MONNEY - RIELS OR DOLLARS ?
Although Khmer Riel is the official currency of the kingdom, US $ are widely accepted, especially for big amounts.
BUT BE CAREFUL: US$ not being the official currency, businesses won’t accept any US note that would be torn, stained, or old design. The bigger the note is, the more careful people are about it. Why? When deposing US$ notes at the bank, a fee up to 50% of the note value applies if it is considered “unfit”. So always check the change and when in doubt, ask for a newer note.
TUK-TUKS
Unlike in other countries, Cambodian drivers are usually quite honest and won’t try to overcharge you. A one way trip within Siem Reap’s city center should cost you between $1/$2, it’s always best to agree on the price before the ride.
Using a dedicated App can be useful (PassApp or Grab are the most used), as price will be set and destination clearly stated to the driver, it sometimes saves you headaches. As rates are quite low and a commission applies, consider tipping your driver if you are happy with his service 🙂
WATER / ICE CUBES
WATER:
Like Wild does, some restaurants in Siem Reap decided to get rid of plastic bottles for environmental concerns. If they give you free glasses of water, it means it’s drinkable. Our drinking water comes from the same place as many bottled brands. The difference? We purchase 20L reusable bottles, which, once empty, are picked up by the company, cleaned, refilled, sealed, and send back to us. No plastic waste.
ICE CUBES:
In the main cities, ice cubes used by restaurants are safe, they are made of drinking water and should not be something to worry about. In the countryside, the temples or the floating villages, we would recommend to be much more careful though.
DID YOU KNOW?
Water system in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are brand new. The water is treated by the french company Vinci, using European standards and norms. In Siem Reap, all pipes have been changed during covid time, so theoretically, tap water is actually much safer in Cambodia’s main cities than in most of western countries.
BUT, since only a few years ago city water pressure was very low, so most of the houses, hotels and restaurants have installed bug water tank to have some autonomy. If those tanks are not cleaned properly and on a regular basis, water can get infected. For this reason, although we consider safe to use tap water to wash our teeth for example, we would recommend not drinking it.
Like Wild does, some restaurants in Siem Reap decided to get rid of plastic bottles for environmental concerns. If they give you free glasses of water, it means it’s drinkable. Our drinking water comes from the same place as many bottled brands. The difference? We purchase 20L reusable bottles, which, once empty, are picked up by the company, cleaned, refilled, sealed, and send back to us. No plastic waste.
ICE CUBES:
In the main cities, ice cubes used by restaurants are safe, they are made of drinking water and should not be something to worry about. In the countryside, the temples or the floating villages, we would recommend to be much more careful though.
DID YOU KNOW?
Water system in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are brand new. The water is treated by the french company Vinci, using European standards and norms. In Siem Reap, all pipes have been changed during covid time, so theoretically, tap water is actually much safer in Cambodia’s main cities than in most of western countries.
BUT, since only a few years ago city water pressure was very low, so most of the houses, hotels and restaurants have installed bug water tank to have some autonomy. If those tanks are not cleaned properly and on a regular basis, water can get infected. For this reason, although we consider safe to use tap water to wash our teeth for example, we would recommend not drinking it.