10 Things You Need To Know Before Going To Cambodia
Last Updated: November 26 2020
1. Cambodia has dual currency:
Before entering Cambodia you can’t get Cambodian Riel, so make sure you take in US dollars. If you want to change them to Cambodian Riel you can when you get to Cambodia, or you can just stick with US dollars. One thing we did notice was that all ATM machines gave an option for either US dollars or Cambodian Riel, however we only ever took out US dollars.
2. Be aware of the exchange rates:
Generally $1 = 4,000 Cambodian Riel or thereabouts.
3. Cambodia can be an emotional country to visit:
Cambodia is also where you will find numerous killing fields and the S21 prison from the Khmer Rouge. These places are absolutely heartbreaking but they are a must visit if you want to learn the history of the country. Graphic images can be found in these places, as well as horrific stories you can hear on audiotapes. It is very upsetting, but don’t miss out on visiting because it will give you an in depth understanding of what happened to this country.
4. Transport in Cambodia is not the best:
We have had multiple occasions when our pick up has turned up late; sometimes up to an hour. We have had times where we were quoted a journey time of 4 hours, which turned into 7 hours. Also we have booked transport, only to be stuffed onto a public bus with people sitting on the floor because there was no room! Travelling through Cambodia can be an experience in itself. However the transport does get you from place to place and that’s all that matters! Just make sure when booking transport that you don’t book consecutive journeys straight after each other. The chances are you will not arrive to your destination the time you are told, so give time in between to catch another bus or transfer!
5. Book popular places in advance:
6. Research your itinerary, and make sure you are visiting the right places for you:
Upon getting the ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem you have to travel through Sihanoukville. We are so glad we decided not to stay here, as we probably would have got there and left straight away. Sihanoukville is currently being built upon by Chinese companies, who are building casino after casino and ruining the place! Even people who used to live there, didn’t want to stay there anymore. They have now moved to another part of Cambodia, with some people saying they wouldn’t even bother to go back. If possible talk to other travellers and see where they would recommend. It may help you to decide which places should go on your itinerary.
7. There are animals everywhere:
8. Make sure to haggle for prices:
We found that when visiting the killing fields in Phnom Penh; a good price to pay for a tuk tuk there and back was around $12-15. The driver waits while you visit and will organise to take you back to the city in around an hour or more.
9. Be aware of the food in some areas:
10. Taxi apps such as Grab aren’t available everywhere in Cambodia
We hope you have enjoyed reading this post, and that it has given you some tips for travelling through Cambodia!
P.S for more of our travel tips, head over to our Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/acouplescalling/
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I’m one half of Acouplescalling. I'm passionate about all things travel and photography and I love sharing my experiences with others. I've seen a lot of the world already and I want to help as many people as I can do the same thing!