Sihanoukville Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Local SIM cards are easily purchased at the airport or city shops. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes.

Staying Connected

Smart, Cellcard, Metfone are main providers.
Free Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants.
Reliable 4G/LTE coverage in major areas.

Language & Translation

Khmer is the official language. English is common in tourist zones. Chinese is increasingly heard.

Communication Tools

English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Chinese in casino areas.
Google Translate app for offline use.

Phrases

Learning a few basic Khmer phrases goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort.

Common Expressions

Hello (general): Suosdey (soo-s'day)
Thank you: Arkoun (ar-koon)
How much?: Tlai pon maan? (t'lie pon-maan?)

Useful Words

These simple words can aid basic interactions and dining.

Everyday Vocabulary

Yes: Baht (male), Jah (female)
No: Tey (tei)
Delicious: Chnang (ch'nang)

Other Communication Options

Digital Connectivity

Airalo for eSIM services.
Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet.
Standard postal services available.
Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Traveler Perks

Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
Compensair for flight compensation.
"Sorry/Excuse me": Som toh (som-toh).
"Water": Teuk (teuk).

Language Tip

Learning a few basic Khmer phrases makes for better interactions beyond tourist areas.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours to plan your activities effectively.

Office Hours

Offices and banks generally operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Shop Hours

Shop hours vary; smaller shops 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, supermarkets 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Dining Hours

Restaurants open from early morning (7:00 AM) until late evening (10:00 PM or later).

Banking & ATMs

Banks are typically open weekdays. ATMs are widely available and dispense US Dollars.

Financial Access

Banks open Monday to Friday.
ATMs common in city center, hotels.
US Dollars dispensed by ATMs.

Public Holidays

Cambodia observes many public holidays, some based on the Buddhist calendar.

Major Celebrations

Khmer New Year (mid-April).
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day, Sep/Oct).
Water Festival (Oct/Nov).

Impact of Holidays

Business Closures

Banks and government offices may close.
Some businesses may have reduced hours.
Check exact dates for closures.

Travel Considerations

Transportation may be crowded.
Prices for transport can increase.
Smaller guesthouses may limit services.

Seasonal Travel Advice

Dry season: prioritize island trips. Wet season: Kbal Chhay Waterfall is more impressive with higher water levels.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Show respect for Cambodian culture and customs during your visit.

Greetings & Dress Code

The traditional Cambodian greeting is the Sampeah. Modest clothing is suitable outside beach areas.

Cultural Gestures

Sampeah: palms together, slight bow.
Handshake common with foreigners.
Shoulders and knees covered at temples.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for good service. Dishes are typically shared.

Table Manners

Tipping is not mandatory but welcomed.
Use spoon and fork for most dishes.
Dishes are commonly shared.

Photography Ethics

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children or monks.

Mindful Snapping

Permission before photos of people.
Be respectful in religious settings.
No photography of military/government sites.

Cultural Taboos

Be aware of sensitive topics and gestures to avoid offense.

Things to Avoid

Do not touch someone's head.
Do not point feet at people or sacred objects.
Approach politics and history with sensitivity.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Cambodian society is generally conservative.
Public displays of affection are rare.
Women traveling alone are generally safe; exercise caution at night.

LGBTQ+ Tolerance

Cambodia is relatively tolerant compared to some neighbors.
Especially so in larger tourist areas.
Public displays of affection are uncommon for any couples.

Religious Site Etiquette

Temple Conduct

Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
Cover shoulders and knees.
Do not point your feet at Buddha images.

Respectful Behavior

Speak softly.
Be respectful of ongoing ceremonies.
Women should not touch monks or hand things to them.

Cultural Tip

Showing respect for the King and Royal Family is important in Cambodia.

Accessibility Information

Sihanoukville's infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Access

Infrastructure in Sihanoukville is generally not wheelchair-friendly.

Infrastructure Limitations

Sidewalks are uneven or broken.
Ramps are uncommon.
Newer, high-end resorts may have better access.

Accessible Transport

Few attractions or transportation options are specifically designed for accessibility.

Transportation Notes

Limited accessible taxi services.
Public transport not generally accessible.
Air travel might have better facilities.

Sensory Impairments

Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Support & Resources

Few services for visual impairments.
Few services for hearing impairments.

Information Access

Dedicated resources specifically for accessibility in Sihanoukville are few.

Research Tips

Research individual hotels directly.
Look for specific accessibility features.
Contact tour operators for details.

Seasonal Activities

Prioritize island trips if you visit during the dry season. If you travel during the wet season, Kbal Chhay Waterfall is more impressive with higher water levels.

Sihanoukville Travel Tips