Deb’s Insider Tips & Tricks for Siem Reap, Cambodia

Crisp, flat and ready to spend. The market ladies will approve!

Money

Bring crisp, clean US dollars in $20 notes or smaller. Torn or wrinkled notes get refused, and $50 and $100 notes are often too big to change. Trust me on this one.
You pay in US dollars and get change in Cambodian riel. As a rough guide: 100 riel ≈ US 2.5c (A 4c), 1,000 riel ≈ US 25c (A 36c), 4,000 riel ≈ US$1 (A$1.45), 10,000 riel ≈ US$2.50 (A$3.60). Exchange rates change, so treat these as a guide.
Most places don’t take cards or tap-and-go. ATMs are easy to find in town, but the fees vary a lot. Don’t worry, I know which ATMs charge the least, and I’ll show you.

Covering up? I may have taken it a little too literally…

What to wear

At temples, shoulders and knees must be covered. Short sleeves are fine, tank tops and scarves aren’t.
Leave camouflage clothing at home.
Grab a pair of hippy pants at the market for about US$4. They’re cool, respectful and my daily uniform.
Wear enclosed shoes or runners for the villages. Flip-flops and uneven ground don’t mix.

Does my head look big in this?

Sun smart

A wide-brimmed hat is a must at all times. A baseball cap won’t protect you from the never-ending sun.
Cover up. Loose, light sleeves are cooler than exposing your skin to the burning sun.

Spot the difference. Left: village water. Right: what you’ll be drinking.

Staying well

Never drink tap water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Drink plenty, even in the village. Skipping water to avoid the toilets is the most common mistake I see.
Never pat dogs or cats, however cute they look.
Chat to your GP or a travel clinic about vaccinations well before you go.

Getting around

We only use traditional Cambodian remorques: a motorbike pulling a covered carriage. Not the imported three-wheeled rickshaws. It’s the true Cambodian way to travel, and it supports local drivers.
Our trusted tuk-tuk crew take us everywhere, all trip long.
Hop off on the footpath side, never the traffic side.
Keep your bag on your lap or on the floor under your feet.
Keep arms and legs inside while you’re moving.

Meet the bum gun. Pro tip: check the pressure first. Trust me.

Toilets

Toilet paper goes in the bin, not the bowl, or it floods.
Most toilets have a little water sprayer, the “bum gun”. Use it, then pat dry.
Village toilets may have no bin at all, so pop used wipes in a small bag and take them with you.
Pack small packets of wet wipes and hand sanitiser from Kmart before you leave. You’ll thank me later.

The sampeah: Cambodia’s warmest hello.

Respect

Greet people with the sampeah: hands together like a lotus flower, with a small bow.
In the village, you are a guest on someone’s private land, so treat it as you would a friend’s home.
Be a good neighbour too. Keep voices down, don’t wander into nearby yards, and say hello with a smile. The neighbours are part of the village family.
Always ask Deb before photographing children!

Markets

Friendly haggling is expected at the tourist markets, but not at the local fruit and vegetable markets. If the starting price is US$8, start at US$4 and you’ll probably settle around US$5.
Smile, keep it light, and remember a dollar means far more to the seller than it does to you.
Support small home businesses where you can, even for bottled water.

Say “Ar-kun” and you might just get one of these!

Speak a little Khmer

Tips from 15 years in Cambodia