Battambang Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Cambodia has three main mobile service providers: Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone. They possess good coverage in Battambang and along key thoroughfares.

SIM Cards & Data

Purchase available at airports or mobile shops in Battambang. Passport needed for registration.
Data packages are affordable (US$5-10 for 7-30 days), suitable for most visits.
Reliable 4G/LTE mobile data coverage in the city and main roads.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and commonly free in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and many restaurants. Speeds are generally sufficient.

Additional Options

Local SIM cards have portable internet access for navigation and communication.
Battambang has a primary post office for sending postcards or parcels internationally.
ESIM options are available, such as Airalo.

Language & Translation

The official language is Khmer. English is spoken in tourist areas, including hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and by tuk-tuk drivers and tour guides.

Helpful Resources

English proficiency may be limited in local markets or rural areas.
Download a translation app with an offline Khmer language pack, like Google Translate.
A small Khmer phrasebook can also be useful for quick reference.

Khmer Phrases

Common Greetings & Responses

Hello (formal): Jum reap sour (chom-reap-soor)
Hello (informal): Suosdey (soo-sa-day)
Thank you: Arkoun (ar-koon)

Practical Khmer Phrases

Basic Questions

How much?: Tlai pon maan?
No: Tae
Yes (male speaker): Baht
Yes (female speaker): Jah

Responses

Delicious: Chnganh
Sorry/Excuse me: Som tos
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi (same)
Water: Tuk

SIM Card Purchase Advice

Purchase your SIM card from a formal provider shop or at the airport. This secures proper registration. Avoid street vendors offering SIMs.

Business Hours & Schedules

Battambang’s operating hours are generally consistent, though public and religious holidays cause changes.

Banks

Most banks operate Monday to Friday, typically 8:MIDNIGHT TO 4:00 PM. Some open on Saturday mornings.

Shops and Markets

Local shops and markets open early, often 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM, and usually shut 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Convenience stores may stay open later.

Restaurants

Restaurant hours vary. Many local eateries start early for breakfast (approximately SIX:00 AM or 7:00 AM) and close by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

Banking Access

ATMs operate 24/7 and dispense US Dollars. Major banks with ATMs include ABA Bank and ACLEDA Bank.

Bank Operating Hours

Most banks operate from Monday to Friday.
Typical hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Some banks open on Saturday mornings.

Attraction Hours

Most tourist attractions, including temples and museums, open around 8:00 AM and close around 5:00 PM or at sunset.

Check Specific Schedules

Specific hours for sites like Phare Ponleu Selpak circus acts are advisable to check.
Generally, most businesses remain open year-round.
Seasonal services, like the Siem Reap-Battambang river boat, may have modified schedules.

Public & Religious Holidays

Major Holidays

Khmer New Year (mid-April): The most significant national holiday (3-5 days).
Pchum Ben (Sept/Oct): Buddhist festival, many visit pagodas.
Water Festival (Nov): Main celebrations in Phnom Penh, but national holiday.

Travel Implications

Businesses, banks, government offices may close or have reduced hours.
Transportation gets very busy during Khmer New Year as people return home.
Confirm seasonal provisions in advance.

Planning for Holidays

Check the exact dates for national holidays before your trip. Holidays affect travel plans and service availability.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

The people of Battambang extend forgiveness for visitors' unintentional mistakes, but making an effort goes a long way.

Greeting Customs

The traditional Cambodian greeting, Sampeah, involves pressing palms together in a prayer-like gesture with a slight bow. Height of hands and the richness of bow relate to social status.

Common Greetings

Handshake: Common, especially among men or between men and foreign women. Follow local lead.
Smile: A genuine smile is always a welcoming gesture.
Modest dress: Appreciated throughout Cambodia. Avoid overly revealing clothing.

Dining Practices

Use a spoon and fork (or chopsticks for noodles). Do not point your feet at anyone or food. It is polite to finish your rice. Wait to be invited to eat if dining with Cambodians.

Tipping & Photography

Tipping: Increasingly appreciated in tourist-oriented establishments due to low wages.
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks, children, or those in traditional dress. Respect a 'no'.
Religious Sites: Be respectful, avoid flash during ceremonies. Do not turn your back on Buddha images when posing for photos.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Cultural Sensitivities

Head: Do not touch a person'the leader of, even a child's, it is most sacred body part.
Feet: Do not point feet at anyone, Buddha images, people, or food. Do not step over someone's legs or food.
Monks: Women should not touch monks or hand anything directly to them.

Important Considerations

Royal Family: Show respect to the Cambodian Royal Family. Public criticism is not tolerated.
Khmer Rouge History: Discuss with sensitivity. Many Cambodians lost family members.
Military: Do not photograph military installations, personnel, or police.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Norms

Cambodia is a conservative society.
Public displays of affection are uncommon.
Men and women may not greet each other with handshakes unless initiated by the woman.

LGBTQ+ Context

Homosexuality is not illegal in Cambodia.
Generally a level of tolerance, especially in urban areas.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not common; discretion is advisable.

Thoughtful Gesture

Bring a small gift from your home country if you plan to visit residences in the area or villages. This is a careful gesture of appreciation.

Accessibility Information

Cambodia, including Battambang, has limited infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges.

Infrastructure Challenges

Battambang’s infrastructure, like much of Cambodia, has not been built with accessibility in mind.

Mobility Obstacles

Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or non-existent.
Obstacles include parked motorbikes, street vendors, and open drains.
Many buildings, shops, and restaurants have steps at entrances, and ramps are rare.

Attraction Access

Most of Battambang’s major attractions contain stairs or uneven terrain.

Site-Specific Challenges

Wat Banan and Phnom Sampeau involve significant climbs.
Bamboo Train: Not accessible; stepping onto a platform is needed.
Some ground-level areas of pagodas might be accessible.

Transportation Limitations

Public Transport

Tuk-tuks and buses are not designed for wheelchair access.
Boarding these vehicles has difficulties.
Private cars: Offer comfort, but drivers may not have training in assisting mobility needs.

Support Services

Specific services or dedicated infrastructure for travelers with visual impairments are hard to find.
Similar limitations for travelers with hearing impairments.
Communication may rely on visual cues, writing, or translation apps.

Accessibility Resources

Limited Dedicated Resources

Very few dedicated resources or organizations specifically focus on barrier-free travel in Battambang.
This also extends to rural Cambodia.
Travel forums or specialist tour operators focusing concerning accessible tourism in Southeast Asia may offer advice.

Accommodation Inquiries

Contact your accommodation directly to inquire about specific accessibility features before booking.
Customized tours might be an option with specialist operators.
Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet for navigation, especially if relying on online maps.

Language Learning Resource

Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning before your trip to enhance communication.

Battambang Travel Tips