1.1 Cambodians think foreigners are crazy (and rightfully so)

I've had no problem writing this type of article for every other country I've been to in Southeast Asia, but Cambodia was a tough one. I didn't really have too many problems traveling there. I almost didn't bother writing this article, but I managed to think of a few tips worth noting. Here they are:

1. In Cambodia, you can take out up to $2,000 USD from the bank machines, and it actually comes out in USD.
2. However, you often get the bills in increments of $100 and $50s (sometimes $20s if you’re lucky), which no one can EVER change – if you see a bank, scurry in and get as much change as you can before you head to less populated areas.
3. The border crossing from Laos to Cambodia is notoriously sketchy – tickets booked from Don Det are often not honoured once the traveler reaches Cambodia, and the buses at the border are never what you were told they would be. There’s nothing you can do about this, just be prepared for it.
4. Food in Cambodia is expensive compared to the rest of Southeast Asia – this is because Cambodia imports most of its food, so everything but the pepper (which is grown locally in Kep and Kampot) is about double the price of other nearby countries.
5. Phnom Penh lacks the modern shopping that most Southeast Asian cities have – the only Western chain is KFC, and the shopping malls are a bit of a disappointment if you were hoping to find some clothes that fit and don’t look…well…Asian. That said, Phnom Penh has done some impressive development, considering until about 15 years ago, it was pretty much a ghost town because of the Khmer Rouge forcing everyone out of the city.
6. Siem Reap is so cool – if I’d known just how much I would like it before I got there, I would have planned for more time there. It’s got a great vibe, cool people, tons of stuff to do, and excellent food. Plus it’s pretty cheap.
7. Cambodians are a super good-looking people. And most people I’ve spoken to concur. Of course, it’s not essential to know this before you go to Cambodia, but it’s certainly an added bonus.
8. Angkor Wat can be done in a day – easily (and is totally worth going, even if you are told otherwise by Brits who say it's boring).

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