Travelling Cambodia - 10 Things You Need To Know
May 13, 2023
Today we share 10 things to know before you go to Cambodia, perfect for those visiting Cambodia for the first time.
Cambodia is an understated country but home to some of the most interesting sights in Asia. With a massive complex of ancient temples in Siem Reap and a capital steeped in history, Cambodia should be on your Asia itinerary.
1.Visa
You will need a visa - As you enter Cambodia, you will need a visa, which costs $30. If you enter via a board, often companies will try to overcharge you, but collecting a visa on arrival when you land at an airport is perhaps the easiest option. Just make sure you have dollars on you before you land, the ATM charges extra to withdraw. Also do not try to pay in another currency, you will often be overcharged.
2.Buddhist rules
The Cambodian people are gentle and don’t tend to confront or argue with others. However, this country is a strictly buddhist country to avoid offending or insulting others by following their rules. When visiting temples, palaces, religious places or pagodas, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
3.Currency
The Cambodian currency is real but the American Dollar is used more. Riel are good for small transactions but the dollar is used across the country in 99% of situations. Just make sure you have smaller notes as local street vendors and tuk-tuk drivers will not have change for a $100 bill.
4.Barter
Haggling is key in Cambodia. Unless there is a price tag, the price is always negotiable. Walking away often helps but just make sure to never agree on the first price; even for tuk-Tuks and motorbike taxis.
5.Know where to go
There are tuk-tuks all over the country but they may not always know where your hotel is. Have an idea of your destination on a map so you can vaguely point your driver in the right direction.
6.Keep calm and double check
The locals want to please you but may not always understand what you have asked for. Avoid raising your voice in this country but always double check if a local has understood your request, especially If a smile is followed by a nervous giggle.
7.Start early
Many places open by 8am in Cambodia and the heat and humidity rises throughout the morning. To avoid the hot sun, start your days early and do your tourist sites in the morning so that you can be back in your hotel pool by midday.
8.Don’t ride the elephants
Cambodia still had a massive problem with the mistreatment of elephants. In many areas of the country, baby elephants are taken from their mothers to be grown for tourists. Learn more about the industry and don’t ride the elephants.
9.Don’t drink tap water
Tap water is not clean in Cambodia so stick to bottled water.
10.Avoid the scams
Unfortunately, because of the poverty in Cambodia, there are some scams in the country to avoid. One scam includes a young person asking for a meal, then the restaurant overcharging you for a meal massively whilst another popular scam includes a woman with a baby asking for baby formula. She will then take you to a nearby min-mart where formula costs $20.
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