Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opening Hours
Most Cambodians get up very early and it's not un- usual to see people out and about exercising at 5.30am
if you are heading home - ahem, sorry, getting up - at that time. Attractions such as museums are normally
open seven days a week.
Government offices
Open from Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. They theoretically begin the
working day at 7.30am, break for a siesta from 11.30am to 2pm, and end the day at 5pm.
Banks
Hours vary slightly according to the bank, but most keep core hours of 8am to 3.30pm Monday to
Friday, plus Saturday morning.
Restaurants
Local restaurants generally open from about 6.30am until 9pm and may stay open throughout
that time. International restaurants stay open until a little later and sometimes close between sittings.
Bars
Many are open all day, but some open only for the night shift, especially if they don't serve food.
Local markets
Operate seven days a week and usually open and close with the sun, running from 6.30am to
5.30pm. They close for a few days during the major holidays of Chaul Chnam Khmer (Khmer New Year),
P'chum Ben (Festival of the Dead) and Chaul Chnam Chen (Chinese New Year).
Shops
Tend to open from about 8am until 6pm, sometimes later.
Photography
Many internet cafes in Cambodia will burn CDs or DVDs from digital images using card readers or USB
connections. The price is about US$2.50 if you need a DVD or US$1.50 for a CD. Digital memory sticks
are widely available in Cambodia and are pretty cheap. Digital cameras are a real bargain in Cambodia
thanks to low tax and duty, so consider picking up a new model in Phnom Penh rather than Bangkok or Sai-
gon.
Make sure you have the necessary charger, plugs and transformer for Cambodia. Take care with some of
the electrical wiring in guesthouses around the country, as it can be pretty amateurish.
Photographing People
The usual rules apply. Be polite about photographing people, don't push cameras into their faces, and show
respect for monks and people at prayer. In general, the Khmers are remarkably courteous people and if you
ask nicely, they'll agree to have their photograph taken. The same goes for filming, although in rural areas
you will often find children desperate to get in front of the lens and astonished at seeing themselves played
back on an LCD screen. It is the closest most of them will get to being on TV. Some people will expect
money in return for their photo being snapped; be sure to establish this before clicking away.
