Destination Guide to Cambodia

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Destination Guide To Cambodia

Address: Transpo International (Cambodia) Ltd Beton Street, Mol Village, Sangkat Dongkor, Khan Dongkor, Phnom Penh, Cambodia / PO Box 2460 Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia

Telephone: +855 23 212070 Email: [email protected]

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WELCOME TO CAMBODIA

Welcome to Phnom Penh! We are glad to have you here.

Asian Tigers Mobility is delighted to assist you during your relocation to Cambodia. We have the ability to support you in every aspect of your transition. Be it City Orientation, Home Finding, School Finding, Settling In (finding domestic help or opening a bank account, etc) or any other relocation related need, a dedicated consultant will gladly assist you.

We understand that relocating is a stressful process, so we are here to help. Your Asian Tigers Mobility Consultant will guide you through the process in order to minimize the stress for you and your family. Asian Tigers Mobility has designed this guide to get you familiarized with Cambodia. We want to avoid overwhelming you with too many pieces of information; hence we have kept this guide short. You will find in this booklet: Useful contact numbers, Phnom Penh’s facts and figures, information on culture and life style, sightseeing and information on expat oriented services. You will also find a checklist on what to bring and not to bring to Phnom Penh. Use this booklet in conjunction with the information in your AT Mobility Welcome Pack and you will have all you need to plan your move to this great city.

Phnom Penh is changing by the day; entire neighborhoods may be demolished to give way to new apartment blocks or industrial estates, so please use this guide as a reference only.

Your dedicated consultant will be happy to assist with any questions you may have. For further Expat oriented services you may refer to the material provided as part of your Asian Tigers Mobility Welcome Kit.

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ABOUT ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY

Moving to a new country is challenging and never one move is the same. Whether the transition is smooth and hassle-free depends on how it is managed. Leaving these challenges to professionals will ease your moving process.

Asian Tigers Mobility is glad to be of your service. We understand the problems that newcomers face and we are here to assist you with our experience in the settling-in process whilst accommodating your individual requirements.

SERVICES BY ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY Pre-Assignment Area Orientation Not been to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap? Take a tour with our consultants to get a feel of the country before you relocate. This orientation will fill you in on the ins and outs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and the history of the country. Based on your needs, housing tour and school tour are arranged to give you an idea of what to expect when you are living in Cambodia.

Immigration We can assist in the application and processing of your employment pass and dependent pass for your family members relocating with you. Subsequently, we can apply for renewals and cancellations of those passes on your behalf.

Your arrival Finding a base is the priority when you reach either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. We can arrange for temporary short-term accommodation and recommend an experienced real estate consultant with your home search for permanent accommodation. We will be organizing your registrations of utilities or other applications that you need.

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Settling in If you have not, go for an orientation tour to know more about this city. Get to know where is the nearest post office, bank facilities, have your telecommunications set up etc. Anything you need to settle in. Not sure how to go about buying or leasing a car or furniture? Take advantage of our links to good partners by engaging our assistance. To ease your transition better, we can arrange language training or intercultural training or even assist in your search for a domestic helper.

School Search Have an overview of the education system in Cambodia and the international school options available. Short list schools suitable for your children’s requirements and go through the application process with our assistance.

Departure Most expatriates love Cambodia so much they can’t bear to leave but when you do, we want to be able to pack up your belongings and arrange for cancellations of your utilities, telecommunications, hand-over of your property and be your point of contact for service providers.

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CONTACTS AT ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY

Cambodia Japan Email: Tel: (855) 23 885 634 Tel: (81) 3 6689 2771 [email protected] Email: cambodia@at- Email: [email protected] Singapore mobility.com Korea Tel: (65) 6261 8116 China Tel: (82) 2 598 9705 Email: singapore@at- Tel: (86)10 6415 4155 Email: [email protected] mobility.com Email: [email protected] Macau Taiwan Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2863 5860 Tel: (886) 2 2597 7323 Tel: (852) 2863 5860 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: hongkong@at- Malaysia Thailand mobility.com Tel: (60) 3 5518 4588 Tel: (66) 2 687 7961 Indonesia Email: Email:[email protected] Tel: (62) 21 756 1999 [email protected] Vietnam Email: Philippines Tel: (84) 83 914 6970 [email protected] Tel: (63) 2 837 6022 Email:[email protected]

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FACTS ABOUT CAMBODIA

Cambodia Flag The flag was designed around 1850 that has three horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) and red (central) with a depiction of Angkor Watt in the center.

Capital Phnom Penh

Location Cambodia lies in South-East Asia and shares borders with Vietnam, Laos, Thailand & the Gulf of Thailand.

Total Area 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles) : Water 2.5%

Population 14,805,358 (World Bank, 2009) Population in Phnom Penh: 2,009,264 (wiki - 2008)

Government & Politics The signing of the Paris Peace Agreements in October 1991 launched Cambodia in a process of reconstruction after two decades of conflict and civil war. The process, which was backed by a United Nations presence until the first national elections in May 1993, facilitated the foundation of a constitutional monarchy with King Norodom Sihanouk as head of State, and led to the establishment of a power-sharing government. Type: Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary representative democracy Head of States: His Majesty Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni (elected October 29, 2004) Head of Government: Prime Minister Hun Sen (appointed on January 14 1985, elected in 1998, 2003, and 2008) is in charge of overall execution of national policies and programs, and is accountable to the National Assembly. Time Zone GMT +7 hours time zone

Climate Tropical humid climate: rainy (monsoon) season (May to November) and dry season (December to April)

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Language Khmer (official) 95%, French, English Some useful words and phrases: Hello (colloquial) - Suesday Hello (formal) - Chum reap sour Good bye - Lea hay Sorry - Somtos Thank you - Orkun How much - Tlai punman Yes (male) - Baht Yes (female) - Jah No - Teh I don't understand - Knyom at yol teh Where's the toilet? - Bontub tek nov ti na? Numbers One – mooy, Two – bpee, Three – bay, Four – boo-uhn, Five – bpram, Six – bpram-moi, Seven – bpram-pii, Eight – bpram-bay, Nine – bpram-boun, Ten – dohp Religion Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (1998 census) Currency Official currency: Cambodian riel (KHR), unofficial currency: US $

Ethnic group Khmer, Vietnamese and Chinese minorities

Coastline 443 km

Internet domain .kh

International dialing code +855

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Electricity 220V AC 50 Hz

Driving Right hand side; International Driving Permit no longer accepted. Local required. Airport Phnom Penh International (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport, & Sihanoukville International Airport

Typical Public Holidays - 01 January: International New Year Day - 07 January: Victory over Genocidal Day - 18 February: Meak Bochea Day - 8 March: International Women Day - 14 – 15 - 16 April: Khmer New Year Days - 01 May: International Labor Day - 13 – 14 - 15 May: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday - 17 May: Visak Bochea Day - 21 May: Royal Plowing Ceremony - 18 June : Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday - 24 September: Constitutional Day - 26-27-28 September: Pchum Ben Day - 15 October – Commeration of the King Father Day - 23 October : Paris Peace Accord Day - 29 October: Coronation Day - 09 November: Independence Day - 10 - 11 November: Water Festival - 10 December: International Human Rights Day Note: Any holiday falling on Saturday or Sunday, the following day will be automatically and officially extended one more day in order to replace with the substitute day.

