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FAQs for Siem Reap, Cambodia Travel

1. Q. Is Cambodia safe?

    A. Yes, Cambodia is a very safe country. Cambodian people are non-violent and for the most part are quite honest. There are occasional reports of petty theft, and minor scams, but this can easily be avoided by just using a little common sense. Of course, do not leave your things unattended, and it is a good idea to hold on to your bag while riding in a tuk-tuk. Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home, or at least in the hotel safe, and do not leave cash or valuables unattended in your hotel room. Some people use money belts that can be worn inside the clothing or a pouch hung around the neck under the shirt.


2. Q. What's the weather like?

    A. The dry, and somewhat cool season is from December to February, but daytime temperatures can still get up to 30°C. The evenings and early mornings can be a bit chilly. A light jacket is recommended.
The hot & humid season starts around March, and April is by far the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 40°C plus. The rain begins in May and lasts through November, but the real heavy rain months are September and October. The rain is not constant, however, and may be characterized by afternoon or evening downpours. Some roads in the countryside may be impassable at this time because of flooding or being washed out.

3. Q. How much should I budget for the trip?

    A. Of course that depends entirely on your style of travel, the level of comfort you are accustomed to, and the length of your trip. Below are some examples of basic costs quoted in US dollars.
You can find guesthouses from as low as $5 a night to 5-star hotel suites for $2000.
Street food can cost as little $0.75 for a meal, to $2-$3 at a cheap local restaurant ($4 or $5 including beer), to $8 -$20 (and up) at a hotel restaurant. In Phnom Penh hotels by the riverside can range from $13-$400+.
A massage can cost $5 at a small place near the old market, or $15 at a fancy "spa".

As a generally guide, you can use the following as a daily budget per person. It includes accommodation, food, and a beer or two, but does not include guide, driver, or Angkor Temple pass.
- Budget traveler: $18~$25
- Flashpacker: $30~$45
- Mid-range: $60~$80
- Deluxe- $100~up


4. Q. How much is the Angkor Wat pass? How do I get it? How is it used?

    A. The Angkor Temple pass can be purchased at the toll booth en route to Ankor Wat. You will have your photo taken for the pass.
A one-day pass is $20, a 3-day pass is $40 (good for one week*) and a 7-day pass is $60 (good for one month*).
*You must specify that you want to use the pass for this time period upon purchase, or you will only be able to use it for consecutive days after purchase.
If you purchase your pass at 5:00pm, your pass will not be activated until the next day, allowing you to get into the complex to view a free sunset.
You must have your pass with you at all times, as they will check at the entrance to the temples. It is also a good idea to put it in a plastic bag or case to keep it dry.
Temple Hours: The Angkor Wat complex opens at 5:00am and closes at 6:00pm. Banteay Srei closes at 5:00pm, and Kbal Spean closes at 3:00pm, so you need to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Passes are not required for the following sites, however there is an entrance fee:
Phnom Kulen ($20), Koh Ker ($10), Beng Melea ($5).


5. Q. Are visitors required to have a guide?

    A. No, a guide for the Angkor Area is not required, and it is an entirely up to the visitor to decide if they want a guide, or not, and some prefer to go without a guide. However, having a guide will definitely enrich your experience, and they can offer you detailed cultural and historical information, An English-speaking guide will generally charge $25 a day (more for other languages). They can arrange drivers as well, from tuk-tuks, to cars, to mini-vans. Prices range from $15-$60 per day.


6. Q. What's the best way to get around?

    A. Several types of transportation are available as follows:
Moto (motorcycle) Taxi: For one person, this is about the cheapest way to go. However, you do use them at your own discretion. Especially on the crowded streets of Phnom Penh, make sure they drive slowly and safely, and ask for a helmet.
Tuk-Tuk: Perhaps the most comfortable of the cheap transportation options. A short ride will cost a couple of dollars, or $10 for the day depending on the distance.
Air-conditioned Car: Prices start at about $25 a day for trips around the Angkor area, but for longer journeys (i.e. Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Poi Pet, etc.) it will be upwards of $70.
Bus: For long journeys, this is the best option. They are cheap and most are quite comfortable. They range from regular A/C busses to deluxe VIP busses. There are now day and night busses to almost everywhere, including to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Bicycles: Cycling has become very popular with health conscious and budget minded travelers, and for those who want to relax and enjoy the country they are traveling through. Many hotels, guesthouses and travel agencies now rent bicycles, or offer them free for guests.

NOTE: Before riding a tuk-tuk, a moto taxi, or car, always set the price first. Make sure your destination is clear with the driver, and if the price is for one person or for all passengers. Some drivers will tell you one price, but then when you reach the destination, they will say the price is per person.


