MileHacker Logo
Practical Information

Practical Information

South Coast, Cambodia

Communication Services

Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone are the main mobile operators in Cambodia. All feature good coverage in Kep. SIM cards are easily available upon arrival at airports, mobile shops, or convenience stores. Your passport is necessary for registration. Tourist SIM cards with data remain affordable. A package with several gigabytes of data costs USD 5-10.

Internet and Postal Details

  • Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in guesthouses, hotels, and most restaurants.
  • 4G coverage is good in Kep and surrounding areas for mobile internet. For eSIMs, consider Airalo. For portable WiFi, check Solis Wi-Fi.
  • Basic postal services are available for postcards. For parcels, use the main post office in Phnom Penh.

Language and Translation

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and by tour operators. Less English is spoken in local markets or very rural areas.

Translation Resources

  • The Google Translate app proves helpful; download the offline Khmer language pack before your trip.
  • Carrying a phrasebook also provides quick reference. For deeper learning, explore Rosetta Stone.
  • Local phrases: Hello: Suostei (soo-oss-day), Thank you: Arkun (ar-koon), Please: Som (som).

Business Hours & Banking

Markets typically open early (6-7 AM) and operate until late afternoon or evening. Most restaurants open for lunch around 11 AM and serve dinner until 9 PM or 10 PM. Shops generally operate from 8-9 AM to 6-7 PM. Attractions are open during daylight hours, with Kep National Park closing around sunset.

Money and Holidays

  • Few full-service banks exist in Kep; use ATMs for cash withdrawals.
  • Several ATMs are available near major hotels or along the main road. They dispense USD.
  • Cambodia observes numerous public holidays, mainly related to Buddhism and national events. Some businesses may close during major holidays like Khmer New Year (April).

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your trip and honors the community. The traditional Cambodian greeting, Sampeah, involves pressing palms together with a slight bow. Use it for elders, monks, or in formal situations. Handshakes are common among men and with foreigners.

Customs and Practices

  • For religious sites, shoulders and knees must have coverage. Remove your shoes and hats.
  • Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals, especially monks or children.
  • Do not touch someone's head; it is sacred. Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects. Women do not touch monks.

Dining and Accessibility

Dining and Tipping

  • Meals are often communal; dishes are shared.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
  • Public displays of affection, especially for LGBTQ+ couples, are not common.
  • Respect local customs and societal norms regarding gender.

Accessibility Information

  • Cambodia's infrastructure, including Kep's, is generally not well-equipped for mobility challenges.
  • Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent; many establishments have stairs.
  • Few dedicated services exist for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.
  • Pre-arranged tours or private guides are very useful for travelers with special needs.

Image Gallery for Practical Information

This gallery displays items related to communication and local customs.

Visual Guide for Your Trip

These images provide useful information for your trip. They show how to stay connected, get cash, and respect local traditions.

Cambodian SIM Card

A local SIM card for affordable mobile data and calls.

ATM in Cambodia

Easily access cash from ATMs located throughout tourist areas.

Sampeah Greeting

The traditional Cambodian gesture of respect.

Airport Services

For frequent travelers, independent airport lounge access globally is available. For flight issues, compensation for delays, cancellations, or denied boarding can be pursued.

Traveler Benefits

  • Priority Pass offers airport lounge access (10% commission, 30-day cookie).
  • Compensair assists with flight compensation (€5-12 fixed commission, 30-day cookie).
  • These services provide practical solutions for air travel.

Temple Dress Code

Respectful attire is important when visiting religious sites in Cambodia. Shoulders and knees require coverage as a sign of reverence.

Guidelines for Visits

  • Ensure clothing covers shoulders and knees.
  • Remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings.
  • Maintain quiet behavior within sacred spaces.

Seasonal Closures & Accessibility

Seasonal Operating Adjustments

  • During the peak wet season (September-October), fewer tourists visit.
  • Some smaller guesthouses or restaurants might close or operate on limited schedules.
  • This period often brings discounted rates due to lower demand.

Mobility & Accessibility

  • Infrastructure in Kep is generally not well-equipped for mobility challenges.
  • Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent; public transport is not accessible.
  • Exploring by private car with assistance may be the most feasible way to get around.

Information Summary

Plan your trip effectively with these essential practical details, from communication to cultural norms.

