Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Western Union and Money Gram are both represented in Cambodia for fast, if more expensive, money
transfers. Western Union is represented by SBC and Acleda Bank, and MoneyGram is represented by Cana-
dia Bank.
Credit Cards
Top-end hotels, airline offices and upmarket boutiques and restaurants generally accept most major credit
cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB and sometimes American Express), but many pass the charges straight on to
the customer, meaning an extra 3% on the bill.
Cash advances on credit cards are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Battam-
bang, Kompong Cham and other major towns. Most banks advertise a minimum charge of US$5, but Cana-
dia Bank offers this service for free.
Several travel agents and hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can arrange cash advances for about 5%
commission; this can be particularly useful if you get caught short at the weekend.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditionally expected here, but in a country as poor as Cambodia, tips can go a long way.
Salaries remain extremely low and service is often impressive. Many of the upmarket hotels levy a 10% ser-
vice charge, but this doesn't always make it to the staff. If you stay a couple of nights in the same hotel, try
to remember to tip the staff that clean your room. Consider tipping drivers and guides, as the time they
spend on the road means time away from home and family.
It is considered proper to make a small donation at the end of a visit to a wat, especially if a monk has
shown you around; most wats have contribution boxes for this purpose.
TIPPING TIPS
In many Cambodian restaurants, change will be returned in some sort of bill holder. If you leave the
change there it will often be taken by the restaurant proprietor. If you want to make sure the tip goes to
the staff who have served you, then leave the tip on the table or give it to the individuals directly.
Travellers Cheques
Acleda Bank now offers travellers cheque encashment at most branches, bringing financial freedom to far-
flung provinces like Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. It is best to have cheques in US dollars. Expect to pay about
2% commission to change travellers cheques.
