Cambodia visa

You can get a Cambodia visa stamp upon arrival without pre-arrangements. You only need to pay a USD$25 fee (this fee maybe differ depending on the nationality of passport holder) and 2 pictures for each traveler. You can then expect about 15 minutes for processing at the airport.

The electricity system in Cambodia is 220 VAC and 50Hz. If you travel to Cambodia with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. There are some nifty universal travel adapters for sale within your own country. If you find yourself stuck without, markets in Cambodia sell cheap and cheerful adapters. Most sockets accommodate plugs with two flat pins.

Khmer Silk

The soft and beautifully designed Khmer silk is sold like hot cakes across the country. There are two kinds of Khmer silks: the old silk made years ago and the new silk produced in nowadays. They share the same quality but not the price.

T-shirts

Of course this item is the favorite souvenirs in any tourist destination. Bringing home a t-shirt featuring the famous Angkor Wat or other Khmer symbols is kind of cool. Price ranges from $2~5 depending on the quality and where you get.

Paintings

Cambodia has never lack outstanding artists. You don’t have to go to galleries to get great paintings because the one you find in the streets is also a stunning work. It’s also good to support the local artists who don’t have the privilege of specific galleries.

Handicraft, Statues and Gemstones

The Cambodians are endowed with genuine skill of making handicraft and the ancient traditions were handed down from generation to generation. Delicate carvings, Buddha statues bas-reliefs (just as those you find at the enclosure of Banteay Srei) are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Most retail shops both large and small accept credit cards now. Prices are in US Dollars, and there are now ATMs in many locations across the city dispensing US dollars. It is best to exchange money at banks, especially large amounts but after banking hours, you can change money at moneychangers. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, although there is a fee. In most shops where prices are marked, you cannot bargain. But at the local markets, and at some smaller shops, you can bargain the price. Always be very careful when purchasing expensive jewellery and gemstones.

When traveling, tipping etiquette can be a real mystery, but stress not. In Cambodia, there is no fixed amount; tipping is all up to the individual. No one will frown even if you don’t leave anything on the tray.

Tipping has never been part of Cambodia culture. Like most Asian countries, they get paid for their service by their employer, not by the customer.

However, although it is not necessary to tip, a dollar or two is the norm and this applies to any form of service rendered across the board. The receiver, the service provider, is usually very appreciative and you can tell the gratitude for your gratitude from the sweet smile on the face.

Use our tipping guide below and only tip if the service is good, as you don’t want to encourage bad service.

Airport – Porter/Skycap: US$1 per bag.
Bartender: round up the bill or add US$1 per round.
Hair Salon: not expected but 5-10% is appreciated.
Hotel – Housekeeping or Room Attendant: US$1-2 per night; left on the pillow.
Hotel – Porter/Bellhop: US$1 per bag.
Massage: optional, 10%.
Museum Guide: small donation (US$1) at end of tour.
Restaurant (General): 10% for good service, 5% for average.
Spa: fancy spas and ones in hotels usually include a service charge; if not included, 15%.
Taxi: round up the fare or add US$1, a little more if they were extra helpful.
Tour – Guide, Driver: US$1-2 per day for the driver and US$2-4 per day per traveler for the guide. You might also buy them lunch or a snack.

The weather in Cambodia generally falls under two categories: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended for the dry season, when the weather is hot and humid. Visitors may wish to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for hiking, trekking, or outdoor activities. A hat and sunglasses may be useful for when walking around under the sun.

During the rainy season, visitors may want to bring a light rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased cheaply in Cambodia) or a sturdy umbrella. A light jacket or cardigan will come in handy during the months of December and January, when temperatures are at their coolest.

When visiting outdoor temples, including those: Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes and hats are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. The Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds. visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts and keep their shoulders covered.

Laos visa

You can get a Laos visa stamp upon arrival without pre-arrangements.  You only need to pay a USD$25 fee (this fee maybe differ depending on the nationality of passport holder) and 2 pictures for each traveler.  You can then expect about 15 minutes for processing at the airport.

In Laos the power sockets are of type A, B, C, E and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Voltage and frequency

You can use your electric appliances in Laos, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Laos. You can find voltage converters at Amazon. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Textile

Combining cotton and silk to make a piece of textile is a traditional method for Laos weavers. This kind of textile have a cotton base with silk details woven into it. Those days, most of the new textiles are specifically made for tourist market which are cut and sewn into items such as pillowcases and cappa.

Handicrafts

In order to raise a family, most of the hill-tribe people will sell outstanding handicrafts made by their amazing gifts to the local and foreign markets. So, the handicrafts are something really worth buying in Laos such as baskets, handmade incense, wood and stone sculptures, natural papers and so on.

Silver

Silver items are the most common accessories in Laos people, such as silver belt, silver earrings, bracelets and other things. So, it is common in Laos to see silver selling in markets. Of course, there are other silver items for you to purchase.

Laos Coffee

Is it much better to taste coffee in a place that can grow coffee. As the best place to grow coffee in Southeast Asia, Laos can offer you a cup of coffee with excellent quality and fantastic flavor.

Antiques

In the bigger cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Sacannakhet, antique stores are easily to be found. Clothes, Asian pottery, musical instruments, jewellery, carvings and coins are sold in antique stores. However, tourists need to note that there is an official ban on the export of Buddha images from Laos.

