Border crossing scams:
Be prepared for minor scams from the Cambodian border guards, especially at Koh Kong and Poipet.

Scam #1: Drivers and touts will insist that you need their help to obtain a visa. This is not true. They want to charge an extra fee. The visa process is easy, straightforward and do-it-yourself.

Scam #2: The guards may charge 50 Baht for a SARS form. The form may in fact be required, but it is also supposed to be free.

Scam #3: Immigration police may try to overcharge 100 - 300 Baht for the visa, or charge 100 Baht for the normally free exit/entry stamp. Try asking for a receipt.

When dealing with officials, there is usually room for polite explanations and bargaining. One sometimes successful approach is to smile, say "no, thank you", smile some more, perhaps act like you don't understand and walk away. This technique may or may not work but it has a greater likelihood of success than simply refusing or, even worse, becoming argumentative.

Money:
US Dollars are as commonly used as the Cambodian Riel and even Thai Baht are acceptable in many places. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.

Riel notes come in 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 Riel note is the most commonly used.

The exchange Rate to ONE US$ is appr. 4,000 Riel.

Credit cards and travelers checks are not very common but US dollar travelers checks are easier to cash. Money changers can be found at the markets. Always check the the bills. Us notes with even the tiniest tear will not be accepted. There are banks in all of the larger provincial capitals, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. Banks can change money, effect telegraphic transfers and some banks can cash travelers checks and accept Visa cards.

Time:
Cambodia Standard Time is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+ 7 hours GMT). It is in the same time zone as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

End of rainy season: September - October, cool/wet

Dress:
Casual dress is the norm because of the hot and humid weather. However, more formal attire is preferred for meetings, official functions and major ceremonies or events. If you are here for pleasure, wear sport shirts, tee shirt and trousers, skirts, slacks, blouses and comfortable shoes.

Do not wear shorts or sandals to government offices, or wear swim suits, biker suits, bikinis, or see-through apparel in the city streets or villages. This is considered offensive by local people. Both men and women should be particularly sure to dress appropriately if visiting a religious site, for example, a pagoda. Smart casual attire is recommended.

Visitors should dress neatly in all religious places. They should never go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants and other unsuitable attire. Shoes, sandals and a hat should be removed when entering a pagoda where Buddhist images are kept.

Nude bathing in public places is unacceptable in Cambodia.

Cambodian embassies abroad:
Cambodian embassies can be found in the following countries: