Food
Staple foods of Cambodia include rice and fish, which are the basic ingredients for many Khmer dishes. Fish is the main source of protein in the diet but chicken, beef and poultry dishes can be readily found as well. A Cambodian meal almost always includes soup, or samla, which is eaten at the same time as the rest of the meal including curry, rice and noodle dishes. The main seasonings used in Khmer cooking are hot peppers, lemongrass, ginger and mint.
If you are looking for a picnic, abundant fruits and vegetables can be found in the multitude of markets as well as freshly baked, French influenced breads. Cambodians are known for their sweet tooth with spice and fruit flavoured ice cream being the popular treat in the cities or extremely sweet desserts made of fruit and rice.
Language
Khmer is the official language though French is commonly spoken as well, especially by the elderly. English is becoming more and more prevalent, and is the language of choice if you don’t have a Khmer speaking guide.
Cash
The local currency is officially the Riel but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and by everyone. The Thai bat is also accepted in the western parts of the country. Approximate conversions are:
$1 US Dollar = 4,000 Cambodian Riel
£1 British Pound = 6,000 Cambodian Riel
€1 Euro = 3,500 Cambodian Riel
For up to date currency information, check the Currency Converter.
Cambodia makes cheap travelling for the basics such as food and shelter. Lodging can range from just $2-3USD for a basic room and $10USD and up for a more luxurious accommodation with an en-suite bathroom and TV. Meals can range from $2-3USD per meal up to $10USD for a more substantial dinner.
If on a tight budget, you will want to plan ahead for the extra costs such as transportation when hiring a moto or taking a plane and entrance fees. The Angkor Wat fees, for example, will set you back around $20USD per day.
Visas
Visitors arriving by air can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh or the airport at Siem Reap. A one month tourist visa costs US$20, three month US$40 and more than three months US$60. iExtensions may be granted by the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh, but generally you will find your visa is non-renewable. Business visas are easier to renew. Make sure you have a valid passport and passport photos on hand to be submitted with your application. Visas are also available at the Thai overland border crossings at Koh Kong and Poipet. Visas are not available at any other overland border crossing from Vietnam or Laos.
Health
There are no specific requirements for immunizations to enter the country unless you have recently been in an area affected with Yellow Fever. However, for safe travel, the World Health Organization recommends the following immunizations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diptheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis B & Polio. For those visitors who plan to spend an extended period of time, the following jabs are also suggested: Tuberculosis and Japanese B Enchephalitis
In certain areas, Malaria and Dengue Fever can also be a problem. If you plan on going to remote areas, you may want to speak with your doctor about anti-malaria medication. Malaria is known to be present in the Angkor Wat temple region.
To safeguard against water-born diseases, stick to cool bottled water, fruits that can be peeled and street stall which plenty of locals and travellers are eating at.
For more information on international travel and health, check out the World Health Organization website.
Travel
By train
The ban has recently been lifted on foreigners travelling by train but the journeys are usually unreliable and long. If you have no set agenda and time on your hands, this cheap form of transport may be the way to go. In light of the tourist abductions over six years ago, it is worth checking with other travellers and with the station employees to ensure your journey will be a safe one.
By bus
There are regular buses from Phonm Penh to both Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. The trips will cost you around $2-4USD and $9USD respectively. Most of the way is driven on badly kept dirt roads and over not so sturdy bridges so beware of this before you set out on your journey.
By plane
Air travel is the easiest but most expensive way to get around the country. Plane travel is most beneficial if you have the cash and are going to remote places like Mondolkiri since the roads getting there are poor and bandits are rife along these routes. Flights can be booked with local travel agents or through the airlines themselves.
By taxi
Throughout the city, you can find a few regular metered taxis but much more prevalent are the unmetered kind. Make sure to get your fare quoted upfront if you pick one up off the street or you can have your hotel or travel agent arrange one for you. A car with driver can be hired for around $20-$30 USD per day. The minimum for short trips within the city will be around $2-$3 USD.
By moto
Moto (motodups) or motorcycle taxis are the best way to travel around the cities of Cambodia. Get to know your moto driver and use him everyday while you are in town. Moto drivers know the places to go and more importantly the places not to go and it is cheap, safe and reliable. You can expect to pay 10 cents – $1 for a trip in town and $5-$8 USD per day with private driver.