Major Exports Garments, Fisheries Products, Rubber

Major Export Trading United States, Germany, UK, Singapore, Japan Countries

Major Imports Petroleum products, construction materials, vehicles and motorcycles, clothing

Trading Countries Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea

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Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s: Don’ts:

Ask before taking a photo. Cambodians tend to Barter prices unnecessarily low. Bartering is smile when insecure, nervous, or a way of life in Cambodian markets, however uncomfortable; this shouldn’t lead you to be respectful to the seller by offering a fair believe they are smiling for your photograph. price for their goods, it can be offensive to offer prices that are too low. Dress modestly. Traditional garb is very Lose your cool in public. Many Cambodians conservative so be sensitive and cover your get uncomfortable or embarrassed if you get knees, shoulders, stomach, back and cleavage frustrated, it’s just not socially acceptable so especially when you are visiting sacred sites. try to keep your cool in public.

Think twice about giving to children in the Touch anyone’s head. The head is the most streets. Saying no to a child is hard, but sacred part of the body and is considered encouraging them to continue to beg, as a way rude to touch. This goes for all people to support themselves, can be destructive to including children, and is especially the case their future. for elders. Think twice before visiting orphanages. Some Eat before your host takes the first bite. If you are created just to fill the tourist demand to are the guest then you should always wait for help orphans. 75% have living relatives and your host to make the first move at the dinner live in the orphanage just to support table, it is gluttonous to start before your themselves with tourist’s money. host. Take of hat and shoes when entering pagoda, Show the soles of your feet. Opposite of the office, or someone’s home. Making small head, the soles of your feet are considered donations while at pagodas is also acceptable. dirty and not sacred, so try to keep them on the floor. Bow. When you meet someone, it is polite to Show public forms of affection such as remove your hat, bow slightly, and put your kissing or hugging. The conservative hands into a “praying” position. population will feel uncomfortable.

Present and accept business cards with both Females should never touch a male monk or hands. hand anything to him directly. Cover yourself even more than normal when Be afraid to ask questions and meet locals. entering a religious building or holy site. The Cambodians are a kind and accepting more clothes the better in these situations. people, so if you don’t understand something or are confused just ask! Bring a small gift to the host if you are a guest. Use a toothpick at the table without covering Fruit, desert, or flowers are always good your mouth with the hand you are not using options when you are a guest in someone’s the toothpick with. home. For weddings cash is the preferred gift.

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Weather and Climate

Located only 10 degrees north of the Equator, Cambodia is in the tropical climate zone. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round, with an average temperature around 27° C (80° F). The seasonal rotation is driven by the monsoon cycle and includes the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season has two different stages a cool phase and hot phase.

http://www.canbypublications.com/cambodia/clima te.htm Dry Season Phase 1 (Cool) The monsoon cycle resets itself in the first phase of the dry season (November-February). In early November the rains subside and temperatures start to fall to a more moderate level, ranging between 17-27° C (60-80° F). This time of year is widely considered to be the best time to visit as the days are warm, the evenings are cool, and the skies are clear. December and January sport the most agreeable weather the country has to offer, but are short lived as the hot weather begins to creep back during the month of February.

Dry Season Phase 2 (Hot) The dry season continues into the months of March-May, however during this portion of the year the temperatures begin to rise drastically. Temperatures tend to fall in the 29-38° C (84- 100° F) range peaking in April and May. Precipitation levels remain quite low and lakes and rivers start to dry up. As April comes to a close, afternoon rainfall called “mango showers” begin, they are hard to predict and can range from light showers to heavy thunderstorms. The mango showers intensity begins to pick up towards the end of May signalling the beginning of the rainy season.

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Rainy Season The hot season continues into the summer months (JuneOctober), but is quickly moderated as the pressure drops over central Asia drawing moist ocean air landward. With the ocean air come the southwest monsoon rains and the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures during the rainy season range between 27-35°C (80-95° F). The rains are quite predictable and therefore easy to plan around. The storms build during the warm day and then the rain usually starts in the afternoon and evening lasting only a few hours. Around the coastal towns the rain is much more frequent and at the height of the season storms can last for days at a time. As the rainy season comes to an end the days start to become cooler and the rain becomes less frequent as the cycle starts over.

A Brief History Year Event

68-550 Reign of the Funan Kingdom: The beginning of international trading in the region. Archaeologists have proven a connection to the Roman Empire, and to Indian civilizations. 550-627 Funan – Chenla War: Chenla Kingdom, which was once a subordinate of the Funan Kingdom, conquered its rival in over 100 years of civil war. The fall of the Roman Empire is thought to have weaken Funan as their trading routes deteriorated 627-802 Reign of the Chenla Kingdom: King Ishanavarman established the new capital, Ishanapura and called the conquered land Kambuja, from which the current name Cambodia is derived. 802-1431 Reign of the Khmer Empire: The Golden Age. Jayavarman II established the Khmer Empire deeming Angkor the capital city. His son Jayavarman commissioned many of the temples you see today including Angkor Wat. This time period was the height of cultural creativity and political power. 1431 The Thai captured Angkor and a gradual decline began 1432-1863 The dark ages of Cambodia: Cambodia continued its decline and lost most of its territory as it found itself caught in between two powerful neighbours; Vietnam and Siam (Thai). 1863 King Norodom agrees with the French to establish a protectorate over his kingdom, becoming a part of French Indochina. 1941 The Franco-Thai War and WWII left the French Vichy government weak. They signed an agreement allowing the Japanese military to occupy French Indochina. 1945-1953 After their defeat in WWII the Japanese had to relinquish their territories in Indochina sending Cambodia into a chaotic state of governance.

