Destination: Cambodia

Money & Costs

The cost of travelling in Cambodia runs the full gamut from almost free to outrageously expensive depending on taste and comfort. Penny pinchers can survive on as little as US$10 per day, while budget travellers with an eye on enjoyment can live it up on US$20. Midrange travellers can turn on the style with just US$75 to US$100 a day, staying in smart places, dining well and travelling in comfort. At the top end, flash US$200 or more in cash and you can live in luxury.

Budget accommodation starts from as little as US$2 to US$5 in popular destinations. Spending US$10 to US$20 will add amenities, including air-con, satellite TV, fridge and hot water. Stepping up to US$50, you enter the world of three-star standards or charming mini-resorts. Forking out US$100 and up brings a five-star fling. Don't be afraid to negotiate for a discount if it is low season or traffic is down.

While Cambodian cuisine may not be as well known as that of its neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam, it can compete with the best of them. Snack on the street or chow down in the market on meals starting at just 1000r, or you can pig out for a couple of bucks. Khmer restaurants are a step up in comfort and a local meal will cost US$1 to US$2. Next up are the sophisticated Khmer, Asian and international restaurants. Meals start from about US$3 at the cheaper places, more like US$10 with drinks at the smarter ones, and US$50 and beyond is possible if you go wild with the wine list.

Domestic flights link Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Ratanakiri. Fast boats link several popular destinations in Cambodia and the journey can be more scenic than by road. There is now a healthy selection of bus companies connecting towns and cities throughout Cambodia and prices are rock-bottom. On the rougher roads, share taxis and pick-ups take the strain. Travelling by train is still cheap, but is painfully slow, at an average speed of 20km/h. For ultimate flexibility, some visitors rent a car or 4WD and travel with a guide. Visitors to Angkor (surely everybody coming to Cambodia) will have to factor in the cost of entrance fees, which are US$20 for one day, US$40 for three days and US$60 for one week. An additional expense is transport to get to and around the ruins, from US$2 for a bicycle, US$6 for a moto (small motorcycle with driver), US$10 for a remorque (trailer pulled by a bicycle or motorcycle) and US$20 for a car.

Small budget, big budget, it doesn't really matter; Cambodia is the place to be. Soak it up in style.

HOW MUCH?

Hotel room with air-con US$8-20
Restaurant meal US$2-6
Internet access per minute US$0.50-1.50
Cambodia Daily newspaper 1200r
Krama (scarf) 3000r
Litre of petrol 3000r
Litre of water 500-2000r
Large Angkor Beer US$1.50-2.50
Noodle soup 2000-4000r
Souvenir T-shirt US$2