Cambodia - Culture, Currency, Visa Process, Airports

Cambodia 

Cambodia is a country based in South East Asia. It is officially known as Kingdom of Cambodia. It’s bordered by Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. It’s past mainly starts from 802 with Khmer Empire centered on Angkor.

There’s a special charm about this place as it’s ancient and modern world give rise to ancient magic. It’s interesting history and beauty attracts many tourists. I never thought that I will like Cambodia, but the first place I visited i.e., Siem Reap, this place just arose curiosity within me to know more and see each and every part of the city and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

Few things travelers must know about Cambodia:

Culture & Dressing

Cambodians are gentle and polite people. Mainly Buddhism dominates in Cambodia. Golden spires and pitched roofs are called “wats” by Cambodians and Pagodas/ temples in English. When you are entering religious structures, temples, palaces, you must cover your shoulders and wear skirt/ dress/ trouser that fall below the knees.

Best Time to visit Cambodia

Is from November to February, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold nor rainy, and provides best holiday experience.

Currency

Cambodia’s currency is Cambodian Riel, though it trades in US Dollars and US$ is in use in all of the tourist places. Riels are only used for very small transaction (under a dollar)- with US$ used otherwise. Currently(i.e., 2018) 1 US$ is approx – 4000 Cambodian Riel.

Visa

Cambodia has e-visa as well as facility of Visa on Arrival. Visa on Arrival costs 30 US Dollar per person for 1 month. And online e-visa they charge 7 $ extra as processing fee, besides 30$.

AirPort

There are 3 Airport in Cambodia:

1. Phnom Penh International Airport
2. Siem Reap International Airport
3. Sihanoukville Airport – Only has domestic flights to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

Travelling

Within the country -From one tourist spot to another you can take buses or can hire rental car. In between Siem Reap – Phnom Pemh – Sihanoukville, one can book flights and fly to these 3 cities. Famous Bus providers are Gaint Ibis and Mekong bus services.

Within the City – To get the feel of the city I will prefer travelling in Tuk Tuk, as we did the same when we where in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and it gave us the feel of the city with open view. One can also hire a car/ scooty / bicycle from any travel agents.

Contact/ Sim

It’s best to buy a local Sim card, for you to be connected and also for maps/ route. For travelers in Cambodia, Mobitel and Cellcard and MetFone has good connectivity. You can get these Sims in around 5$.

Bartering

You must be an expert is bargaining in all the tourists locations. Never agree on the first price, as the cost is negotiable ; unless there’s a price tag. Walking away often helps because they will call you back until and unless you have deteriorated the price too much.

Don’t give money or buy from local children

You will find many kids selling something or the other, or directly come and beg to you. I know it’s difficult to resist after seeing such innocent faces, but do not give money to them, as it devalues education, the government there is encouraging kids to study and not choose this way to earn money via kids.

Food

Amok is the traditional dish that’s in mild coconut curry. Khmer dishes are also must try. These sometimes comes in thick curry and sometimes in kind of thin soup.

There are many tourist places to visit in cambodia. Explore and enjoy the histories beauty.