Although Cambodia is relatively small in size, it has become a popular tourist destination. This exotic Southeast Asian Country has tons to offer its visitors, including fantastic food, warming locals, amazing tourist destinations, and rich culture and history. However, before traveling to Cambodia, there are a few things tourists must be aware of. Here are some of the things you need to know before you travel to this part of the world:
1. You May Require a Visa
All foreign nationals, apart from those that live in countries like Indonesia, Brunei, Seychelles, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, and Vietnam, need a visa to enter Cambodia. Thankfully, applying for a Cambodia visa isn’t tricky. You simply need to complete an online form.
2. Vaccinations Before You Travel
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations in Cambodia. However, it is recommended that people traveling to this part of the world are immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis A.
3. Plan in Advance
Another great tip we can give you before visiting Cambodia is to make sure you plan in advance. It’s advisable to book hotels and transportation before you arrive in the country. This can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
4. The Language
Cambodia, like Vietnam and Laos, was a French Colony. Despite this, very few people here speak French. The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. However, thankfully, most people in this country also speak English, meaning it is easy to communicate with them.
5. What Money You Need
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel. However, this isn’t the only currency widely accepted here. Most shops and restaurants will also accept US dollars.
6. Getting Around in Cambodia
The most popular way to travel in Cambodia is by tuk-tuk. This option is relatively cheap, costing no more than USD$3 to travel around within a city. Another option is hiring a taxi. You can expect to pay between 20-25$ USD to hire a taxi for a day.
7. Dress Code
Cambodians are modest in both their morals and their dress code. Tourists are advised to dress modestly to avoid bringing attention to themselves or insulting the locals.
8. What’s Inappropriate in Cambodia?
When traveling to Cambodia, there are several things that are considered inappropriate. For example, it’s essential to be aware that public displays of affection are considered disrespectful. As well as this, they also find bringing up specific topics such as war or politics inappropriate.
9. It’s Best to Avoid Drinking the Tap Water
Although Cambodia’s tap water is considered safe, it contains a lot of chlorine and doesn’t taste as pleasant as the water we’re used to. So, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking tap water and instead opt for bottled water.
10. Watch Out for Your Belongings
Cambodia is considered a safe country to live in and explore. However, keeping an eye on your belongings when you are out is still important. Thieves still live in this part of the world and will look for any opportunity to steal expensive possession. So, don’t have your phone, wallet or other personal belongings visible; instead, keep them safely packed away in a bag.
Cambodia may be small, but as they say, good things come in small packages. Dubbed the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia has something to offer everyone, from its enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and history to its amiable locals. However, before visiting this part of the world, it’s essential to ensure you understand the things above. Understanding these things will help you to have a happy, relaxing trip.