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1953 Cambodia officially gains its independence from France. 1953-1969 Cambodia was self-sufficient and prosperous under a neutral Prince Sihanouk. 1970 The Vietnam war spilled over the Cambodian borders and Prince Sihanouk was overthrown by General Lon Nol, who established the Khmer republic of which he was the self-proclaimed President. 1970-1975 The new republic sided with the United States and started to take an anticommunist approach to the neighbouring Vietnam. 1975 The weak republic was overthrown by the Khmer Rouge, a group of Communist minded Cambodians headed by Pol Pot. Creation of Democratic Kampuchea. 1975-1979 The Reign of Terror: All cities were evacuated and the residents were sent to work in the country side trying to fulfil the communist vision of Pol Pot killing millions in the process. 1979 Vietnamese troops captured Phnom Penh establishing the People’s Republic of Kampuchea, ending the rule of Khmer Rouge 1989 The Vietnamese withdraw their troops and the government was renamed the State of Cambodia 1993 Free elections were held, which were boycotted by the Khmer Rouge. The constitution was ratified and the Cambodian Monarchy was restored as Norodum Sihanouk returned to the throne. 2003 Riots began throughout Phnom Penh after a disagreement with Thailand over the rights to Angkor Wat. The Thai embassy was destroyed. 2004 Norodom Sihanouk resigned and his son Norodom Sihamoni was crowned king. 2008 Cambodian-Thai Standoff: Clashes began with Thailand over another territorial dispute. 2013-2014 Protests and riots started against Hun Sen’s government. Claiming electoral fraud, political corruption, and human rights violations.

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Top Ten Cambodian Tourist Destinations

10. Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmei) A large dark yellow building in the centre of Phnom Penh is the host of a daily market where all things domestic and foreign can be found. Household items, jewellery, silks, flowers, and fresh fruit are among the wide array of offerings. Spending a whole afternoon here is almost too easy.

9. Bamboo Island If you are looking for a tropical getaway to just sit back and enjoy the sun and the beach, Bamboo Island is the place for you. Located 10km of the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, the island used to be a small naval outpost but today flaunts some of the clearest waters in Cambodia.

8. Apsaras Dance Performance This classical dance is recognized by UNESCO as a tradition of the Kingdom of Cambodia as it is depicted in carvings dating back as far as the 7th century. You can catch a show all over the country but the best dance troops are centred in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

7. Silk Island Around 12km north of Phnom Penh is a group of small artisan villages locally known as, Koh Dach. Getting to the villages takes just a short taxi ride, but you will feel worlds away from the bustling city of Phnom Penh and you may find that you are the only westerner there. Most of the residents of these villages make a living by weaving silk ware so you know it is a good place to learn the process.

6. Banteay Srei Banteay Srei is off of the beaten path, and many tourists wandering through Angkor won’t venture far enough north to see this 10th century Hindu temple. The walls of the temple are filled with delicately carved scenes from ancient Hindu tales.

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5. The Killing Fields Located outside of Phnom Penh the killing fields are one of the largest mass grave sites in Cambodia. During the rule of the Khmer Rouge it is estimated around 1 million people were executed and buried here. This is a great place to help you understand Cambodia’s dark past.

4. Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple) Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. At the centre of the city lies a magnificent golden Bayon tower surrounded by smaller towers and stone chambers known as the Bayon Temple which is a must see.

3. Ta Prohm Ruins A former Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman, Ta Prohm is unlike most of restored Angkor temples. These ruins have been left to the clutches of jungle.

2. Lake Tonle Sap and the Floating Villages Southwest of Siem Reap lies Southeast Asia’s largest and most spectacular freshwater lake. There are many tourist traps around the lake but one you must visit is Chong Khneas, the famous floating village. Also be on the lookout for large water birds like Ibis, Pelicans, and Storks.

1. Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is the popular choice to round out this list as it is raved about all over travel websites. The reality is that this wonder of the world is truly the best that Cambodia has to offer. The façade of Angkor Wat is featured on the country’s flag, and is the crown jewel of the tourism industry.

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Visas

Tourist Visas Nationals of any country can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival as long as their passport is valid for at least six months. These visas are good for up to 30 days, and can be renewed once without leaving the country. Purchasing an EVisa ahead of time is possible at a cost of around $25 USD at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/. Applying for a visa ahead of time is advised as to avoid over charging or lines upon arrival. However, it is possible to obtain a visa at your port of entry for around $20.

Business Visas Those seeking work in Cambodia should opt for the business visa. Business visas are also good for 30 days but can be extended for long periods of time.

The documents required for a Business visa are as follows: • Completed visa application form • A passport with six months till expiration • A recent passport photo (4x6 cm) • Appropriate visa fee • Any supporting documents

Visa Extensions Visas can be extended by visiting the large immigration office located directly across the road from Phnom Penh International Airport or by using the contact information listed at the bottom of this section.

There are two ways to obtain a visa, the official way and a more expensive unofficial way. The official way to get a one month extension costs around $35 USD. There is a large amount of bureaucratic paperwork involved and it takes 25-30 days to finish the process, all the while

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they are holding your passport. This system works fine if you have your employers handling it, but if you are on your own the unofficial extension is much more convenient.

Unofficially, you can pay an inflated price of just over $45 USD and they will expedite the process for you. This will allow you to have your passport back the next day, it may not be the most ethical process that exists but on short notice extensions it is sometimes necessary. Overstaying your visa will result in a fine of around $5 USD per day.

Work Visas If you plan to work in Cambodia, you will need a work permit in addition to the Business visa. Although many foreigners in Cambodia do work without obtaining a work permit and often the law is not enforced, it is advisable to hold both just in case.

Most expats wishing to work in Cambodia on a long-term basis will need a temporary work permit which is renewable annually. Temporary work permits are issued to those working as management specialists, technical staff, skilled workers or service providers. Applications for work permits should be made to the Ministry of the Interior, contact information listed below.

The documents required for work visas are as follows: • Three sets of the official application form issued by the Ministry of the Interior Passport, or equivalent, with valid visa. • Three passport photos (4x6cm) • A Certificate of Health from a doctor in your home country • A contract of work • An insurance policy (either from your employer or private insurance) All related Visa fees

Disclaimer: Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change. Please check with the relevant Cambodia government departments for the very latest requirements.

