Banking - Shoe Repair - Motorcycle - Bike Rentals

Cambodia is one of the last frontiers. Some call it one of the last of the Wild Wild West environments. If you want top see it before it becomes spoiled with McDonalds, 7-11's and other fast food business' come now, ASAP… things are changing fast.

If the rebuilding process of Cambodia continues at the current rate the country's natural, unflawed beauty will likely disappear within two years. When Westernization moves in the culture moves out.

You can still enjoy the raw scenery, wildlife and the still unspoiled rural life when traveling around the country.

Ox drawn wagons continue to bring the craftsman's products to market. Pigs lay around Sihanoukville streets. Water Buffalo drink by the side of the road. People young and old try to earn money selling newspapers, shining and repairing shoes or operating telephone booths sidewalk food stalls.

In December 1998 there were only three streets that had streetlights in Phnom Penh. At the time we asked our driver why and he jokingly replied that the city didn't pay its electric bill.

It seems now that the bills are being paid as more streetlights have been added throughout the city. Streets that were dark in 1998 now have light from the signs of business. The newly opened business' are another sign of the rebuilding process.

We first noticed the rebuilding on Phnom Penh in May 2000. Work on unfinished building projects were in progress. Buildings were being spruced up with a new coat of fresh paint.

 

Road repair in central Phnom Penh

If its dust you're looking for you can find it in Phnom Penh. Roads are being built and repaired. In the city road dust is a major problem that will resolve itself somewhat when the now dirt roads are paved. W/C's have been installed along the river-front a sign the country is gearing up for tourists. New businesses are opening up providing jobs.

The Internet revolution came to Cambodia. Cambodians are learning English and obtaining computer knowledge.

Many Internet shops are opening thus helping bring the price of access to the Internet down. Access to the Internet that cost $10 an hour just three years ago can be had for $1 an hour now. The most common charge is $1.50 an hour.

Signs of wealth (?) ! (?) are starting to emerge. There is a soccer-betting center on Sihanouk Boulevard. It makes one wonder where is the money coming from?

A nation that is trying to emerge from years of civil war has its problems and banking is one of them.

Credit cards are rarely accepted so cash is the name of the game. Some upscale hotels and a few travel agencies accept Visa.

BANKING:

There are no ATM machines in Cambodia for access to foreign banks. Many banks are located on streets 110 and 114 two blocks north of the Central market between Monivong and Norodom Boulevards. Our experience for the best deals cashing travelers checks and making credit card cash advances are:

The Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia charge 1% to cash travelers checks while other banks charge 2%. There is a minimum $1 charge for each check

# 3 Street 114

Tel: (23) 724-466

The Cambodian Commercial Bank charge 2% for Visa cash advance. Others banks charge as much as 4%.

#26 Monivong Boulevard @ Street 114

Tel: (23) 426-145 .

Inspect your currency when you receive dollars. You will have a problem spending dollars in poor condition. In many cases banks and businesses will try and pass notes in poor condition on to you. The local currency riel is accepted in any condition.

You will receive a better rate if you change dollars to riel at moneychangers that are scattered throughout the city. There are many around the Central market and other markets in Phnom Penh. The Central market is located on Kampuchea Krom Boulevard one block south of Monivong Boulevard.

We noticed a foreigner exchange $200 dollars worth of travelers' checks for riel at a bank. Not only did she get a low rate for her money but also she was shocked to find how many notes she was given.

A 10,000-riel note is normally the largest note that a moneychanger will have. Its value is around $2.50. If you do the math and divide $2.50 that into $200 gives you a wad of notes that are difficult to conceal.

At markets and small business you can bargain better in riel. Everyone accepts dollars; it's the currency of choice.

Mr. Lucky

MOTORCYCLE - BIKE RENTALS:

A good way to see the area is by renting a motorbike. Be careful, traffic comes at you from all directions. People drive on the wrong side of the street and through traffic lights.

Theft of motorbikes is common. Make sure you lock the bike when you park. Some areas are not safe to travel particularly at night.

Your passport is held as collateral. If the motorbike is lost or stolen you will have to pay $500 for the motorbike and your passport will be returned. Motorcycle loss is more costly depending on the age and condition of the bike.

Mr. Lucky at Lucky! Lucky! motorcycle rentals is a good person to talk to and rent a bike. He speaks good English. He also teaches English.

Mr. Lucky can advise you where it is safe to travel. He can give you directions how to get to your destination.

Lucky! Lucky! Motorcycle Rentals

No 413 Monivong Boulevard near Street 182.

Tel: (023) 212-788 & (012) 892-956

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TOUR GUIDE BOOKS & CITY MAP:

Pick up a FREE copy of Phnom Penh Visitors Guide by Canby Publications. It has an excellent city map. The publishers also have guidebooks for Siem Reap and Sihanoukville

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SHOE REPAIR:

If you have a favorite pair of sandals or athletic shoes you can't replace or find someone to repair Phnom Penh is a good place to get the job done.

We had a pair of athletic shoes that had the sole falling off. In Thailand they couldn't do the repair. We found a man on street 170 near the O Russei market that did the job for a very reasonable price. He stitched the sole to the body of the shoe. The soles have now worn thin and holes have almost worn through but they have remained in tact with the shoe.

In Thailand we bought a NEW PAIR of Nike basketball shoes. The soles fell off within a month. We took it to Nike Thailand and they couldn't repair them. Due to the size (13) of the shoe they couldn't replace them.

If you wear a size 12 or more you will have a hard time finding a shoe that will fit. Bring your shoes if you wear a large size.

There are a number of youngsters in Cambodia trying to earn money shining shoes. They also do minor shoe repair. Be advised, pay attention when they take your shoes. You may only want to have your shoes shined but some are known to rip the shoe or sandal when you're not looking, then bring it to your attention telling you that it needs repair. They will then give you a price for the repair.

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