What do you need to know before arriving in Phnom Penh?

Knowing about a country before moving to it is significant for a number of reasons. It can help you make a more informed decision about whether or not to move, and it can also help you prepare for the challenges and opportunities that you will face once you arrive.

Due to its wonderful cuisine, warm inhabitants, magnificent Buddhist temples, natural surroundings, and white sand beaches, Cambodia is a popular tourist destination.

The Khmer Rouge Regime, which impacted the progress of this lovely Southeast Asian nation in the 1970s, was able to endure. With the help of tourists, Cambodia is currently quickly thriving despite its tragic past, the effects of conflict, and poverty. Before visiting or moving to Cambodia, there are a few things you need to be aware of, which we have outlined in this article.

A variety of currencies is necessary

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel (KHR). However, the majority of places accept the US dollar readily. One US dollar is typically rounded up to 4000 KHR when determining the exchange rate.

Riels are typically utilized for modest purchases (such as cigarettes, fruit, or drinks purchased at a market stall), whereas dollars are preferred for dining establishments, lodging facilities, and grocery stores. As a result, it is common to pay in US dollars and get change in riels.

Visitors can make payments in Riel, which they can exchange for US dollars. Make sure your money is not harmed because there are strict regulations against accepting cash, particularly a shredded, filthy $100 bill. If not, even stores may reject it. The positive aspect is that you can probably eat cheaply and bring back a lot of souvenirs from the local markets because Cambodia has a low cost of living.

How much you can get in Cambodia for your money may surprise you. It is affordable, much like other nations in Southeast Asia. Food, accommodation, and transportation all cost a small fraction of what they once did.

Cambodia is secure – but you have to take care of your personal items

More than in any other Southeast Asian nation, you should keep an eye out for your possessions. It is advised to avoid taking pictures while riding in tuk-tuks because robbers watch for situations like this to steal your phone.

Never store your phone, wallet, or other priceless personal items in your rear pockets. Verify that they are either in your front pockets or zipped up. Make sure your bag is carried securely across your body, not just carried casually over one shoulder, if you’re traveling with one.

Bargaining in Cambodia

When shopping in markets, taking motor, tuk-tuks, or cyclos, bargaining is typical. Prices at cheaper lodgings can frequently be negotiated as well, particularly if you intend to stay for a number of nights or more.

The vendor typically starts off with slightly over-inflated pricing; for small items with an initial price of less than $10 USD, plan on being able to negotiate a reduction of less than a third.

Popular method of transportation

The most popular modes of transportation in Cambodian cities are tuk-tuks. Traveling almost anywhere within a city will only cost you no more than $5 USD. However, you can download transportation apps like Grab, PassApps, and TADA which might help you save more cost.

Alternatively, you might hire a driver for the day. For your own private driver for the day, plan to spend about $20–$25 USD!

Languages spoken in Cambodia

Khmer is the official language. Like Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia was a French colony. Despite this, a few people are fluent in French.

Communication in Cambodia is straightforward, nevertheless, Cambodians speak English far better than their neighboring countries. Young people typically speak English. More than this, some teenagers and adults understand Thai as well.

Tipping in Cambodia

Although tips are not typically expected, a few hundred riels more for a meal, tuk-tuk ride, or motorcycle excursion is always gratefully accepted.

Greeting in Cambodia

The way people in Cambodia greet one another is called “Sampeah”. Put your hands together in a prayer-like position and droop your head to do the “Sampeah”.

Best time to visit Cambodia

All months are the best time to visit Cambodia because this country has a variety of festival to celebrate and place to travel. March to May is the hottest month, but they celebrate the Khmer New Year at that time. People are delighted with this season even if it is hot.

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