As you guys know if you follow me on my instagram, Coffeecupcloset, you'll know that I've been to Phnom Penh, Cambodia last weekend. So the next couple coming blog posts will be all about the trip, places I visit, the transportation in Phnom Penh, my experiences and my thoughts on it.
For todays post, lets get started with things I wish I knew before going to Phnom Penh. So here are few things, I wish I do differently or I knew before going to Cambodia;
1. Scam people are everywhere
Yes, it is everywhere from the bike rental shop, to tuk tuk driver to bus ticket seller and so many more. Be aware of your tuk tuk driver, if he bring you to one particular agent bus ticket most probably he will get commission out of your ticket price. Means you have to pay more. Buy your bus ticket from the city bus station and never from the agent. Most of the time the price was doubled or even tripled.
2. Its smelly and dirty
This was expected but I think its on another level. Especially if you are in the city, Phnom Penh. Smelly because their people pee every where. You can literally see they pee at the side of the road/wall and not even deep into the bushes or anything. Walking in the city was not a pleasant experience. I'm glad we didnt spend much time in this city.
3. Never scared to walk away
If you want to buy anything and bargain, remember to never afraid to walk away. Most of the time they will give you the price you asked. Worst case scenario, you can walk away first, look at other places that sell similar stuff and if there aren't, you can go back to the shop lot right before you left the place. It didnt hurt your wallet, dont think to much about it. Oh ya, tips on bargaining, always bargain for half price first then walk up your price from there. They will asked even for another $0.50 so be prepared either to give out or stay put.
4. Be specific and Be firmed
You need this attitude especially when you know you been scammed. Before giving out your money and agree on something, be specific on what you guys agree on and make sure he understand what you really want. And, be sure to be firmed about it. Remember they will keep scamming you and pretend its in your favor when all they did is keep taking your money.
I had 2 experiences in this particular point;
1- The tuk tuk driver. We took tuk tuk to the city for $6 (2 person) from the airport and once we arrive at Wat Phnom, he asked us what is our next destination and offer to be our driver. We told him exactly where we want to go and by what time we will finish (within 5 hours) and we agree it will be $12 in total. Once we reach at the (so called) bus stop (our final destination and 30mins earlier than promised time) he asked for more money. He said the reasons were he need to wait for us under hot weather and bring us around the city. We argued and finally he left. Mind you that he is the one who brought us to that bus ticket agent and refuse to bring us to the real station bus.
2- Agent bus ticket. We had to bought the ticket from this person because our tuk tuk driver refuse to bring us to the real bus station. We can just walk away from this situation but instead we bought the ticket because we were in hurry and have few more places to go rather than argue and wasting time. We bought return ticket to Kampong Thom for $35 (2 people) and he promised us big bus with aircond and wifi. There was no time on the tickets, he said we can just come any time to take the bus, we told him we want 2.30pm bus he said ok. For return bus, we need to call the number on bus ticket an hour before we want to take the bus, ok, sounds good (that was a struggle as well). Guess what, we arrive there at 2pm for 2.30pm bus and he said there is no seat available. The seats available for the bus at 3.30pm. There is no way we going to waste 1.5hours there looking at his annoying face. We had to fight then finally he agree to give us seats in minibus for 2.30pm but we need to add another $4/person. But you know what, hell no! We got into minibus at 2.30pm with additional $2 for both of us.
For the return ticket, Thank God our guesthouse receptionist was so lovely and helpful (Kampong Thom guesthouse). We had to call countless time to get the seats. We called the night before to confirm on the bus time as we already knew what time we want to get on the bus and we need to confirm asap because the next day we will be out as early as 6am and be back to the guesthouse by 10am and take 10.30am bus to Phnom Penh to catch another bus to Kampot. He said he will call us back to confirm the seat. No call. The next day, before heading out touring the city, we called again. Same answer. I had to call every 10 minutes from 10am to finally get the seat for shitty bus at 11am. I guess, they thought we will give up on the tickets and buy new one so they will get free money. F* you.
5. Buy the bus ticket from the bus station.
If you want to save money, you dont have to buy the ticket online. Just make sure you bought the ticket at the bus station. Do a bit research where the city bus station is and buy from there, make sure you ask exactly which bus you taking. And you dont have to buy return ticket. you can just buy on the day or even hour (unless you going to/from small cities) and from that origin place. Its way cheaper and more flexible. Another option is to ask your receptionist which I hope he/she is helpful and not bloody snooby (like ours in Kampot). Most probably you still get scammed for paying minibus price for shitty local bus ride and hell lot longer journey hours.
I'll share more on my next post about transportation in Cambodia, at least the one that I know and tips to not get scammed.
6. Do your research. More and more
This, I cant stress enough how important it is. Do your research about the places that you want to go and have a lot of options and plan b,c,d.... Plus, make sure you have the pictures of the places that you want to visit and know how exactly how to get there. I did as much research as I can and it did help a lot to smooth the trip. We know what to eat and where and what to expect from the city. The options and few backup plans helps a lot when we cant find the original place we want to go, have extra hours to spend in the city or we end up at different part of the city. Of course its actually different when you are there but at least you know what you looking for and prepared if something unexpected come your way.
7. Enjoy your trip
Sometimes you just cant help for all this bad things to happen. You tried your best to avoid it and if it still happen take it as a lesson and take precaution so you wont repeat the same mistakes in future. This shall pass. Once the stressful moment passed, and you are on top of the mountain or in looking at those beautiful temples, just enjoy the moment and be Thankful for you had be given the chance to be there and witness all those amazing things :)
Love,
coffeecupcloset
Would you be my friend?
My Blog : Coffeecupcloset
My Makeup Insta : Coffeecupcloset
My Twitter : Coffeecupcloset
My Youtube : Iza M
.png)
.jpg)
0 Comments