Cultural Sensitivities

Respectful interaction with local culture enriches your trip and honors the community.

Respectful Interactions

Dress modestly, especially at religious sites, as this shows respect. Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals, notably monks or children. Respect their wishes if someone declines.

Market and Privacy

  • Bargain respectfully and with a smile at markets. Do not over-haggle for small amounts.
  • Be mindful of privacy. Do not photograph religious ceremonies without explicit permission.
  • Respect people's right to privacy, especially in private settings.

Religious Site Etiquette

Remove your shoes and hats before entering temples or pagodas. Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees remain covered.

Sacred Space Conduct

  • Do not point your feet at Buddha images.
  • Avoid loud conversations and disruptive behavior.
  • Avoid giving money or gifts directly to children, as this can encourage begging.

Ethical Tourism

Your travel choices directly affect the local economy. Make choices that benefit the community.

Community Support

  • Seek out and support local, family-run guesthouses, restaurants, and shops.
  • Look for "fair trade" labels or products sold directly by artisans. Kampot pepper offers an example.
  • Eat at local eateries, hire local tuk-tuk drivers, buy from local markets.

Ethical Considerations

Certain interactions warrant caution and thoughtful consideration to avoid negative outcomes.

Avoid Harmful Practices

  • Avoid giving money directly to beggars; support local NGOs or charities instead.
  • Do not visit or volunteer at orphanages; many are unregulated and can inadvertently contribute to exploitation.
  • Choose ethical animal experiences, like bird watching in the National Park. Avoid animal exploitation.

Appropriate Charitable Giving

Research and Donate Responsibly

  • Research and donate to reputable local NGOs.
  • Focus on organizations that work on education, healthcare, or community development.
  • Verify your donations reach legitimate causes.

Supporting Ethical Tours

Sustainable Consumption

Reducing Waste

  • Minimize your plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle.
  • Use a reusable shopping bag.
  • Say no to plastic straws and single-use plastics when possible.

Sustainable Products

  • For sustainable outdoor gear, visit Patagonia.
  • Explore reusable products at Package Free Shop.
  • Recycling infrastructure is limited; carry out what you carry in.

Sustainable Travel Practices

Travel with a positive impact. This gallery shows ways to be a responsible visitor in Kep.

Environmental Responsibility

Your actions as a traveler influence Kep's natural environment. Practice responsible habits to preserve its beauty.

Protected Areas and Waste

Kep National Park, a protected area, maintains the forest and its wildlife. Stick to marked trails when hiking. Avoid collecting plants or disturbing animals. Waste management presents a significant challenge in Cambodia. Litter is common in some areas.

Conservation Initiatives

  • Marine conservation efforts try to protect the Gulf of Thailand's ecosystem.
  • Minimize your plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
  • Recycling infrastructure is limited; dispose of your waste properly in designated bins.

Water and Carbon Footprint

Freshwater resources can be strained, especially in the dry season. Consider your water usage in accommodations. Take shorter showers and reuse towels when appropriate.

Offsetting and Eco-Tourism

  • Consider donating to reputable carbon offset programs, such as Terrapass.
  • Look for accommodations that demonstrate environmental awareness and local sourcing.
  • Support tour operators promoting responsible tourism practices.

Community Support Visuals

These images depict ways to support the local community and travel responsibly in Kep.

Visual Examples

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Minimize plastic waste on your trip.
  • Supporting Local Market Vendors: Directly contribute to the local economy.
  • Respectful Temple Visit: Adhere to dress codes and etiquette at religious sites.

Agricultural Heritage

The region's rich agricultural heritage is showcased through its famous produce.

Local Delicacies

  • Kampot Pepper Farm: Discover the renowned Kampot pepper and its cultivation.
  • Learn about traditional farming methods and sustainable practices.
  • Support local farmers by purchasing direct.

Image Gallery for Responsible Travel

Reusable Water Bottle

Minimizing plastic waste during your travels.

Visit Store

Supporting Local Vendors

Directly contributing to the local community.

Explore Tours

Respectful Temple Visits

Adhering to cultural norms and dress codes.

Find Eco-Accommodation

Commitment to Sustainability

These practices highlight minimizing environmental footprints, supporting local economies, and respecting cultural heritage.