian embassies overseas. Generally that is much more expensive.
The visa process at the borders is easy and straightforward. Do not believe touts who claim you need their ‘assistance’.
Subcategories
- Tips & Hints
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Health
In this section you find all information on health in Cambodia: general information on keeping healthy, diseases and how to avoid them, precautions, health care (hospitals, doctors, dental clinics), first aid and emergency telephone numbers, and other medical specialists like physiotherapists, orthopedics and more.
- Money & Costs
- Embassies
- Visa
