Around the World with Wes and Masami - Around the World Travelogue by Wes and Masami Heiser with Journal Photographs Expenses Lodging Guide Schedule Preparation Route

US citizen:

900 Baht for a 30-day visa with 3 months validity from the date of issue. The visa is issued 2 working days after application. Alternatively, for an additional 200 Baht, the visa is issued on the afternoon of the morning of application, but for the same 1100 Baht, the visa can easily be obtained at the land or air border on arrival. Visa application requires 1 photo and the name of a hotel in Cambodia where you'll supposedly stay. Feel free to use any of the names from our Cambodia Lodging Guide.

Japanese citizen:

Same as for US citizens.

The national currency is the Riel. US$1 = 3900 Riel on 22 March 2002.

Prices for most tourist items including tourist restaurants, guesthouses, hotels, boats, buses, and site admissions are quoted in US$. Payment in lieu of US$ is typically at a rate of US$1 = 4000 Riel. Places that quote in Riel always accept US$ and give change in a combination of US$ and Riel. When change for US$ payment is given in Riel, it's often at the advantageous rate of US$1 = 4000 Riel. Therefore, converting US$ cash to Riel is unnecessary.

Travelers Check conversion to US$ cash and credit card advances are possible at most banks for a 2.5% or more commission. Don't buy Riels at a bank, however.

Exchange cash at a money changer in the town market instead of at the bank. In Siem Reap, the bank paid 70 Riel per Thai Baht (THB), and the money changer in the Old Market gave a rate of 88 Riel = 1 THB. (25% difference). Likewise, for US$, the bank gives 3500 Riel per US$ and the money changer gives 3900 Riel / US$.

Bring US$ cash with you to Cambodia to avoid high bank charges.

Short Distance Truck or Motorbike	Fare is generally standard for distances ranging from 1km to 50km. Tourists are sometimes quoted higher prices. Ask a local what the fare should be before attempting to negotiate.
Long Distance Truck	The truck network is regular, cheap, shabby, and cramped. Trucks often depart only in the morning. Tourists are sometimes overcharged.
Long Distance Slow Boat	These typically run only during the rainy season. Published travel times range from 24 hours to days between points.
Long Distance Fast Boat	This is the preferred tourist mode of transport between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The boat is expensive relative to truck transport (US$23 boat, US$8 truck between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh) but more comfortable since it avoids dusty dirt roads with large potholes. The fast boats, however, tend to be dangerously over packed with tourists.