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Cambodia National Immigration Department Confederation de la Russie Blvd (110)

Phnom Penh, 12406, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 890 380

Fax: (855-23) 890 439

Email: [email protected]

Website: immigration.gov.kh/

Ministry of the Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia 275 Preah Norodom Blvd

Chamkarmon

Phnom Penh, 12301, Cambodia

Website: www.interior.gov.kh (in Khmer only)

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Transportation

Cambodia’s transport infrastructure is basic to say the least. The country has no passenger train service and even the capital, Phnom Penh, lacks most public transportation options. This is due to the narrow roads, unreliable infrastructure, lack of traffic control and the pervasive scooters that fill the roadways. In recent years, Cambodia has embarked on an extensive road- building programme with financial aid from China, South Korea and other international organisations to establish infrastructure for its rapidly developing economy. As a result the road network is rapidly expanding and the quality of the roads is improving making it easier to travel between the country’s major cities and to its borders, in particular Thailand. Even so, you should beware when travelling cross country in the rainy season as roads in less accessible areas may be unpassable.

Air Travel

Air travelers enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh’s International Airport or Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. Both airports are quite modern. The two-storey one in Phnom Penh even offers a First/Business Class Lounge on the first floor at the International Terminal, near to the main boarding gates. Inside is an assortment of services and modern conveniences including wireless internet.

The airport serves well over a million passengers annually with a capacity for two million. There are 22 check-in counters and 6 gates, serving 10 international and 3 domestic destinations with 20 airlines. There are 380 parking spaces with parking available for up to 4 hours.

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Siem Reap Airport is equally impressive. It has capacity to serve 1.5 million passengers and nearly meets this capacity annually. Although tiny and with just one floor, the airport is very pleasant and has a bookstore and a charming boutique selling souvenirs and other goods. There are less than 200 parking spaces, most at the International Terminal.

Train Services After decades of neglect and damage from wartime, Cambodia's rail network is currently being reconstructed as part of the Trans-Asian Railway project.

Until recently there was just one train service remaining in Cambodia, from Battambang to Phnom Penh. Previously running every second day, in 2006 it went down to once a week, and in early 2009 it stopped running altogether. There are also currently NO trains on the Phnom Penh - Kampot - Sihanoukville route or on the Battambang-Sisophon route. There are now no regular passenger trains in Cambodia, only buses.

Bus Services Inter-city and international buses are run by separate companies at different locations throughout all major cites in Cambodia.. Luckily, most of the tuk tuk and motodop drivers are well-acquainted with where to take you as long as you give them the name of the company and address you are looking for.

Local buses can also provide an exciting means of travel and are good for those on a budget. The popular Mekong Express provides a luxury bus ride for just US$7 between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap every day. There are other companies offering the same route as well.

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There is currently one public bus service offering Phnom Penh with limited buy affordable service in the city.

Taxi Services Meter taxis sometimes wait in tourist areas of all cities, especially late night. More common are unmarked, unmetered taxis, which can be arranging through your hotel or travel agent and can also be found waiting outside major hotels. Taxi/car with driver costs $25-$35/day. Short jaunts around town run a minimum $4-$5.

Global Taxi Phnom Penh’s first meter taxi service. Meter taxi service. Available 24/7

Tuk-tuks (Motorcycle trailers, ‘Tuk-tuks,’ moto-romauks) ‘Tuk-tuks’ have become quite popular iambodia. Tuk-tuks for hire gather in popular tourist areas and cost $1-$2 for short trips and $10-$15 for the whole day. Prices vary depending on the number of passengers and where you pick up the tuk-tuk. Make sure to keep your bag toward the middle of the tuk-tuk to protect against bag snatching.

Motorcycle Taxi (Motodup) The omnipresent ‘moto’ is the most common and fastest form of public transportation, but not necessarily the safest, being more prone to accidents and robberies than car taxis. Motos can be found virtually everywhere in towns and cities, and cost from 1500R-4000R for a trip in town and $6-$8

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per day. Prices go up at night and for multiple passengers. To protect against bag snatching, keep your bag between you and the driver or in front of the driver. DO NOT carry/wear your bag on your back!

Cyclos The humble bicycle rickshaw known locally as the ‘cyclo’ can be a romantic, even practical form of transportation, especially if time is not a factor. Cyclos are easier on the nerves than motos and the canopy offers a drier, cooler ride. A cyclo ride should cost about the same as a moto.

Boat Travel Bus, taxi, and motorcycle are a good form of transport for the dry season especially in March- May as water levels decrease making river ferry or boat rides more difficult. As the rain starts to fall in the wet season the 1900 km of navigable waterways in Cambodia come alive and have to be considered as a normal travel option.

There is a regular boat service across Tonlé Sap Lake from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap which takes around 5 hours. Boats are often very crowded and tourist rates are applied to foreigners – these can be double what the local’s pay but are still reasonable. The boat ride isn’t very scenic either so taking a bus is usually a smarter option.

There are more rewarding boat rides via the Mekong River between Siem Reap and Battambang, but may take a long time. Rocket boats operate in the northern part of the country and take passengers to the Lao and Thailand borders. These boats can be a bit dangerous and should never be taken at night.

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Driving Cambodia’s road safety is notoriously bad and traffic laws are poorly enforced so extreme care should be taken when driving here. There are a lot of new drivers are on the road and many young Khmers drive recklessly. Driving in the cities can be especially challenging. The rules of the road are habitually ignored and priority generally given to the biggest car. Congestion is a major problem, particularly during rush hour when the city can get gridlocked, and parking is also difficult. It is essential that you take out fully comprehensive insurance - if you get in a crash and are uninsured you will most likely be the one paying, even if you were not in the wrong. If your mode of transport is a motorbike, always wear a helmet, you will not regret it when it ends up serving its purpose.

It is common practice for the police to accept cash bribes for minor offences such as not wearing a helmet or not being registered. Usually you can pay $5 and be on your way. You’ll notice most locals try and avoid being pulled over by driving off from the Police; this may work but is not recommended.

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Money and Banking

Tipping Tipping is not a traditional custom in Cambodia, however tipping can make a big difference for someone in a country this poor. The Khmer people are known for their outstanding service and go out of their way to show hospitality so you can show your appreciation by tipping a small amount. As little as $3 could be close to a whole days wages for some common laborers. At hotels there is commonly a service charge that never sees its way into the pockets of those actually performing the service, so try to tip the staff directly.

