Cambodia…What I Wish I Knew

My first stop on my Southeast Asia travels was Cambodia. As with any new country, it takes you a couple days to get your bearings, and then you’re good. Below are a few things I loved, what I didn’t, and what I wish I knew.

As with any longterm travel, one of the first things you need to get is a SIM card for reliable, local phone service. I researched the best SIM cards for Cambodia, and Cellcard came highly recommended. The price was very good, only $2 for a 7 day SIM card with 4GB, or $5 for a 30 day SIM with 8 GB. It had GREAT reception and worked everywhere, even around Angkor Wat. 

Dollars are actually a widely used and accepted form of currency in Cambodia. As of April 2020, the exchange rate is about 4,000 KHR to USD. Typically I don’t bring a lot of cash when I travel, as I have a Charles Schwab Checking Account, which reimburses you for ATM fees, meaning I can withdraw money in local currency in the country I am in, and I will get reimbursed for the ATM fee at the end of the month. 

Now, what I wish I knew: 

Cambodia, and pretty much any country in Asia, for that matter, does not accept any sort of US dollar bill that is torn in any way. I had a small tear at the top of one dollar bill and I could not exchange it anywhere. I got lucky and finally was able to use it at an international store, but no exchange place would take it. It took me five days to find a location that accepted it. So if you are taking cash, the bills need to be crisp and clean, not worn or torn in any way. 

As far as using dollars vs. riels, I found it to be cheaper to bargain in riels. While it’s easier to use dollars, the locals will usually upcharge you for it. For example, I was eating street food at a corner stall for a few days. Usually they charged 2,000 riel for a stick of grilled chicken. One day I brought dollars and expected to get change, but instead, the place said it was one dollar for the meat, vs 50 cents had I used riels. This happened repeatedly when I was bargaining. 

Another thing is that you cannot use a card in local shops, restaurants, or bargain with it. The only places you can use your card are at fancy or tourist restaurants, malls, or other chain stores. Even then, there is a minimum amount you must reach in order to use your card, which usually means spending more money than intended. So if you are traveling on a budget, be sure to bring cash. Cash is king, and it’s better to bargain with and to use. Of course, remember to make sure your bills aren’t torn! 

Getting Around:

The only time I ever got on a bike

Tuk-tuks are the usual form of travel and easy to get around. Of course, they are also known as easy targets for which to rob tourists. The general rule of thumb is to place your bags behind you when you ride, or on your lap and you sit in the middle of the tuk-tuk, never on the sides When you stop at a light or in traffic, it’s harder for thieves on motorcycles to grab your stuff if you’re are in the middle, versus swiping it from the side and riding off. 

Bikes are another common form of travel. However, I’ve never ridden a bike in my life and it was difficult to navigate, so I relied on tuk-tuks to get around. If you are comfortable riding a bike in the crazy Cambodia traffic though, you should do it! 

In smaller cities like Siem Reap, renting bicycles to get around are also common and easy. Personally, I walked a TON, and I LOVE walking in cities, it’s a great way to get to know the area and explore. Unfortunately, Cambodia is typically not a walk-friendly country. Many streets will not have sidewalks, and you’ll find yourself walking on the street dodging motorbikes and stepping in garbage at every turn. I bought great walking shoes so I really didn’t mind, but when you are sweating from walking then get dust and dirt flying up in your face from the bikes on the street, it’s not always a pleasant experience. 

Buying stuff

One general tip for when you’re looking to get food, souvenirs, clothes, etc, is to never buy things in the first place you see. Give yourself a day to get your bearings and learn where the tourist places are. Then, walk a couple of blocks away from the tourist areas to get the same quality food, souvenirs, or clothes, but for half the price. 

Cambodia is SO cheap for clothes, and they have great pants and cotton shirts that are breathable and easy to wear in the hot climate. Don’t bother to bring a lot of clothes from home with you. Give yourself a day to find the clothing places you want to go to, then buy a couple long pants and short-sleeve shirts, and use those to walk around. I found shirts for $2 and pants for $5 to $8. 

What to wear

Speaking of what to wear, it’s safer in Cambodia to just always be dressed conservatively. Long pants and short-sleeve shirts are fine, but no shorts or tank tops. This is because you can’t get in many cool places if you are dressed that way. I rarely wore shorts as it’s not considered respectful there, but I did wear tank tops walking around. I ended up having to go home both times and get a shirt because I was always finding cool temples or palaces to explore, but I couldn’t get in them unless I changed what I was wearing. 

Also, don’t believe people who say you can take a scarf and cover yourself up. You can’t. It works in Thailand, but not Cambodia. You need to be dressed properly to be let in temples, palaces, museums, and more. Buy some pants and shirts there, and wear them for exploring. 

Now, a note about the clothes which I feel is important to make. People, do not worry about what type of pants you are wearing. If you have to buy pants like the ones I’m wearing to the right, go ahead and do so! It doesn’t matter that you look like a tourist…because you probably are one. I got criticized by two people for wearing the pants seen in this photo. The criticism was that I looked like a tourist and would be the “butt of many jokes”. Well gosh, what a shitty way to live life. If I walked around worrying about who would be making fun of me, I’d never leave my house at all! Also, me wearing a different type of pant is not going to make me stand out less. I’m 5’10 with blonde hair and blue eyes. I’m clearly not from Cambodia, there is no changing that.

No one cares what type of pants you are wearing in Cambodia, as long as you are being respectful. I’m a seasoned traveler, I know how to get around in countries, I respect cultures, and I know what’s appropriate to wear in each city. Clearly, Elephant pants in Phnom Penh are not really going to work. It’s a city, not a tourist destination. Of course I’m not wearing elephant pants there. But in Siem Reap, that’s all there is to buy. Everyone is wearing them. If you’re walking around with shorts and a tank top, not only do you look even more like a tourist, but it’s disrespectful to the culture. Cover up your knees and shoulders, wear what you want and call it a day.

See this blog I wrote about being criticized for looking like a tourist.

Shoes

Relaxing at the floating village outside of Siem Reap on Tonle Sap Lake

For shoes, you DO NOT want to bring strappy sandals that tie. I brought a cute summer strappy pair of sandals, and I didn’t wear them once. That’s because you are constantly taking your shoes on and off to go into temples and palaces. there is no way you can tie up your shoes each time, it’s just not convenient. Wear tennis shoes you can easily take on and off if you plan to be walking a lot, or flip flops. Leave the strappy sandals at home, they will just gather dust and take up space in your bag. 

Well, those were my top tips for Cambodia! It was a really lovely country and I hope I can go back to hit up a few cities that I missed. So, we’ll see what happens. 

Let me know how these tips helped you in the comments below, or if you have anything to add to this list!