🇰🇭 cambodia - money manual

Travel with Niyo
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:cambodia: CAMBODIA - MONEY MANUAL :moneybag:

Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD) :dollar:

  • :cambodia: KHR 4,000 ≈ :us: USD 1 ≈ :india: INR 82
  • Both KHR and USD are widely used

At the Airport :flight_departure:

Item Price Payment Method
Sim card (Smart or Cellcard) From USD 5 :dollar: Cash (USD)
Visa on arrival USD 30 :dollar: Cash (USD)
Taxi from airport to city From USD 10 :dollar: Cash (USD)
Tuk-tuk from airport From USD 7 :dollar: Cash (USD)

:bulb: Pro Tip: Bring crisp, new USD bills. Torn or old bills might be rejected. :money_with_wings:

Money Forms in Cambodia :currency_exchange:

  1. USD cash (primary) :dollar:
  2. KHR cash (for small transactions) :dollar:
  3. Credit/Debit cards (limited acceptance) :credit_card:
  4. Backup: More USD cash :dollar:

Payment Acceptance :credit_card::dollar:

Location Cash (USD/KHR) Card
Street vendors :white_check_mark: :x:
Local markets :white_check_mark: :x:
Hotels :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (mostly)
Restaurants :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (upscale)
Supermarkets :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (some)

Activities & Transport :man_walking::auto_rickshaw::bus:

Service Payment Method
Tuk-tuk rides :dollar: Cash (USD/KHR)
Temple passes (e.g., Angkor Wat) :dollar: Cash (USD)
Guided tours :dollar: Cash (USD)
Local buses :dollar: Cash (KHR)
Boat trips :dollar: Cash (USD)
Bike rental :dollar: Cash (USD)

Important Tips :bangbang:

:white_check_mark: Always carry small USD bills (1s, 5s, 10s) for easier transactions
:white_check_mark: Check your change carefully; counterfeit bills can be an issue
:white_check_mark: KHR is typically used for amounts less than 1 USD

Using ATMs in Cambodia :atm:

  • Most ATMs dispense USD
  • Withdrawal fees can be high (USD 5-7 per transaction)
  • Major banks: ANZ Royal, Canadia Bank, ABA Bank
  • :hotel: Avoid using ATMs in small shops or isolated areas
  • :bulb: Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees

Daily Budget Guide :moneybag:

Type of Spend Starting From
Stay Hostels: USD 5
Budget hotels: USD 15
Food Street food: USD 1-3
Local restaurant: USD 3-5
Transport Tuk-tuk ride: USD 2-3
Sightseeing Angkor Wat 1-day pass: USD 37

:bulb: This is a backpacker’s budget. Adjust upwards for more comfort!

Money Exchange :currency_exchange:

  • Banks and official money changers offer the best rates
  • Some hotels and markets also exchange money
  • :no_entry_sign: Avoid changing money with unofficial street exchangers

:star2: For more tips from fellow travelers who have been to Cambodia, check out the latest discussions here: [Travel with Niyo]

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8-Day Cambodia Itinerary: Explore Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Kep


Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Siem Reap

  • Morning: Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Angkor National Museum to gain insight into the history and significance of the Angkor temples.
  • Evening: Explore Siem Reap’s Pub Street and Night Market for local food, shopping, and nightlife.

Day 2: Angkor Wat and Surrounding Temples

Angkor Wat

  • Morning: Start early to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the most iconic experiences in Cambodia.
    • Explore the Angkor Wat complex in detail.
    • Visit Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom, known for its striking stone faces.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple), where massive trees entwine with ancient stone ruins.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a traditional Khmer Apsara dance show with dinner.

Day 3: Banteay Srei and Tonlé Sap Lake

Banteay Srei and Tonlé Sap Lake

  • Morning: Visit Banteay Srei, also known as the “Citadel of Women.” This temple is famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and is one of the most beautiful in Cambodia.
  • Afternoon: Explore the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Experience life on the water, including stilt houses, floating schools, and markets.
  • Evening: Free time to relax or continue exploring Siem Reap’s vibrant local markets.

Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

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  • Morning: Take a morning flight or bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (around 1 hour by flight).
  • Afternoon: Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel.
    • Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, located in a beautiful riverside setting.
    • Explore the National Museum, home to a vast collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, offering a stunning view of the city’s skyline.

Day 5: Phnom Penh’s Historical Sites

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  • Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) for a sobering look at Cambodia’s tragic past during the Khmer Rouge regime.
    • Continue to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located just outside the city, for another poignant historical experience.
  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling Central Market (Phsar Thmey) for local shopping and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Relax at one of Phnom Penh’s riverside cafés or explore the lively Bassac Lane for trendy bars and restaurants.

Day 6: Phnom Penh to Kep

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  • Morning: Drive or take a bus (around 3 hours) to Kep, a coastal town known for its relaxing atmosphere and fresh seafood.
  • Afternoon: Explore Kep National Park with easy hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the coast and surrounding countryside.
    • Visit the famous Crab Market to enjoy fresh seafood, especially the local specialty of pepper crab.
  • Evening: Relax by the beach or enjoy a quiet evening at a local café with a sea view.

Day 7: Day Trip to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)

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  • Morning: Take a short boat ride to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), a peaceful island with pristine beaches and clear waters. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
  • Afternoon: Explore the island’s laid-back atmosphere, take a stroll around, or enjoy freshly caught seafood at the beachside restaurants.
  • Evening: Return to Kep and spend the evening at leisure before preparing for your departure the next day.

Day 8: Departure

  • Morning: Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final morning in Kep, perhaps with a leisurely breakfast by the sea.
  • Transfer back to Phnom Penh for your departure flight or onward journey.

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This itinerary offers a well-rounded Cambodian experience, from the awe-inspiring Angkor temples to the country’s moving history and coastal serenity. It balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it perfect for Indian travelers looking for a diverse and memorable trip :cambodia: :airplane:.

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3

Bookmarked!!! I loved this itinerary, it gives time to soak in the beauty, mystery, architectural wonder of Cambodia. @Zahid_Niyo have you heard!! Its bookmarked.
Want an itinerary for Oman please :pray:t3:

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