Dollars or Riel

You may have already heard that US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and is considered a common currency. However in order to stretch your money it is best to use both currencies in conjunction with one another. Be a Rate Watcher. The Riel fluctuates around the 4000r/$1 mark, and most restaurants and shops that accept both currencies base their prices off of the 4000 to 1 conversion instead of changing the prices daily in accordance with the spot rate. So if exchange rates become favourable then it makes sense to exchange your Dollars and pay in Riel. However, if the rate falls below 4000 to 1 then just hold onto your dollars, as exchanging them will diminish your buying power. When bartering in the streets it makes sense to use Riel as arguing over $0.25 can be confusing with a language barrier. Instead agreeing on prices in Riel will make it much easier as you will be arguing over 1000 Riel instead, which is a much more comprehensible number for everyone involved.

Insurance

There are several of types of insurance coverage plans to choose from as an expat in Cambodia. The essentials include international and local medical health insurance, life and critical illness insurance, accident and disability insurance, income protection and personal indemnity insurance. You may also need to insure your home, car, and boat along with other valuables, which can be done in Cambodia by purchasing general insurance.

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Expats are often surprised to learn that even after a short period away from their home country, many life insurance policies become invalid. This presents a real risk to the family’s financial security and is an issue that demands urgent attention. As an expat in Cambodia, you need to check that your life insurance obtained in your home country is still valid. A change in lifestyle may affect the validity of any life insurance and it is therefore important to notify the insurers of any significant changes in lifestyle and location. Premiums may need to be adjusted or the policy may need to be changed to provide suitable cover. Upon arrival in Cambodia it is necessary to have a full review of your current insurance plans done by a financial advisor who understands the complexities of the global insurance market. Make sure to choose an advisor that is not dictated by a parent company to make sure you are getting unbiased advice. This will help you to make sure your family is secure once you are living in Cambodia.

Taxes

Once you are considered a resident of Cambodia then you become eligible for taxation. Residency is defined as a person who has their main home in Cambodia for at least 182 days over the 12 month taxation period. Cambodia’s income tax rate for residents earning over $3,120 per month is 20% and is payable on income earned within Cambodia. Those living in Cambodia may also be liable for taxes such as capital gains tax, income tax on foreign investments, sales tax and VAT. Be sure to take professional advice on your tax liabilities, as the intricacies can be overwhelming and are certainly too numerous to be covered by this guide.

If you plan on earning income in your home country while you live in Cambodia, for example you are renting out your home, you may have to pay taxes in your home country as well as in Cambodia. But depending on where you earn that supplementary income, you may qualify for a double taxation agreement in which you are not liable to pay taxes in both countries. Taxes issues are complicated and depend on the individual situation and the original country of

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residence, so be sure to research what taxes will need to be paid at home and which will need to be paid in Cambodia. American expats need to be especially aware of new FATCA rules and regulations as they complicate tax issues even further.

Healthcare Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have hospitals offering high quality, international standard health facilities (see individual city section below for more detailed information). Conversely, outside the larger cities it may be harder to find reputable care. Most towns will have either a small hospital or a medical clinic for general care but may not be able to offer quality care medical emergencies. Finding medical care of any kind in rural areas may be difficult.

It is highly advisable that expatriates take out an insurance policy in order to ensure that the best healthcare Cambodia is available to them when they need it. Cambodia is still developing, so some treatments are not available even at the best facilities. Keep this in mind when buying travel insurance. Make sure that your policy includes medical evacuation coverage, which will pay for you to be transported out of the country for appropriate healthcare, should this be necessary. Also make sure your cover suits all unique requirements that you or your family may encounter, such as maternity.

Schools Most expats in Cambodia send their children to private school where they will be taught in English or French and study internationally recognized curriculum. Standards are generally high in the main international schools, which you can find more information on in the respective city sections. Do bear in mind that education is always a polemic subject and debates on the Cambodia expat forums reveal some wildly differing opinions on the international schools in Cambodia. You are advised to do your research and choose a school according to your expectations and the individual needs of your children.

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Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city, and home to approximately 1.6 million people. Located at the confluence of three rivers- The Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap- Phnom Penh is a vibrant city with a unique mix of French colonial and traditional Khmer architecture. As a result, the city retains a certain provincial charm, which combined with the energy of its rapidly growing economy and the warmth of the local population makes this a city that many expats fall in love with.

Accommodation

Most expats in Phnom Penh live in one of the following three Districts:

 BKK 1 & 2 (the majority of expats live here)  Riverside  Toul Tom Pong (near the Russian Market)

Temporary Accommodation Expats living in Cambodia sometimes choose the option of serviced apartment rental as a cost effective solution and a good way to feel at home in Cambodia rapidly when landing in town. For stays of a day, a week, a month or a year, serviced apartments offer a spacious, flexible and cost effective solution.

Permanent Housing Cambodia has 3 types of Properties to be rent or buy as a permanent home: stand-alone house, town house and apartment/condo. Apartments are usually fully furnished while houses/townhouses can be offered fully furnished or semi-furnished. Kitchen is usually equipped with cooking set (stoves and exhaust hood), oven and refrigerator. Washing machine and drying machine are usually provided in larger properties. A dishwasher is not a basic item included in the provision.

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The rental fee of serviced apartments is inclusive of utility charge and housekeeping service while long-term leases do not provide those under the rent. Residents may directly pay government utility and telephone bills or sometimes pay fixed rates issued by property management.

Shopping Most expats combine buying fresh local produce from the markets with supermarket shopping for household goods and imported produce. There are many supermarkets which cater to expat tastes. The supply of imported produce is inconsistent so if you see something that you love, stock up as you never know when you will see it again, it could be a few months. It is likely that you will need to go to a few different places to get everything you require. Below you will find a short list of supermarkets that will be a good place to start when first settling in Phnom Penh.

Super Markets

Lucky’s – (Shihanouk Boulevard, and Paragon Shopping Mall) Bayon and Thai Houk Suppermarket- (Monivong Street, near Central Market)

Sydney’s – (Street 128, 500m from Monivong heading away from Central Market)

Pencil – (Norodom Boulevard, next door to KFC)

Veggy’s – (Street 240)

Specialty Stores AusKhmer/The Pantry Shop – (Street 105, 125Z) Specialty meat, cheese, wines, and catering

Dan’s Meats – (Street 214, 51A) Butcher with fine meats and home delivery

Open Wine – (Street 19, near Street 240) Wide variety of wines and some food Red Apron – (Street 240, close to junction with Street 19) Boutique wine shop

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There is also a large quantity of local markets, which are a good place to go for fresh and cheap fruit and vegetables and offer the chance to experience the real Cambodia. Markets can be very crowded and hot so it is best to go in the mornings.

