SECTION 07
un[wind]
MISCELLANEOUS
PERSONAL SECURITY Despite horror stories of sky-high crime rates, most people visit Cambodia without incident; be careful, but don’t be a paranoid. This is not to underestimate the issue – crime is probably the most serious problem facing the country. Most of these are bag snatchings, often by thieves riding past on motorbikes. Hotspots for petty crime include the riverfront and some areas of Phnom Penh, and the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville and nearby islands. If you fall victim to a mugging, you should take very seriously the usual advice not to resist and do as you’re told.
YOUR HEALTH Protecting yourself against the harsh sun with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential – especially between 10am to 4pm, and regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. It is not safe to drink straight from the tap in Cambodia. Opt for bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, which is readily available in most places. Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, avoid being out at night as much as possible as the Anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark. Always use mosquito repellent, light coloured long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed shoes and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas.
TIPPING In restaurants and bars, 10% to 15% is the accepted tipping standard. Parking attendants and security guards are commonly tipped an amount of $1 or $2 and up according to the length of your stay. The going rate for porters at airports is between $5 and $10 per piece of luggage. Some of the other service providers you may want to tip are taxi drivers, tour guides and assistants at the hairdressers’ and beauty salons.
un[travel]
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