Everything you could ever need to know about budgeting in Cambodia is easily found right here. We break down how to travel cheaply without cutting too many corners. Cambodia is one of the few travel destinations where you can travel without breaking a budget and still have a ton of great experiences.
Follow these pointers, and you’ll have a great time without emptying your bank account.
Use the Tools Available
When you’re planning a trip, you might focus more on the experiences you want to have rather than the budget you need to stick to. Instead of fighting with cash when you’re traveling you should use the resources available to map out your spending.
Budgetyourtrip.com has a great calculator that accounts for average travelers’ expenses, and they include everything! You can find their calculator here, and there are options to choose either a variety of travel style options.
For example, this website calculates that on a cheap budget you could live on about $13 per day. That figure even includes alcoholic beverages, tips, handouts, and the possibility of scams. Use tools like this to set a realistic budget.
There are also many apps available on your phone to help track your spending while on vacation. But, you might want to use the old-school pen and paper method if you’re worried about wireless connection.
For other aspects of travel such as getting your visa, you can check out this site to make the process easier.
Plan in Singles
The importance of planning cannot be expressed enough. Too often people come across unexpected expenses on vacation that often makes them give up various experiences because they didn’t plan ahead.
The biggest issue with planning and money in Cambodia comes to tipping and inter-city travel. US dollar is a widespread currency. But, many cab drivers, Tuk Tuk drivers, and bike rental places refuse to give change. English is a very common language spoken throughout Cambodia, so it’s not a language barrier.
The issue is that small US dollar bills are kind of a commodity. Breaking a $20 for you might mean that they have to turn away business later in the day. Specifically, inner-city transportation is the most common place you’ll find this problem. But, you’ll see it in restaurants and with street vendors as well.
So how does planning help? Take only small bills. Any vendor will be much happier to take 15, $1 bills than try to make change for you. Using mostly $1 and $5 bills will make these transactions much easier.
The other aspect of planning out your cash is that if you only have what you need for transportation and food in cash, a pickpocket or scam artist won’t make off with much if you do fall prey to this minor issue.
Take a Bicycle Ride
That’s right! Although Tuk Tuk rides are part of the fun of a Cambodian vacation, the small fares quickly add up to a rather large expense. Taxi cabs are a source of danger for your wallet as cab drivers can change their fare prices or have faulty meters.
Instead of using a Tuk Tuk, or a taxi cab, rent a bike. Bike rentals are very popular and usually run for less than $2 per day. Bikes are also a great way actually to experience the city. You’re moving at a slower pace, but you can also stop wherever you please.
Where to Splurge
Guided tours aren’t for everyone, and many travelers pride themselves on adventuring out on their own. But, there’s a lot of missed opportunity if you think that going it alone is better. Guided tours in Cambodia often provide a lot of insightful information about the region, and the landmarks history.
Guided tours are a place to splurge not only because of the information but also because of the access. Angkor Wat is easy enough to walk through. But other temple ruins such as Ta Prohm aren’t as accessible without someone to guide you through the area.
If you have any extra money to splurge, we suggest taking at least one guided tour of a ruin. Much of Cambodia’s culture and modern-day experiences are deeply rooted in their ancient history. Although they are more well-known as a country that has seen a lot of war in their modern history you will gain a better understanding of the people of the country through their ancient cities.
thanks for guiding..i am planing my trip to cambodia next month.