It’s all fun and Games
Money
The two official currencies of Cambodia are the Riel and US Dollar. (in Koh Kong, the third official currency is the Thai Baht). Most small purchases are made in Cambodian Riel, and larger amounts (over a few dollars) are made in US currency.
The current exchange rate is about 4,000 Cambodian Riel to one US
dollar. You can exchange Thai Baht all over Koh Kong and Euros in some
places and U.S. Dollars for Khmer Riel everywhere as well. The banks all have VISA and Master Card withdrawal services. There are local money transfer shops all over town to transfer money within Cambodia. They take a very small fee for this service.
Money Part 2
Dollars, dollars, everywhere, but you can’t spend them all.
Be careful when accepting large bills, as there are a few counterfeits out there. You can find some ATM’s around town which pay out U.S. Dollars or Khmer Riel (about 4,000 Riel to the dollar at present.) In Koh Kong, you can use Thai Baht at many places.
Help, I need a doctor
Medical services are very basic in Koh Kong, and a bit
better in Phnom Penh. Malaria is common in the jungles, but not in Koh Kong. Most all drugs can be purchased over the counter at dozens of pharmacies in town.
If you’re really sick or injured, best to get to Thailand before venturing further into the country. Trat, a Thai town 1 hour after the Koh Kong border has a good public hospital as well as good private hospitals.
Customs and Culture
Cambodia is a Buddhist country. Monks walk around in the
morning, collecting food and money to maintain the Wats (Buddhist Temples). The Cambodian people are very polite and respectful, and expect the same in return. You’re welcome to visit any Wat in Koh Kong during the daytime. (or night if they’re having a festival)
Holidays
Every week or two comes a yearly holiday. Banks and
government institutions are closed, but most other places are open for business. In Koh Kong, Cambodian Holidays are usually a bit more crowded with travelers to and from Thailand, and local tourists. If you see a holiday comes on a weekend, expect the following Monday to be a holiday as well. Khmers like to party like the rest of us!
Sex
Some people have it here, some don’t. If you are having it, make sure to Wrap it Up. “Number One” in Cambodia is a condom, not a number, and it costs about 15 cents each. Use it.
Visas
You can get your Cambodian Visa at any border, if you don’t have one already. A tourist visa cost $30 (plus whatever else they can get), and you must have 1 photo (sometimes 2 photos). It’s good for 30 days and can be renewed once, while you’re in the country, for another 30 days. You can get an e-visa here.
Police
Police are everywhere in Cambodia. But it’s usually hard
to find one when you need help. Ask wherever you are for someone to call the police.
Internet
You can find free Wi-Fi all over town. Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops. And you can buy a tourist SIM for your phone all over town as well. A few dollars for the SIM card (you’ll need your passport), and $1.5 gets you 5GB or more data for a week as well as local calls.