Cambodian Online
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The Gateway Portal to Cambodia
 

 Information

24-Aug-2005
Last Edited

"Go and look behind the Ranges-something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go! "
---
 Rudyard Kipling

Travel Notes and Tips:

Banks - There are still no ATM machines in the country with “bank stability” seeming to have been a severe issue in the past and somewhat of a concern in the present.  Although I have no confirmation of this, there seems to be no form of insurance from the government and should a bank go belly up, you are simply out of whatever money was in that institution.  Rumor also has it that “Canadia” Bank is one of the more stable banks and is endorsed/used by the Cambodian Prime Minister.

Money/Currency
Everything is quoted in dollars, including food, bus tickets and goods.  Riel is only used for "small money" and change.  Anything less than a dollar is returned in change as Riel.  In early 2004, the exchange rate was approximately 4,000 Riel to the dollar and 100,000 Riel to the 1,000 Thai Baht note.

Local Salaries - Remember, wages are low here and people are use to $30 to $60 a month if they have a job at all.  Handing over $2 to a moto driver who is going to take you 5 city blocks is a small fortune.  Use your generosity sparingly so those that have to live here don't get hassled so much.

Motorcycle Taxis – These guys will go just about anywhere for $1 USD or 4,000 Riel.  If you bargain at all, you can go a long way for half that which will still be considerably higher than what a local will have to pay....so don't feel bad to lower the price. (Locals will only pay 500 riel for the same trip.)

Cyclos (three wheel bicycles) - Seems the going rate to rent these by the hour is of course $1 or 4,000 Riel in Phnom Penh. Good chance you will be overcharged taking one of these...

Internet – The Internet in Phnom Penh is far cheaper than in Siem Reap with most places charging 1,500 Riel per hour compared to Siem Reap at 4,000 Riel per hour.  Although it makes no sense, you will often see a sign that states the rate in Riel at 1,500 an hour and in USD, $1.00!! 

Copyright © 2003-2004 The Editor
All rights reserved.

Dangerous? – The most danger you will face here in Siem Reap is from the traffic.  Accidents do happen frequently so try to use caution when possible.

Cost of Living – If you stay away from the bars, you can easily live on $5 USD a day.

Visas- The visa process seems to be rather straight forward if you wish to come to live and work.  More Information.

The sign over the highway entering Siem Reap from Angkor Wat