Other Shopping Areas

Central Market – Referred to as Psar Thmei, the Central Market is one of Phnom Penh’s main landmarks and is hard to miss with its big yellow dome standing over the streets. You can find everything here including fresh fruits and vegetables, household appliances, electronics, crockery, souvenirs and clothes.

Sorya – This is a large air-conditioned shopping mall. A lot of Khmers come here to experience their first escalator ride! Lucky’s Supermarket is on the ground floor, there is a quality electronics store on the 3rd floor, and the 4th floor has an athletics shop with everything from shoes and clothes, to board games and sports equipment. The shopping centre is located near the central market

Russian Market – Most Khmers know the Russian Market as Psar Toul Tompong, keep that in mind when trying to find your way here. The market is geared towards tourists so you will find cheap clothes, souvenirs and pirated DVDs. However you can also pick up household items, food, fresh produce and mechanical parts if you do a bit of searching.

Street 240 – A few designer boutique stores line this street between the streets of, 19th and Norodom. Expect these shops to be more expensive than the other local markets.

Beautiful Shoes- located at #138B, Street 143. A great place to buy shoes is at ‘Beautiful Shoes’ with prices around $15. For around $25 you can get a custom pair made to your specifications on leather, colour, and size. This is a great place to get shoes for the whole family as they are usually of very high quality.

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Household Appliances and Accessories

Electrical goods can be bought in the shops along Monivong Street, in the Sorya shopping centre, opposite the central market, and in other stores scattered around town. Water coolers can be bought from most electrical shops near the Central Market for approximately $100.

Linens can be bought cheaply along Monivong Street. You can get expensive but good quality linen at IChing (Sisowath quay/ www.ichingdecor.com) or at Elsewhere (Villa Lanka Hotel. St. 282). Elsewhere also has clothes and babies clothing. For wholesale fabric, check out Olympic Market.

Medical Services The best known hospital for expats in the city is the Calmette Hospital.

Calmette Hospital #03 Street 93 (Preah Monivong)

Sraas Chak

Daun Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: (855-23) 426 948

Fax: (855-23) 724 891

International SOS is the most highly regarded medical clinic in town. It provides emergency care and evacuation if needed and employs both international and Khmer doctors including a dermatologist, a paediatric nurse, general practitioners and dentists.

International SOS Cambodia Ltd House 161, Street 51

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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Phone: (855-12) 816 911 or (855-23) 216 911

Fax: (855-23) 215 811

Website: https://www.internationalsos.com/en/about-our-clinics_cambodia_35.htm

Another option for 24 hour service in English is the Naga Clinic. General services are offered as well are some specialized services.

Naga Clinic International Medical Centre #11 Street 254

PO Box 1155

Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone: (855-23) 211 300 or (11-811) 175 (emergency, secretary) Fax: (855-23)-361 225 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nagaclinic.com/

Pharmacies UCare is a chain of pharmacies throughout Phnom Penh and Cambodia. Beware if you are buying medicines at independent pharmacies – there have been reports of some expats receiving fake medicines in some establishments. Almost any drugs can be bought over the counter in Cambodia.

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Veterinarian If you have a sick pet, AgroVet is the best vet in town. They are the only service that complies with European standards and they speak English.

AgroVet Clinic #33B Street 360 Boeung Keng Kang 1 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone: (855-23) 216 323

Schools The most popular international schools in Phnom Penh are listed below:

The International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP) Website: www.ispp.edu.kh Generally considered to be the best secondary school in Cambodia, ISPP takes students from ages 3 to 18 and teaches the International Baccalaureate, which is internationally recognised by all further education establishments throughout the world. The facilities are modern and the teaching of a very high standard. ISPP is a non-profit parent-owned association and fees are reviewed annually but are around $15,000 per year.

Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC) Website: www.nisc.edu.kh Another excellent school working teaching an International Baccalaureate programme for ages 3-18. Fees depend on the age of the child, rising as the child gets older. Top fees for 2013/14 are $17,000 per year. NISC teachers are internationally qualified and recruited from all over the world. The school has a spacious campus with plenty of playing fields for sports minded children.

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iCan British International School Website: www.ican.edu.kh An English teaching, co-ed school for children aged 18 months to 14 years. Fees range from $3,500 for the nursery to $9,300 for years 7, 8 and 9. The teaching programme is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

Zaman International School Website: www.zamanisc.com Zaman is an independent international school with over 1,100 students from kindergarten up to the end of secondary school. This is the best choice if you wish your child to be taught in Khmer as well as English. The qualifications gained here are recognised by some, but not all, colleges in Englishspeaking countries. Consequently, the cost is significantly less, at around $3,500 per year. Also, boys and girls are taught separately.

There are plenty other schools where lessons are taught in English or French. Some options to look into are listed below although this is by no means an exhaustive list:

EtonHouse International School – www.ehis.co Lycée Française René Descartes de Phnom Penh – www.descartes-cambodge.com Logos International School – www.logoscambodia.org

Entertainment & Leisure Swimming pools If your home or apartment complex does not have a pool, don’t worry, most hotels and guest houses in the city will let you use theirs for a small fee, or an advertised minimum spend.

Villa Lanka – (Street 278, near Wat Lanka) Very popular weekend getaway for families. Pavilion – (Street 19, near Sihanouk Blvd end) – Adults only with Wi-Fi. Intercontinental Hote l – (296 Boulevard Mao Tse Toung) Family friendly, slightly expensive Le Royal Hotel – (92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Pen) Family friendly, slightly expensive

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Boat cruises Boat cruises are very popular in Phnom Penh, especially at sunset when you can see the sun go down against the backdrop of the Phnom Penh skyline and the Royal Palace. Boats line the river near streets 136 and 130 and can be hired for $10-20 per hour, depending on the size of the boat. An icebox is normally provided, with ice (for a small fee), and you can bring your own food and drink to enjoy.

Casino Nagaworld – (End of Sihanouk Blvd near the riverfront)

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Bowling Parkway – (#113, Mao Tse Toung Blvd) Aeon Mall – Sotheros Boulevard

Cinema MetaHouse – (#6, Street 264) MetaHouse is a multimedia arts centre with a terrace bar and frequent film screenings, comedy shows, and Karaoke.

The Flicks – #90, Street 136 Independent cinema with bookings available for parties. Legend Cinema – 3rd Floor, City Mall, Street 217 Major Cineplex – Aeon Mall, Sotheros.

Sport Gyms There are plenty of gyms in Phnom Penh for whatever it is the suits your needs. A selection is listed below. Prices vary widely so make sure to do some further research before signing up for a membership.

