Cambodia

Hostels in Siem Reap, budget friendly, fun and good level of English.

I explore three different styles of hostels and show you the vibe and feel of each place. 

The Cambodian currency is the riel (KHR), which was first introduced in 1955. The riel was used alongside the US dollar in the 1990s and early 2000s as a way to stabilize the economy after years of war and political instability. However, the US dollar has become the dominant currency in Cambodia, with many prices quoted in dollars and most transactions conducted using dollars. The exchange rate between the riel and the dollar has remained relatively stable in recent years, with around 4,000 riels to the dollar. Despite efforts to promote the use of the riel, many Cambodians still prefer to use the US dollar, especially for larger purchases such as property and vehicles. 

To top up your mobile phone in Cambodia, you can either buy a physical top-up card from a mobile network operator's retail outlet or purchase an electronic top-up from a mobile money agent. To use a physical top-up card, simply scratch off the silver panel on the back to reveal the recharge code, dial the relevant code on your phone followed by the recharge code and press send. Alternatively, to use electronic top-up, you can visit a mobile money agent, provide them with your phone number, and the amount you wish to top up, and then make payment via cash or a bank transfer. Once the payment is processed, your mobile phone will be topped up, and you can begin using the airtime or data immediately.

The Cambodian New Year celebration, also known as Khmer New Year, is a three-day festival that takes place in mid-April. The event marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional New Year in the Cambodian calendar. During the celebration, people engage in various activities, such as cleaning and decorating their homes, visiting pagodas and temples to offer food and prayers, and engaging in traditional games and dances. Water also plays a significant role in the festivities, with many people dousing each other with water as a way to symbolically cleanse themselves of the previous year's misfortunes and start anew. Overall, the Cambodian New Year celebration is a vibrant and joyful occasion that celebrates both cultural traditions and the natural cycles of life. 

When comparing supermarket prices between Cambodia and the UK, it's important to note that the UK tends to offer higher quality and more reliable products due to strict regulations and standards. Additionally, UK supermarkets generally provide a wider range of choices for consumers, with an extensive selection of both locally-produced and imported goods available.