What to take with you
There are a few things you should not travel without:

* A map, certainly
* Photocopies of your passport and visa.
* Cash in US$ 20’s and $ 100’s or Baths.
* A folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. The wettest months are July and August.
* Zip lock bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry.
* Hotel cards: You should keep your hotel cards or brochures to show people to get guidance in case of missing way back home.
* Business Cards. You will discover that practically everyone in Cambodia has a card of some kinds. The proper way to offer your card is to hold it by the corners with both hands.

What to wear

Most Cambodians dress up casually except when they are attending formal events. It is common to see men and women using Krama, a Long, narrow checked cotton cloth round their neck.  The krama is just like a piece of clothe.

Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended and long-sleeved items should be included for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. During the rainy season an umbrella is more convenient than a rain coast. A jacket may be needed in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning. A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the hot sun when sightseeing.

When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds. visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts.

Currency
The Riel is the official currency of Cambodia. The bank note are presently in denomination of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000, but  the 500 and the 1000 riel notes are the most commonly used. There has been some devaluation of Cambodia Riel in the past few years from 2500 to around 4100 Riel for one US dollars at the time of writing.

Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in US dollars. Small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually done in riel. Always carry some small riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.

Other major currencies such as the France Franc, Eur, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at Banks that are located in all major towns. US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination. Most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills.

Traveler Cheque and Credit Cards are accepted by most banks or some upscale hotels and restaurants and shops, but only in Phnompenh, SiemReap, Sihanoukville and the casinos in Poipetyou must pay 2 - 4% fee to accept credit cards . The most commonly accepted credit card is Visacard. while Mastercard and JCB are growing in popularity. A few places accept AMEX. ATM is mostly not available in Cambodia, so if you plan to travel to outskirts, t is advisable to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations. In case of journey to remote areas it is, of cause, advisable to take a good supply of Riel with you.

Do not exchange all of your cash into the local currency at one time, but gradually. It is difficult to exchange back to foreign currency, or with terrible exchange rate - practically impossible for ordinary tourists!

Money changers offer a slightly better rate that the banks. They tend to cluster around the traditional markets. There is usually a section of a traditional market dedicated to moneychangers and gold sellers. 

When accepting US dollars, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note renders it worthless.

Languages
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.  a part of the Mon-Khmer family and has its origins in Sanskrit and Pali from India and influenced by spoken and written Thai. It is spoken all over the country except in some tribal areas where local indigenous languages are used.

Today, English is the most popular foreign language in Cambodia. , French is spoken by some of the older members of society and Chinese by many of the business people. Russian, Thai and Vietnamese is also in common use among business sectors and young generations

[See also: Tour guide]

Drinking
Bottled water and mineral water are obtainable at any shops in most cities. It is advisable to drink boiled water and never drink ice and tap water.

Photography, film and developing
Negative film is widely available. Popular brands are Kodak, Fuji and Konica. Memory cards for digital camera could be found easily, but be careful with its quality. Image printing from both negative film or digital file are obtainable in Phnompenh, Siem Reap and other big cities. Taking photographs at airports or military locations is forbidden and show your discretion and courtesy when photographing people, especially monks.

Shopping
There are a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia. The country was once well-known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, paper maché masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for both men and women is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops. Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenir shopping, it travelers are to obtain reasonable prices. Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.

The renowned Central Market ( New Market) is one of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh, which is most popular for locals and foreigners and is designed by French architect. There are a varieties of items on sales such as souvenir gifts, artifacts dated back to French Indochina era, jewelry, household appliances and nearly every thing you can think of.

The Toul Tom Pong Market ( The Russian Market) is the city's best source with Items for sales including miniature Buddha, various ritual objects and old Indochinese coins. There are also quite a few gold smiths and silversmiths inside the market.

The Olympic market, owned by one of Cambodia's most powerful tycoon. A great deal of wholesaling is done at the Olympic Market, near the Olympic Stadium. The market was upgraded and reopened in 1994 as the first three-floor covered market in the Kingdom.

Others
Taxi: Taxis with meters are available in big cities. The current price is about US$ 0.5 per kilometre. Most metered taxi drivers can speak a little English.

Business hours: (GMT + 7) same time zone with its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

* Government offices:  7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday

* Business offices:  08:00 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday

* Shops:  8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week

* Banks:  8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday

* Markets:  6:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days a week.

Electrical current: 220 volts (50Hz) A.C.

Telephone: The telephone networks in Cambodia consists of satellite, landlines, cellular, GSM and radio systems which connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kompong Cham and other provinces internationally.  International dialing can be done at main postal offices, private business centers or hotel or at public phone booths, which can be found at postal office, main streets, gas stations, major restaurants, hotels etc.  However, it quite expensive for an IDD call apprx. $3 per minute. If you want a lower rate and clear sound is not a factor, there are many Internet café are offering International calling for a price less than $0.10 per minute to most developed countries.

Internet access: Internet in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is widely available with many Internet shop or café around and rates are under $1 per hour. In the provinces access is limited, and expensive at around $3 per hour.
Tipping and bargaining: Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, however, if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated (Porters, 1,000 Riel per bag.). Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things. A persuasive smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price.