Kampot Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Basics

Ensure smooth communication during your visit.

Staying Connected

Local SIM cards: Smart, Cellcard, Metfone common. Purchase at airport or shops (passport needed).
Wi-Fi: Widely free at guesthouses, cafes, restaurants. Speed varies but is usually sufficient.
Mobile Data: Reliable 4G/LTE coverage in town and surrounds. Consider Airalo eSIM or Solis Wi-Fi.

Language & Translation

Bridge language gaps with helpful resources.

Local Dialogue

Official Language: Khmer. English is common in tourist areas.
Translation Apps: Google Translate (download Khmer offline pack) is highly helpful.
Learning Phrases: A few basic Khmer phrases are much appreciated. Consider Rosetta Stone.

Important Khmer Phrases

Basic phrases for polite interactions.

Learn & Use

Hello: Suor Sdey (Swoh-sdey)
Thank you: Arkun (Ar-koon)
Yes: Baht (male), Jah (female)

More Handy Phrases

Further phrases for daily use.

Everyday Help

No: Ot Te (Oht-tey)
Excuse me/Sorry: Som Toh (Som-toe)
How much?: Tlai Pon Man? (Tlie pon-man?)

Dining & Postal Services

Food Terms

Delicious: Chnang (Ch-nang)
Water: Teuk (Tuhk)
No meat: Ot sach (Oht sach)
Tipping: Not mandatory, but welcome (round up or 5-10%).

Postal Service

Main post office: Handles international mail and parcels. Inquire for rates.
Shipping: Ask at the post office for options to send items home.
Business Hours: Check locally as hours may vary.
Typical operating hours: Shops generally 8-9 AM to 6-7 PM. Restaurants often open early until 9-10 PM.

Communication Note

A local SIM card with data is a cost-effective choice for staying connected throughout your visit.

Business & Banking

Navigating local business hours and financial services.

Shop Hours

Generally 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 6:00 PM/7:00 PM. Family shops may open longer.

Restaurant Times

From early breakfast (6:00 AM) until late evening (9:00 PM-10:00 PM). Bars open later.

Market Hours

Local markets start early (5:00 AM), close by late afternoon. Night markets begin late afternoon.

Banking & ATMs

Access to your funds in Kampot.

Financial Access

Banks: Weekdays typically 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM/4:00 PM. Some Saturday half-days.
ATMs: Available 24/7 in Kampot town center, at banks, larger supermarkets, and gas stations.
Currency: US Dollar widely used, alongside Cambodian Riel.

Public Holidays

Be aware of holidays impacting services and travel.

Dates

Khmer New Year (April): Major holiday, expect closures and busy transport for several days.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day - Sept/Oct): Another significant holiday with similar impacts.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk - Nov): Celebrated on the river. Tourist businesses mostly open.

Seasonal Notes

Low Season

Wet season (July-October): Some smaller guesthouses/tour operators may have reduced services or temporary closures.
Tourist Infrastructure: Most major tourist businesses in Kampot remain open year-round.
Accommodation: Lower rates often available during low season.

High Season

Dry season (Nov-Feb): Peak tourist season with ideal weather for outdoor activities.
Crowds: Higher numbers of visitors and potentially higher prices.
Planning: Book accommodation and popular tours in advance during this period.

Planning Ahead

Consult a current Cambodian public holiday calendar if your travel dates approach major national festivals.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Show respect for local customs to enrich your experience.

Greeting Customs

Traditional ways of saying hello.

Welcome Gestures

Sampeah: Hands together at chest level, slight bow. Higher hands, bow for more respect.
Handshake: Common among men, often used with foreigners.
Simple Phrases: "Suor Sdey" (hello) and "Arkun" (thank you) are always valued.

Appropriate Attire

Dress codes for various settings.

Clothing Guidelines

Religious Sites (Wats/Pagodas): Shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes indoors.
General: Modest dress generally preferred, especially outside tourist zones.
Public Spaces: Avoid overtly revealing clothing as a sign of local respect.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Cultural considerations to keep in mind.

Cultural Respect

Head: Sacred. Never touch a Cambodian's head.
Feet: Lowest part. Do not point feet at people, Buddha images, or sacred objects. Avoid stepping over others.
Monks: Women must not touch monks. Stand up when a monk enters the room.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Social notes for a broader perspective.

Social Awareness

Gender: Generally conservative regarding public displays of affection.
LGBTQ+: Relatively tolerant, notably in tourist areas. Homosexuality is not illegal.
Acceptance: Gay/lesbian couples are generally accepted, though public displays of affection remain discreet.

Important Cautions

Religious & Royal Matters

Avoid criticizing the King or Buddhism. These hold deep respect.
Khmer Rouge History: Discuss this period with sensitivity; many abided great suffering.
Public Emotions: Avoid overt displays of anger or frustration; keep a calm demeanor.

Photography & Privacy

Permission: Always ask before taking close-up photos of people, especially monks or children.
Restrictions: Avoid photography in religious areas or where signs forbid it.
Sensitive Sites: Do not photograph military installations or government property.

Accessibility Notes

Infrastructure Limitations

Limited facilities for mobility challenges. Uneven or absent sidewalks. Ramps are rare.
Transport: Public options (tuk-tuks, buses) not wheelchair accessible. Private taxis may offer limited assistance.
Attractions: Most historical sites and temples are not wheelchair accessible.

Specialized Services

Visual/Hearing Impairments: Limited specialized services. Epic Arts Centre may offer resources.
Research: Consult organizations specializing in accessible travel for specific advice and tour operators.
Accommodation: Research individual accommodations for their accessibility features.

Airport Services

Streamline your airport experience with useful services.

Lounge Access

Enhance your airport wait times.

Comfort at the Airport

Priority Pass: Lounge access at many airports worldwide.
For frequent travelers: Access independent airport lounges.
Visit Priority Pass for details.

Flight Compensation

Receive compensation for travel disruptions.

Claim Your Rights

Compensair: Services for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Helps customers receive compensation.
Check out Compensair.

Kampot Travel Tips