Money
The two official currencies of Cambodia are the Riel and US Dollar. Most small purchases are made in Cambodian Riel, and larger amounts (over a few dollars) are made in US currency. The current exchange rate is about 4,000 Cambodian Riel to one US dollar. You can exchange Thai Baht and Euros in some places as well. The banks all have VISA and Master Card withdrawal services, sometimes with no fee. Travelers checks can also be exchanged. |
Money Part 2
Dollars, dollars, everywhere, but you can't spend them all. Be careful when accepting large bills, as there are a few counterfeits out there. Also be warned: U.S. dollars ($5 and up) with small rips, writing on the bill, or too old will not be accepted anywhere. Don't accept it from anyone, don't expect other people to take this money from you either. Cambodian currency, the Riel, can be torn, taped, or look like it was printed at Angkor Wat 1,000 years ago, and it's OK to use. Check out UCB Bank downtown. Also, Mekong Bank, Cambodian Public Bank, ACLEDA, Canandia Bank, Cambodia Asia Bank. Some of these banks also have Western Union services. Recently, there's been a lot of ATM machines going in all over town as well. |
Help, I need a doctor
Medical services are very basic in Sihanoukville, and a bit better in Phnom Penh. Malaria is common in the jungles, but not in Sihanoukville. Most all drugs can be purchased over the counter at dozens of pharmacies in town. Check out International Peace Hospital and Dr. Po Song. The SihanoukVille Hospital is also open 24 hours. Or you just might want to work out at the Fitness Center and stay healthy! |
Customs and Culture
Cambodia is a Buddhist country. Monks walk around in the morning, collecting food and money to maintain the Wats (Buddhist Temples). Most people light incense in their homes and businesses in the evenings. The Cambodian people are generally very polite and respectful, and expect the same in return. The Buddhist religion is very tolerant of all views.
If you have any problem or disagreement here, best to smile and speak quietly and politely. Showing anger or disrespect is only likely to cause trouble. |
HolidaysEvery week or three comes a yearly holiday. Banks and government institutions are closed, but most other places are open for business. In Sihanoukville, holidays (holiday schedule) are usually crowded with tourists from Phnom Penh. If you see a holiday comes on a weekend, expect the following Monday to be a holiday as well. Khmers like to party like the rest of us! |
Sex
Some people have it here, some don't. If you are having it, make sure (guys) wrap it up. "Number One" in Cambodia is a condom, not a number, and it costs about 3 cents each. Use it. If you need help, don't forget Dr. Po Song and the International Peace Hospital. Free AIDs test at the Sihanoukville Hospital by the Red Cross. |
Visas
You can get your Cambodian Visa at most overland borders and at the airport, (for citizens of most countries), if you don't have one already. A tourist visa cost $20 (plus whatever else they can get), and you must have 2 photos. It's good for 30 days and can be renewed once, while you're in the country, for another 30 days and $55.
Also, in Sihanoukville, you can get a visa for Vietnam within hours, and at the best price in the world. Stop by Ana Internet & Travel for more information. |
Police
Police are everywhere in Cambodia. But it's usually hard to find one when you need help. Remember, if you want service, the $20 monthly salary of police doesn't cover all their cost. If you need help, expect to pay for it. One option, Ana Internet & Travel, has good translators and lots of experience to help with most small problems.
Telephone:
When calling Cambodia from overseas, the country extension is 855. Any phone number starting with a "0", you should not dial the "0". When calling from within Cambodia, you can find public phone stands everywhere, and calls are usually 8 to 12 cents a minute.
Calling overseas can be done a most internet shops. Calls usually are 12 cents and up per minute. |
Driving
Tourists can drive bicycles, electric bicycles (no license needed), small 100cc motorcycles, big dirt bikes, and cars. Traffic travels on the RIGHT side of the road, and there are very few laws. #1 is don't turn your headlights on in the daytime. Cambodian driver's licenses cost about $40, take 3 weeks (you do get a temporary license after a few days), and require paperwork. While Cambodians don't need licenses starting at 8 years old, foreigners are required to have one. International Drivers Licenses apparently don't count. |
Language
Khmer is the language of Cambodia. Some of the people older than 45 can speak some French. Most all the students here learn English. Most all of the tourist places you will find in SihanoukVille have some English speakers. Several foreigners have businesses here from over 40 different countries, speaking their native languages. Tourism is still new to Cambodia, so you might like to try using some Khmer words such as "Please" and "Thank You" and you should be pleased by the response. |
