Cambodia
Southeast Asia · Khmer · Riel
Greet with a sampeah, keep your feet pointed away from Buddhas, and pay in dollars knowing your change comes back in riel.
Today in Cambodia
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5 phrases you need in Cambodia
- Helloជំរាបសួរchum-reap-SUOR
- Goodbyeជំរាបលាchum-reap-LEAH
- Pleaseសូមsohm
- Thank youអរគុណaw-KOON
- Excuse meសុំទោសsohm-TOH
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Cambodia phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
US dollars are the de facto currency for anything over a dollar, with riel used as small change; bring crisp bills, because torn or worn dollars get refused.
transport
Use the PassApp or Grab apps for tuk-tuks in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; fixed app pricing beats haggling and drivers actually know where they are going.
etiquette
Angkor enforces a dress code — shoulders and knees covered, strictly so for the upper tiers of Angkor Wat. Greet with a sampeah (palms together) rather than a handshake.
scams
Skip orphanage visits and milk-buying requests around tourist zones; both are well-documented scams that harm the kids involved. Buy Angkor passes only at the official ticket center.
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