Siem Reap Tourist Information
Siem Reap attracts millions of visitors each year and here is some helpful advice to help you have a great time and get the most out of your stay in Cambodia.
Money!
There are many ways to get access to your cash in Siem Reap. As a large tourist town, there are plenty of ATMs located all over. Even outside of the main tourist areas, there are still many around. You may be charged a fee for withdrawing cash, but the machine will let you know how much. You can expect to pay around $5 – $7 per transaction.
You should be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. Don’t use them to get cash late at night or in areas which are not very busy. Also, check the cash as there have been reports of counterfeit money being passed in the machines. Moreover, there have also been reports of card skimmers being used, so always check before using any machine.
You can also use credit cards in many shops and most hotels and restaurants. However, expect to pay a small surcharge of a few percent when using your card. Outside of Siem Reap town, very few places will accept credit cards and you should bring cash with you.
You can also exchange foreign currency in many places including the bank, currency exchange shops, or even on small vendors in the markets.
Getting Around
Travel Ads Cambodian will take care of your transport requirements when on a tour with us. We can even arrange for a driver to take you around the town. However, if you are exploring Siem Reap on your own then you’ll find that there are many transport options available. There are tuk tuks on every street corner and you can even rent a bicycle for as little as $1 per day.
Safety
Siem Reap is a safe town and most visitors will come and only experience a great time in our town. However, like anywhere in the world, there are scams and petty crime. You should always be aware of your surroundings and if something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t.
There have been some reports of bag snatchings, so women are advised to be extra careful when carrying a shoulder bag.
Good quality health care isn’t widely available in Cambodia and it can be very expensive, so make sure that you have appropriate insurance when visiting Siem Reap.
Climate
Siem Reap is a hot place. It’s either hot or very hot! There are two seasons – the rainy season and the dry season. It’s usually a little cooler in December, January, and February. The hottest months start from April and continue until September. It’s usually during these months that most of the rain will fall too.
When going to the temples in the rainy season, you should always bring a raincoat or an umbrella. Moreover, if you’re taking a sunset option, you should also bring mosquito repellent.