FAQ 1: How do I extend my visa?
Tourist visas can be extended for one month only. To extend your visa without making a border run, you can either go to the Immigration Office across from the airport in Phnom Penh, or give your passport to a travel agent who can send it to Phnom Penh for you. If you want to stay longer than 2 months, you have to cross the border and re-enter with a new tourist visa or a business visa which can be extended up to a year. Once you have a business visa, you can stay in Cambodia indefinitely, provided you renew your visa every year.
Tourist visas can be extended for one month only. To extend your visa without making a border run, you can either go to the Immigration Office across from the airport in Phnom Penh, or give your passport to a travel agent who can send it to Phnom Penh for you. If you want to stay longer than 2 months, you have to cross the border and re-enter with a new tourist visa or a business visa which can be extended up to a year. Once you have a business visa, you can stay in Cambodia indefinitely, provided you renew your visa every year.
FAQ 2: How do I get a fair price with moto and tuk-tuk drivers?
Negotiate a price with the drivers before you get on the bike. Be polite and patient and don’t lose your cool. Guesthouse and restaurant staff you give you an approximate price to get to your destination.
FAQ3: How can I get a Cambodia SIM card? Foreigners need to present a passport and a Business License or Cambodia Driver’s License in order to be issued the card. The easiest way is to ask a Cambodian to get the cad for you although if you lose the card the Cambodia will have to re-register the number for you. Tourist SIM cards with limited validity are available at travel agencies and phone shops.
FAQ4: Can I rent a motorbike in Sihanoukville? Foreigners are able to rent bikes in Sihanoukville, although if stopped by the police, will be asked to provide a Cambodia Driver’s License (an accepted). If you do not have the proper license, the bike will be confiscated and you will have to pay a hefty fine to get it back. Make sure the bike has a numbered plate and you use the chain lock every time you park it (lock between both front and back shocks). Using your own padlock is a good idea as bike theft is common in Sihanoukville.
FAQ5: Is the ice safe? Most foreign and Cambodian-run businesses use cubed ice that has a round hole through the center and made of purified water. It is generally safe to drink.
FAQ6: How do I make a local call? Look for small booths on the roadside with “012”,”011”, and “016” pasted on the front. Internet shops also offer local calls for 300-500 Riel per minute.
FAQ7: New traffic Laws
As of January 1, 2009, all motorbike drivers are required to wear a helmet. The rule does not apply to passengers. If you are caught by police without a helmet, you have to pay a fine for roughly $1. Request a helmet when you rent your bike.
FAQ8: Traffic lights are a recent addition to Sihanoukville. Be very cautions at intersections with lights as many drivers do not wait for a green light before entering the intersection. Many accidents have happened since the traffic lights began in December 2008. There aren’t any crosswalks at the intersections so be especially careful if you are on foot. Traffic does not stop for pedestrians in Cambodia.
FAQ9: Side mirrors and numbered plates are now necessary on all bikes. Ensure that the bike you rent has both. If stopped by police, the fine is 5,000-20,000 Riel.
FAQ10: Malaria in Sihanoukville
According to local doctors, malaria is not a risk while visiting Sihanoukville. However, this is difficult to confirm from reputable international sources as little information is available. Although very few cases are reported in Sihanoukville every year, malaria is still present in Cambodia, particularly in the north. Dengue Fever is also a risk. Make sure you wear mosquito repellant and visit a doctor for a blood test if any symptoms are present.
FAQ11: Giving Blood in Cambodia
Hospitals around the country are in need of blood donations. Unfortunately, patients are often required to pay a “fee” or bribe to receive donated blood – as is the case at the Public Hospital in Sihanoukville. Katha Bopha Children’s Hospital in Phnom Penh provides free medical care to Cambodia children. People can give blood under totally safe conditions. To donate blood, visit Katha Bopha, Wing #4, Street 240, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 367 009
FAQ12: US Dollar or Cambodia Riel?
Both Currencies are accepted throughout Cambodia although it is best to carry some Riel for small purchase. Make sure your US dollar notes are in good condition; bills of $10 or more with the slightest rip or tear will not be accepted. Some banks will exchange old notes for new ones but this is not common practice.
FAQ13: Where can we change Money?
Banks, supermarkets and street stalls will change money for you at fair rates. Te Lee Hong Money Exchange located before the market on the right has good rates and can change almost any currency. If your are heading to Thailand, you can change your Riel or Dollars into Thai Baht on the Cambodia side at a good rate. The money changers at the border crossing offer very poor rates.