7. Q. Should I take malaria medication? What else should I be aware of?

    A. Malaria really isn't a problem in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and larger cities, but it may be a problem in rural areas, as is Dengue fever. It is recommended to apply a good DEET-based mosquito repellent, and avoid mosquito bites as much as possible.
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts is also a good idea, as is sleeping in well-screened rooms or under mosquito nets.
If you will be spending more than a couple of weeks traveling in Cambodia, it is a good idea to get a hepatitis A & B shot, as well as to update your tetanus shot. If you will be in rural areas on farms working with livestock, you may also want to think about getting a Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
For up-to-date information and health alerts, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.


8. Q. Can I get prescription medicine in Cambodia?

    A. Local pharmacies stock only a limited variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and some prescription medicine may NOT be available. Also because the quality of locally obtained medication can vary greatly, it is strongly advised that travelers bring a supply of the prescription medication they will need for the duration of their trip.


9. Q. Can I buy feminine hygiene products in Cambodia?

    A. Yes, most all sanitary products for women are available in larger cities and towns in markets and mini-marts. However, the selection of products may be limited, so if you have a favorite brand, or size, it is best if you bring a supply with you.

10. Q. What should one bring to give to kids in Cambodia?

     A. Bringing things to give to people, not knowing the situation or what they need is not a good idea. If you wish to help children or others in Cambodia, contact an NGO in your country or a local Cambodian organization first and find out what is needed. When you are here, you can arrange a visit to a school or orphanage, and bring supplies directly to them. Buying the items here in Cambodia will not only benefit local businesses, but you can also buy them more cheaply, and you won't have to carry them all the way from home. If you are going to visit a private home, gifts of household items such as soap, shampoo, cooking oil, salt, etc. will be much appreciated.


11. Q. What is the currency in Cambodia?

     A. The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel, but the U.S. dollar is the de facto currency of choice. While both currencies are used, prices are almost always quoted in USD. There are no coins in Cambodian currency, so you will usually get your change in Riel. It is a good idea to carry an amount of Riel to make small purchases, and to use for amounts less than $1. You will also need to have some small USD bills as small shops and street vendors cannot change large USD bills.
Except in small villages, there are now ATMs all over the place, and most ATMs dispense USD or Riel. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, guesthouses, high-end restaurants, travel agencies and some souvenir shops. However, there is usually a 3% bank fee for using a credit card.
NOTE:
1. Do NOT worry about changing money. You will never need large amounts of Riel. Just use your USD and the Riel you get in change. If you must change other currencies, go to a bank. The exchange rates at hotels and moneychangers are extremely poor.
2. When you receive USD in change or in exchange, check to make sure the bills are not torn, old, discolored, or written on. You will not be able to use these bills in shops, restaurants, hotels and at the airport. If you do receive such bills, give them back, and ask for new ones. There is no such problem with Riel bills.
3. Be aware that the Riel is not convertible outside the country. If you have a large amount of Riel, exchange it before you leave. If you have only a small amount, keep it as a souvenir of your trip.


12. Q. What's the departure tax for flying out of Cambodia?

     A. $25 for international, $6 for domestic flights, payable at the airport upon departure. Cash and visa accepted.


13. Q. How do I get a visa for Cambodia?

     A. Please see the Passport & Visa Service page of this website for Cambodia visa information.


14. Q. What kind of clothing is suitable?

     A. Of course travelers should wear whatever is most comfortable for them, but a fair amount of modesty should used in your dress (see below). The climate is usually very hot and humid, and loose-fitting cotton clothes, and quick-drying synthetics are recommended. Garments made from fabrics that absorb perspiration, and that dry quickly are best.
For footwear, heavy hiking boots may be too hot in the tropical climate, but sturdy walking shoes or running shoes are a must. Many travelers use sturdy hiking sandals, which are also good for walking through streams and mud.
The sun can be fierce, especially when walking around the temples, and a hat or other head covering is highly recommended. Use of a good sunscreen is also advised.
In some parts of Cambodia in December and January it can get a little chilly at night or in the early morning, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket or light sweater. It's also good to have this for bus travel as sometimes the A/C can get cold.
Modesty: For women showing too much skin is frowned upon, and cleavage, a bare midriff, or wearing short shorts should be kept to a minimum. Of course swimwear is acceptable on the beach and at the pool, but one should cover up in the hotel or when in town.
When visiting active temples, for both men and women, the knees and shoulders need to be covered. Removal of one’s shoes is also required. Especially for places like the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, those who are not properly dressed may not be admitted.
You will notice that Cambodian men usually wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, and women wear shorts and T-shirts when swimming.