Himawari – (Himawari Hotel, 313 Sisowath Quay) Fitness centre, pool and gym The Place- (Sihanouk Blvd, near Street 51) Well-equipped gym, no pool Phnom Penh Health Club – (53 Monivong Blvd) Gym, swimming pool and sauna. VIP – (Off Norodom Blvd, south of Mao Tse Toung) Large swimming pool and tennis courts. Parkway – (113 Mao Tse Toung Blvd) Gym and 25m swimming pool. Open Palm Studios – (Street 101) Spinning, yoga and circuit training classes, also personal training. Intercontinental Hotel – (296 Blvd Mao Tse Toung)

Yoga Kundalini Yoga House – (#42, Street 302) Nataraj Yoga Centre- (#52, Street 302)

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Golf 18 Hole Courses Garden City Golf Club – (#53, Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Srah Chok, Khan Duan Penh) Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club – (National Route 4, 35km SW of Phnom Penh) Cambodia Golf and Country Club – (#56A, Street Samdach, Songkreach Tieng (222), Daun Penh)

Ranges Int Driving Range – (Street 2004) Standard Range Parkway driving range – (113 Mao Tse Toung Blvd) Rooftop range

Aerobics Classes are held at the Olympic Stadium every evening at dusk. For just 50 cents you can join the local young Khmers as they dance and jive to loud Khmer music! Even if you don’t want to join in with the dancing, it’s worth going along to watch this uniquely Khmer spectacle.

Beauty and Wellbeing Hairdressers There are plenty of hairdressers in Phnom Penh but it is usually best to get a recommendation from a fellow expat before trying something out. Some good places to start are:

Lucky’s Salon – (Upstairs at Lucky’s on Sihanouk Boulevard) A very popular and reputable salon. Dollhouse Salon – (#46AE, Street 322) Make sure to ask for Ryan to get you fixed up. Open Arms – (#87, Street 155) Reasonably priced haircuts along with shampoo and head massages.

Spas Amara Spa – (Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 110) A luxury spa facility set on the riverfront. Dermologica Skin Lab- (#199, on the corner of Street 306 and Street 63) A wide range of beauty treatments and products Bliss – (House #29 St 240) Waxes, massages, manicures and pedicures.

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Eating Out The restaurant scene in Phnom Penh, as in any large city, is vast and ever-changing. Below you will find a selection of some recommended cafés and restaurants in the city. This is by no means exhaustive and you will no doubt have fun exploring the restaurant scene for yourself upon arrival.

FCC – (363 Sisowath Quay) A café serving international food, including delicious pizzas, as well as some local food. It has great view and half price drinks at happy hour from 5 to 7pm. Pho – (Street 178, opposite The Rising Sun) Named after the Vietnamese Noodle Soup Lemongrass – (Street 130, near riverfront) Arguably the best Thai food in Phnom Penh. Chiang Mai – (Riverfront) Delicious Thai food, less expensive than Lemongrass.

Origami – (88 Sothearos St) Quality Japanese, a bit pricier

The Shop – (Street 240) International café

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Boat Noodle – (Street 294) Cheap and delicious Khmer food.

La Croisette – (riverfront) French and Khmer food, live acoustic music every Wednesday night. Around 4:30pm every day the resident Phnom Penh elephant comes to get his fill.

Sher-E-Punjab – (Street 130) Authentic food from northern Indian.

Dosa Corner – (Street 19, near corner of Street 278) Inexpensive southern Indian restaurant.

Flavours – (#9 Street 51) A renowned expat hang out and a pleasant place to sit outside in the wicker chairs and have a few beers over dinner. The menu is a mix of traditional and international cuisines.

Metro – (#271 Street 148) Not the cheapest, but by far the best cocktails in town, and pretty darn good food as well.

Pop Café – (very near FCC on the riverfront) A great location mixed with wonderful homemade pasta and lasagne, it truly is a little Italy.

The Tamarind – (Street 240) French and international cuisine/tapas.

Anise Terrace – (#2C, Street 278) Something of a hidden gem, a lovely terrace setting in a great area of town.

Raffles Hotel – (92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh) Similar to the Intercontinental Sunday brunch but with free flowing Singapore Slings.

Gasolina – (near BKK Market) This restaurant/bar has a large grassy area for kids to run around on and play.

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Khmer Surin – (#11, street 57, BKK1) Traditional Khmer food.

Nightlife Most bars have a happy hour offering 2 for 1 drink specials, or discounts anywhere up to 50%. There are lots of friendly expat bars and cafés at BKK1 around Street 278 and plenty of other cafés and bars around the city.

Elephant Bar – (Raffles Hotel, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh) A Swanky bar at Phnom Penh’s most prestigious hotel.

Memphis Pub – (Street 118, not far from the riverfront) Late night live music, a favourite of the expat crowd.

Pickled Parrot – (Street 104) – (Int pub, 24/7) Slate pool tables and a friendly Australian owner.

Riverhouse Lounge – (110 Sisowath Quay) Wealthier Khmer kids and expats come to this place for hip hop and R&B style music while they sip on drinks.

Gym Bar – (#42, Street 178) A great place to watch live sports. Chinese House – (north end of Sisowath Quay near the port) A beautiful, old colonial French building mixed with Chinese architecture, furniture and decorations. Happy hour is from 6pm to 8pm.

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Siem Reap

Siem Reap, meaning “The Defeat of Siam”, is Cambodia’s fastest growing city, the capital of the Siem Reap Province, and home to around 175,000 people. Although Siem Reap is only the country’s fifth most populous city, behind Ta Khmao, Sisophon, Battambang and of course Phnom Penh, it serves as a gateway to the Angkor Region and the extraordinary wonders that lie within. Therefore, it is a major tourist hub and the second most popular city for expats moving to Cambodia.

Accommodation

Most expats in Phnom Penh live in one of the following three Districts:

 Salakomreuk  Wat Bo  Mondul II

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Shopping

Siem Reap is the art and creative capital of Cambodia, as you may then assume, it is also home to spectacular shopping venues. If you are more conservative and enjoy a western shopping experience, the city accommodates you as well.

Supermarkets Lucky Market Shopping Centre – (Sivatha Road) Lucky’s is a general shopping centre where you can find most of the things you need.

Angkor Shopping Centre – (National Route 6, Airport Road) A mall type shopping area that has all sorts of shops including a supermarket.

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Angkor Mini Markets – (Pub Street) Conveniently located, the Mini Marts offer most of the essentials without the crowd of the Angkor Shopping Centre, if you goal is to find only groceries, this is your place.

