Money and Costs
Cambodia's unit of currency is the riel , abbreviated to "r". Notes come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000, although the bigger notes are seldom seen, as dollars tend to be used for larger transactions. American dollars are accepted everywhere; indeed, you'll be expected to pay in dollars rather than riel at guesthouses, restaurants and for most entrance fees to tourist sites. In fact, it's possible to get by in Cambodia without actually changing any foreign currency into riel, but there are times when riel notes are useful - lower priced items such as street food and motos are normally paid for in riel, and bargaining in riel for crafts at a market, for example, gives you more room for manoeuvre. Changing up to say $10 worth will give you a chunky pile of riel, enough to last you a few days. Thai baht are also widely used in the border areas, and on the main trade routes from Thailand. It's best to change your currency into dollars before you enter Cambodia if possible, although banks in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will exchange most currencies. Travellers' cheques can be changed at most banks for a small commission. Credit-card cash advances are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang. ATMs haven't yet arrived in Cambodia. To exchange dollars into riel, don't bother with the banks - they issue riel at a low rate, if at all. Head instead for the nearest market, where moneychangers display bundles of riel in their glass cabinets. At the time of writing, a dollar in Phnom Penh's central market was worth 3800r. On the whole, food and accommodation is slightly more expensive in Cambodia than in its neighbouring countries. However, it's possible to live quite cheaply : if you stay in the cheapest guesthouses, eat only at the markets and street stalls and travel on trains or on the back of pick-ups, you'll be able to scrape by on GBP5/$8 a day, not including entrance fees to museums and other sights. However, eating a few guesthouse or restaurant meals, and staying in en-suite accommodation will quickly increase daily costs to around GBP10/$15. For decent air-con accommodation, three good meals a day, and a bit of nightlife, reckon on spending around GBP20/$30. At present there is no two-tier pricing system as in Vietnam, though there are signs that this may be changing. The fast boat between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh attracts a foreigner price, and it seems the other boat routes are catching on. On the whole, however, accommodation and food are charged at the Khmer price. The easiest way to get money wired to you in Cambodia is via the branches of Western Union in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
jars of clayyi says "a must go place in Phonm Penh if you like great English food.
Waitresses speak gently in sweet English." siem reap wondersFistri Abdul Rahim says "its not just Angkor that's amazing, check out the Old Markets and the wonderfully friendly shopowners, Shop no 35 especially! Me and friend came back a second time and she offered us a great Siem Reap snack that is so tastefully sweet we just got to grab a few pieces to bring home.
Also, go around in the Tuk-tuks rather than the mini vans or cars, that way you could see the sights first hand and feel the breeze (and dust! hahah).
Oh and when you just want to chill and see the world go by, sit by the verandah on the ground floor or get a seat next to the balcony at the great, Grand Cafe. The profiterolles were great and so is the fresh orange juice!" Explore South-East Asia On Line (Video + Stills)David Mundstock says "My film "Ho Asked Me to Go” presents an exciting trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. It features Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Cambodian court dancing, both north and south Vietnam, including Hanoi’s water puppet theater, the Great Sacred Stupa of Laos, and Luang Prabang with its dazzling Buddhist temples, plus much more.
The video can be seen on the web, if you have a high speed internet connection.
This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I still sell absolutely nothing.
With any modem you can view the gallery of still pictures from this trip.
There are 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line including trips to China, Russia, Antarctica, Italy, the UK, Australia, Bali, Japan, Africa, Greece, and Turkey; see lions, whales, elephants, or penguins.
The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures.
To watch the videos or view the stills, ask a search engine for: Intrepid Berkeley Explorer"
Your Tip for Cambodia
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