It’s all fun and Games…
… if you know what you’re doing. Where’s a doctor when you need one? Where’s the ATM machine? There’s 2 here now. Why is it so crowded today, when there was nobody here yesterday?
Money
The two official currencies of Cambodia are the Riel and US Dollar. Most small purchases are made in Cambodian Riel, and larger amounts (over a few dollars) are made in US currency. The current exchange rate is about 4,000 Cambodian Riel to one US dollar. You can exchange Thai Bath and Euros in some places as well. Many banks have VISA and Master Card withdrawal services.
Money Part 2
Dollars, dollars, everywhere, but you can’t spend them all. Be careful when accepting large bills, as there are a few counterfeits out there. Also be warned: dollars with small rips, writing on the bill, or too old will not be accepted anywhere. Don’t accept it, don’t expect other people to accept it. Cambodian currency can be torn, taped, or look like it was printed at Angkor Wat 1,000 years before, and it’s OK to use. Western Union can be found at ACLEDA Bank. A dozen banks in Kampot also have an ATM! There should be an ATM by now at the Thansur Bokor Casino Resort.
Many places don’t have any prices marked on items. It is always prudent to ask how much something is, before agreeing to purchase it. In many places, you will be given a price that is several times the normal price. It is then up to you to bargain the price down.
Help, I need a doctor
Medical services are very basic in Kampot, less than basic in Kep (non-existent on Bokor Mountain), and a bit better in Phnom Penh. Malaria is common in the jungles, but not in Kampot and Kep. Most all drugs can be purchased over the counter at a few pharmacies in Kampot town, mostly around the traffic circle. For big emergencies, best to get back home or to Bangkok (unless there’s a war going on there). Right at the bottom of Bokor Mountain is the Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital.
Customs and Culture
Cambodia is a Buddhist country. Monks walk around in the morning, collecting food and money to maintain the Wat’s (Buddhist Temples). The Cambodian people are very polite and respectful, and expect the same in return.
Holidays
Every week or two comes a yearly holiday. Banks and government institutions are closed, but most other places are open for business. In Kampot and Kep, holidays are usually a bit crowded with tourists from Phnom Penh. If you see a holiday comes on a weekend, expect the following Monday to be a holiday as well. Khmer’s like to party like the rest of us!
Sex
Some people have it here, some don’t. If you are having it, make sure (guys only) to wrap it up. “Number One” in Cambodia is a condom, not a number, and it costs about 7 cents each. Use it.
Visas
You can get your Cambodian Visa at any border, if you don’t have one already. A tourist visa cost $20 (plus whatever else they can get at the border), and you must have 2 photos. It’s good for 30 days and can be renewed once for 30 days for $50, while you’re in the country. Also, in Sihanoukville, you can get a visa for Vietnam within hours, and at the best price in the world at the Vietnamese Consulate.
Police
Police are everywhere in Cambodia. But it’s usually hard to find one when you need help. Remember, if you want service, the $150 monthly salary of police doesn’t cover all their cost. If you need help, expect to pay for it. Kampot and Kep are very safe towns, and most of the legal trouble foreigners have here is when they’re drunk.
Telephone:
When calling Cambodia from overseas, the country extension is 855. Any phone number starting with a “0”, you should not dial the “0”. (they all start with “0”). When calling from within Cambodia, you’ll need a local SIM card, which can be purchased for a few dollars around town. You’ll need your passport (or a copy) to get a SIM. Also, almost every business has free Wi-Fi, so you can use your whatever to message or call someone.