Koh Kong, Cambodia

Travelers information about Cambodia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's all fun and Games

if you know what you're doing.  Where's a doctor when you need one?   Where's the ATM machine? (there aren't any here).  Why is it so crowded today, when there was nobody here yesterday?

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 as well. The banks all have VISA and Master Card withdrawal services. Travelers checks can also be exchanged.

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. Also be warned: U.S. Dollars with big rips, a lot of writing on the bill, or in really bad condition old will not be accepted anywhere. Don't accept it, don't expect other people to accept it. Cambodian currency can be torn, taped, or look like it was printed at Angkor Wat 1,000 years before, and it's OK to use.  You can find some ATMs around town which pay out U.S. Dollars or Khmer Riel (about 4,000 Riel to the dollar at present)

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.  Best to get to Thailand before venturing further into the country.   Trat, a Thai town 2 hours after the Koh Kong border has a good public hospital.

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.

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 (guys only) to wrap it up.   "Number One" in Cambodia is a condom, not a number, and it costs about 3 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 $20 (plus whatever else they can get), and you must have 1 photos (sometimes 2 photos). It's good for 30 days and can be renewed once, while you're in the country, for another 30 days. Also, in Sihanoukville, you can get a visa for Vietnam within hours, and at the best price in the world.

Police
Police are everywhere in Cambodia.  But it's usually hard to find one when you need help.  Remember, if you want service, the $60 monthly salary of police doesn't cover all their cost.  If you need help, expect to pay for it.



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