Tipping is not customary in Laos. However, small gratuities may be given in appreciation for efficient, friendly service.

These days, people such as boat men, driver, and hotel-restaurant staff…have grown accustomed to getting a tip from tourists. The same goes for tour guides. If a local helps you out like taking you somewhere or finds an important person for you, or allow you to take some photo, they would be looking for you to provide a small amount. It’s probably wise to always have some small change in KIP handy for when these occasions arise.

Here is a general rule of thumb for tipping:

Guides: About $5-$7 per day per person for a national guide. About $3-$5 per day per person for a local guide.

Drivers (car and boat): $2 per person per day is average.

Porters: 10,000 KIP per bag is sufficient.

Restaurants: between 5% of the bill is usual.

Neat and respectful dress should be worn in all religious shrines. It is not considered polite to visit religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants. Though shoes can be worn in temple compounds, they should be removed before entering the chapel of the principal Buddha image. Indeed, all Buddha images are regarded as sacred, regardless of size, age or position, and should all be shown due respect. Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman, or accept anything from a woman's hand.

A passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into Myanmar is required. We recommend you make a photocopy of your passport and keep it somewhere separate, or scan your passport and keep the scan in an accessible email account.

A visa is required for all nationalities and can be obtained via e-Visa or your nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate.

Please visit the Myanmar official government website for more information: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm

E-visa Online System is currently only available to tourists for tourism purpose only. The following (68) countries are granted e-Visa for initial.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Myanmar usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

The electricity supply in Myanmar is unreliable; black-outs can occur regularly, particularly in rural areas. It is therefore advisable to have a torch for the occasional drops into darkness, particularly if you are staying in budget accommodation.

Best Things to Buy in Myanmar

1. Sand Paintings
2. Tapestries
3. Lacquerware
4. Arts and Crafts
5. Longyis
6. Lotus Silk Shawls and Scarves
7. Gemstone Paintings
8. Gems and Mother of Pearl Artifacts
9. Marble Carvings
10. Tamarind Flakes

Best Shopping Malls to Visit in Myanmar

1. Dagon Shopping Centre
2. Bogyoke Aung San Market
3. Ocean Super Centre
4. J’s Irrawaddy Dream
5. Blazon Shopping Centre
6. Taw Win Centre
7. Sein Gay Har Super Centre
8. Treasure Land Gems & Jewellery Souvenirs

Tips for Shopping in Myanmar

1. The real old Buddha images/statues and archaeological artifacts are not allowed for taking out of the country.
2. Be mindful that authority controlling trade standard doesn’t exist in Myanmar, which means a thorough check of the goods you buy is necessary to apply.
3. The transaction is made when you agree the price.
4. Nyaung U Market in Bagan is a bustling center for visitors to buy things ranging from daily fresh goods to custom longyi. It’s an ideal place to mingle with the locals and learn their lifestyle!
5. The floating village in Inle Lake has unique souvenirs that are quite ‘Myanmar’.
6. In Yangon, the well-known Bogyoke Aung San Market is where shopping can be a fun thing to do. Great bargains can be made here.
7. Official certificate of jewel is needed when passing the customs.
8. Shops inside the hotels may store interesting articles, have a go.
9. Most Myanmar markets are open on Sundays and closed on Mondays. During Buddhist Lent Festival, which normally includes August October, all Myanmar markets are closed on full moon days.
10. If you need more specific ideas about shopping in Myanmar, your private tour guide would love to share his mind.

Tipping is not part of the culture in Myanmar. However, by now they have had enough exposure to visitors who do tip that some may have come to expect it. These people are very poor, and we felt that tipping was a way to distribute what we were spending. For waiters, luggage porters, maids, bus drivers, taxi drivers and tour guide gratuities are a nice addition to their meager wages.

It depends on how long you use the car/driver and the guide. And of course it depends on how satisfied you are and besides that, how much money you can spend comfortably since this is different for everybody. Do keep in mind that drivers usually rent the car from a car owner and that from all the money they get for a trip, they have to pay the gas, toll, maintenance (no matter how costly) and all other car-related things.

Tipping is not compulsory indeed but you should reward your guide(s) and driver(s) if they do their jobs excellently. Normally, it is $5/day for guide and $2/day for driver.

Traveling in Myanmar is a very different experience than traveling in other parts of Southeast Asia. The tourism infrastructure is still forming and visitor numbers are nowhere near visitors to neighboring Thailand or even Laos. This means that local people are not as used to seeing tourists as they are in nearby countries. You’re going to have to adapt your travel wardrobe a little bit from the way you’ve been dressing in other Southeast Asian countries.

Because Myanmar was closed for so long, it has been influenced by Western culture much less than the rest of Southeast Asia. You won’t see many skinny jeans, high-waisted shorts or platform sandals here! Burmese style is very conservative. Your little denim shorts and Same Same tank may fly on the beaches of Thailand, but they would be very inappropriate and offensive in Myanmar.

Shoes

Take shoes which are easy to remove. You have to remove your shoes very often in Myanmar, to enter the houses, to enter the pricint of the pagodas.

To also avoid heat or moisture problem, it is better to use open shoes. If you can during the rainy seasons, it is very important to use open shoes, not tennis or closed shoes. The humidity level is so high that you are sure to get fungus problem with tennis shoes.

The best is to do like the Burmese, use sleepers, it is perfect and you can buy very good and very cheap one every where in Myanmar.