Knyom Soksabay Awkun

Pre-travel Essentials

Okay, these are the things you have to know... (I'm talking to myself reading this!)

1. The currency used in Cambodia is the riel; however the de-facto currency is those green paper with pictures of the American Presidents on it. As at August 2006, it is generally accepted that USD 1 is equivalent to rl 4,000 which is in turn equivalent to approximately RM 4.
2. If you have accomodation bookings prior to arrival either in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport, most guesthouses provide free transfer from the airports. Just be sure to confirm whether they have the service and let them know your arrival date and time.
3. It's hot and unless you survive on alcohol, drink plenty of water. The pure drinking water in 600 ml blue bottles cost rl 500 each (approx RM 0.50). Hell! If you buy 1/2 dozen like my friend did, it costs rl 2,500 in total (approx RM 2.50).
   
4. You need to bargain, bargain, bargain if u want fair-price. I know this is a God-forsaken country and the people are poor; beggars for money and food are rampant. I personally believe in paying what you should be paying and not more. You can bargain before buying, eating or paying for any sort of services. And always do it with a smile; it goes a long long way...
5. Food costs anywhere between rl 3,000 to USD 3 depending on the location and how good you are at bargaining. Basically, there is not much need to bargain when you are eating at one of those hawker stalls around Phsa Chas, Siem Reap coz the price is standard and reasonably cheap. However, you may find prices of food more exhorbitant around the temples of Angkor. If you do find the need to lunch at the temple areas, be mindful to bargain hard before sitting down. Otherwise, the price is fixed at the last price agreed upon.
6. A tuk-tuk anywhere around Siem Reap costs rl 1,000 and anywhere within Phnom Penh is rl 2,000. Do not agree to anything more than that. Better still, if you are energetic enough, WALK!
7. If you need to purchase a bus ticket for travel to other cities, do it at the respective travel agencies and not at the guesthouses coz most if not all charge extra (usually an additional USD 1-2). If you are staying in the Boeng Kak Lake area in Phnom Penh, the Neak Krorhom sales office is just around the corner. They even provide free tuk-tuk transfer from the lake area to the respective bus station for you to catch your bus.
8. If you are visiting the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap; note that you have to purchase a temple pass. A one-day pass would cost USD 20, three-day pass at USD 40 while a seven-day pass would cost USD 60. It would be a sin to buy just a one-day pass; usually three days would be sufficient. Note that the pass covers all temples except Phnom Kulen which requires an additional USD 20 by itself; and I say to hell with it - not worth that price!
9. Remember to also set aside USD 25 as that is exactly what the cheeky Airport Departure tax cost (International departure from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh); local departure tax is USD6 for any of the two airports.

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posted by Hanson @ 10:57 AM