Though Cambodian riel (R) is the official currency, US dollars are used as commonly as riel. Most tourist oriented businesses set their prices in US dollars. Though the exchange rate varies over time, it has hovered near 4000R to the dollar for several years and many small businesses treat 4000R as the de facto rate regardless of today’s exact exchange rate. When accepting US dollars, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note renders it worthless in Cambodia.
ATMs Sihanoukville has several ATMs with international access including: downtown at ANZ Royal Bank; a couple near the Golden Lions; at the Golden Sand Hotel on Ochheuteal Beach; at the Holiday Palace Hotel on Victory Beach; at the Total Station downtown and at the convenience store opposite Mealy Chenda Guesthouse on Victory Hill.
Credit Cards Visa and MasterCard (MC) are the most widely accepted. Some places also take AMEX, ANZ Bluespot, the ACLEDA GoldDot card (GD) and Union Pay (UP). Some businesses charge a 2%-4% fee on credit card payment.
Travelers Checks Travelers checks are still accepted at some banks and hotels, but there are fewer places all the time. Ana Travel offers currency/travelers cheque exchange and Visa and MasterCard advances.
Cash Transfers ‘Instant’ cash transfers can be done through MoneyGram or Western Union. Ordinary telegraphic transfers are available at all major banks.
Banks Banks provide currency and travelers check exchange, credit card advances, telegraphic transfers and all usual banking services. Most banks are open from 8:00 to 15:00 or 16:00, Monday through Friday. Some are open Saturday mornings until 11:30.
Banks in Sihanoukville
Cambodia Asia Bank (CAB)
Western Union, Visa/MC.
Golden Lion Park on Ekareach St, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Mon – Fri: 7:30 – 21:00
Tel: +(855)(0)34-934120
Fax: +(855)(0)34-934121
www.cab.com.kh
Canadia Bank
MoneyGram, ATM, Visa/MC.
On Ekareach Street, Downtown, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Tel: +(855)(0)34-933490
www.canadiabank.com
CUBC
Bank ATM with international access, Western Union, Visa/MC/Maestro/Cirrus/Diners Club
Downtown on Ekareach Street, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Mon – Fri: 8:00 -15:30
Sat: 8:00 – 12:00.
Tel: +(855)(0)34-934228
www.cathaybk.com.kh
Mekong Bank
Credit cards accepted, currency exchange, t/c exchange. Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Sihanouk Ville Branch:
#223, Ekareach Street, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Monday – Friday: 8:30 – 16:00
Sat: 8:30 – 12:00
Sunday money exchange. 10:00 – 14:30.
Tel: +(855)(0)34-933867
Fax: +(855)(0)34-933870
Union Commercial Bank (UCB)
Currency exchange, ATM, t/c exchange, ‘No commission’ Visa card cash advance. Visa/MC/Cirrus/Plus.
Downtown on Ekareach Street, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Mon – Fri: 8:00 – 15:30
Sat: 8:00 – 12:00
Tel: +(855)(0)34-933833
www.ucb.com.kh
Safety & Security Tips
* Do not leave your things unattended on the beach while you go swimming or into your bungalow, even briefly.
* Beware of illegal drugs. Enforcement and penalties, even for simple possession, have been stepped up considerably.
* Be alert for snatch & grab thieves, usually on motorcycles. Stow your bag securely in tuk-tuks and carry your bag/camera away from the street side.
* Traffic laws, including helmet and driver license laws are being more strictly enforced. Mind the law.
* Boat safety practices are not up to international standards. It is up to YOU to make sure your boat has sufficient safety equipment and is not overloaded.
