Campuchia: Travel tips

- Etiquette

Always take your shoes off when entering a temple or when visiting private houses.
Never touch anybody’s head intentionally as it is regarded as a particularly holy part of the body.
Accordingly, the feet are literally the lowest part of the body so do not point your feet at anybody or at a Buddha image.

It is polite to ask permission before taking photographs of Cambodians, particularly monks.

It is unacceptable to criticize the royal family and the King. More than a politician, he is the symbol of the Khmer unity and traditions.

- Health Requirements

Travelers are advised to go to see their doctor for a check-up prior to the trip. Some countries will require specific vaccinations and your doctor will have access to the most up to date information about this. It is also a good idea to have a dental check-up before you go, as the facilities in many of the countries to which we travel may not be of the same standard as you are used to.

Insurance

Travellers are strongly recommended to purchase trip and travel insurance. This can cover anything from trip cancellation to accidents, emergencies, hospital fees, property loss and medical evacuation.

Currency, Money Exchange & ATM

The local currency is the Riel, although the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the country and in all major markets. In recent years the rate of exchange has been floating at around USD1 = 4,000 Riels. Some most-used Riel denominations include: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 notes.

What to bring

Walking shoes for exploring Cambodia’s vast temple complexes is a must and don’t forget a sweatshirt for cool nights as the temperature shift between the heat of the day and the evening can feel quite drastic. Because of Cambodia’s humid tropical climate, plenty of changes of socks and undergarments are encouraged.

Internet

1. is easy and cheap to access the Internet and emails in Cambodia. There are a plenty of internet cafes and many are open until late at night. Currently the charge is between 50 cents to 1 USD per hour, and falling.

Emergency contacts:

Ambulance: 119

Fire department: 118

Police: 117 or 118

Calmette Hospital (Phnom Penh):

3, boulevard Monivong SC Phnom Penh

Tel : 855 (0) 23 42 69 48

Pasteur Institute in Cambodia:

No. 5, Boulevard Monivong, 12201 Phnom Penh

Tel: 855 (0) 23 42 60 09

Royal Angkor Hospital, (Siem Reap)

Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea, National Route 6 (Airport Road), Krong Siem Reap 17000,

Tel. 063 761 888

Ambulance of the provincial hospital in Siem Reap: 855 (0) 63 76 11 19

Gratuities

While not compulsory, tipping is greatly appreciated throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the service industry. If you have pleased with the services provided. For reference, we have provided a general guideline below:

• Guides (>4 travellers): $10 - $15 per day per traveller
• Drivers (>4 travellers): $5 - $7 per day per traveller
• Guides (<5 travellers): $5 - $10 per day per traveller
• Drivers (<5 travellers): $3 - $5 per day per traveller
• Restaurants: 5-10% of the total bill
• Hotel Maid Service: $2 - $3 per day
• Porters: $1 at time of service
• Local Boat Transport: $3 - $
• Overnight Cruise: $5 - $10 per person per night (to cover all crew)

Please note all prices are quoted in USD.