Specialty Stores Samatoa – (Pithnou Street) Tailored designer clothing for a reasonable price

Mekong Quilts – (Street 5 Sivatha Street) Handmade linens and home accessories Rajana – (Street Sivatha Street) Odd wooden and metal objects as well as jewellery

Other Shopping Areas Angkor Night Market – Angkor Night Market is a recently established market focusing on handcrafts, souvenirs, and silks. It has a tourist twist and isn’t quite representative of the true night markets of Cambodia, but is still worth checking out.

Psar Chaa – This marketplace is home to everything you can imagine, some things that you want to buy and a lot that you don’t. One thing to avoid is stone carvings that the sellers will claim are from ancient Angkor as they are just a fakery.

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Medical Services Medical Centres Siem Reap has the international standard Royal Angkor International Hospital which is owned and operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Hospital Group. The Royal Angkor offers a high level of care including a 24 hour Accident and Emergency service.

Royal Angkor International Hospital National Route #6 Phum Kasekam Khum Sra Ngea Siem Reap, Cambodia Phone: (855-63) 761 888 Email: [email protected] Website: www.royalangkorhospital.com/

For more minor medical matters, visit the Naga Clinic on Hup Guan Street, behind Central Market. The doctor is Dutch and speaks Dutch, English, French, and German. His fees start at $10 for a consultation.

Dentistry Dental procedures are quite cheap no matter where you are in Cambodia. The facilities are not always what you are used to from back home but if you are in need of a quick clean or polish try the Pachem Dental Clinic.

Pachem Dental Clinic 242 Mondul Street Sieam Reap District Siem Reap, Cambodia Phone: (855-63) 965 333 or (855-13) 838 803 Website: www.pachemdental.com/

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Pharmacies As in Phnom Penh, there are concerns that come along with buying your medicine; therefore Ucare is still your best choice when looking for a Pharmacy. One can be found in the Lucky Mall Shopping Centre on Sivatha Boulevard and there are others dotted about town.

Schools

The two main international schools based in Siem Reap are ISSR and The French School.

The International School of Siem Reap (ISSR) Website: www.issr-cambodia.com

Located in the centre of town close to the Old Market, the school accepts children from the age of 3 to 16. ISSR pupils follow the British National Curriculum and sit for internationally recognised IGCSEs at 16. The school is registered as a Cambridge International School and accredited by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board. Annual fees start at $1500 for half days at nursery and continue to rise to $5800 for the senior years. Registration fees, enrolment fees and a charge for stationery are extra.

The French School of Siem Reap Website: http://www.ecolefr-siemreap.org/html/

The school follows the French curriculum through maternelle (infant school), primaire, collège and lycée. It is currently in the process of reapplying for recognition from the Ministry of Education in France. French is not a requirement prior for children at maternelle level, but older non-French speakers will only be admitted at the discretion of the teachers. The school provides some teaching in English and Khmer. Fees start at $820 per term for kindergarten, increasing annually up to $1280 for lycée students, there is also an additional enrolment fee to pay of around $500, as well as insurance charges per student.

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Sport Football A football group meets at 7 Sports (off Wat Bo Road) every Tuesday night at 7pm. Women can play at the Siem Reap Sports Club Wednesdays at 6pm as well.

Cycling A group of riders meet on Saturday mornings at 8am at Grasshoppers for cycle rides out to the countryside. $5 will be enough to rent you a bike for the morning.

Boxing Paddy’s Fight Club – (Bakeng Road) The club teaches beginner’s kickboxing classes as has all the necessary training facilities.

Beauty and Wellbeing

Hairdressers

Psas Chas – (The Old Market) Stroll through the streets of Psas Chas and find all sorts of small, busy salons offering a wash, cut and blow dry for under $2. The atmosphere is something to appreciate even if you cannot understand the giggle and gossip going on around you.

Soul Hair Design – (West alley entrance, Sivatha Blvd) A salon with a western feel and English speaking stylists. This is the place to go if you have special requests or are picky about your style.

Spas

Shiatsu Dyagaimo – (#486 Taphull village Svay Dangkun) The best place for Japanese Shiatsu therapy, $25 for 60 minutes massage.

Lemongrass Garden Beauty & Massage – (7 Sivatha Boulevard) One of the more popular mid-range beauty and massage specialists in Siem Reap.

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Kaya Spa – (Old market area, close to Senteurs d’Angkor Shop and Kaya Café) A great place for aromatherapy, manicures, and pedicures.

Eating Out

Genevieve’s – (Sok San Road, next to Chenda Pharmacy) Khmer and Western food items. A few times a day you may be able to catch a singing waiter, who is quite famous for his beautiful voice.

Jungle Junction – (Market Street, High school road 300m past Mekong University) A great family atmosphere that serves traditional food along with burgers and pizza.

Terrazza Italian restaurant – (King’s Road Angkor) Authentic Italian restaurant that also has a deli shop for imported Italian food, a good place to eat and shop at the same time.

Dakshin’s – (Old Market, opposite Siem Reap Referral Hospital) Indian cuisine that is famous in Siem Reap.

Kanell – (7 Makara Street, Wat Damnak Area) A romantic place to grab dinner or lunch.

Belmiro’s Pizza and Subs – (Street 7, Building 7) A taste of New York on the streets of Cambodia. You can order by the slice or have whole pizzas made for your group, the subs are also delicious.

Sister Srey Café – (200 Pokambor Street, Riverside and Old Market area) If you are a coffee lover this is your place. Sister Srey Café specialises in breakfast, brunch and lunch and have a vast array of homemade treats.

Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar – (Acha Sva Road, Watbo Village) A reservation only restaurant serving barbeque and sandwiches, along with fine wines.

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Nightlife

There may seem to be a lack of a formal night life in Siem Reap, which is in a way true. They just tend to do it differently with an array of backpacker bars, and hole in the wall joints as well as nicer restaurants with bars attached. Here are some places to check out:

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar – (The Lane, between Streets 7 & 8) A chinese themed restaurant and bar with a great atmosphere and cheap cocktails.

Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar – (Acha Sva Road, Watbo Village) An upper scale place to grab a few drinks with a good dinner.

Under Construction Bar & Restaurant – (Wat Bo Road) A construction themed bar where you can take your chances by rolling dice to determine the price of your cocktail.

Mezze – (Street 11 #13A, 1st Floor) An Asian fusion lounge with a upscale feel and higher priced cocktails. Mezze is a good place to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night.