"We had no time or local currency to buy any food or drinks. George went to an ATM but it only dispensed US dollars. We found out later that most ATMS in Cambodia dispense dollars which are accepted in shops, along with other currencies."
National Bank of Cambodia in Battambang
Banks and ATMs
There are several banks with automatic teller machines (ATMs) around Battambang. The handiest and most reliable is probably the ANZ Bank next to the Psar Nat market. Remember that foreign ATM cards are charged an extra US$4 to use Cambodian ATMs. All banks also have exchanges, which are open during normal business hours.
There are now ATMs with international access in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Battambang. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank ATMs both accept Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard systems. SBC Bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard. All ATMs dispenses US dollars. There For locations see the ATM icons on the city maps.
Money Changers Money changers offer a slightly better rate that the banks. They are plentiful and tend to cluster around the traditional markets and there is usually a section within the market dedicated to moneychangers and gold sellers.
When accepting US dollars in change, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note, especially a $20, $50 or $100 note, renders it all but useless in Cambodia. Banks, moneychangers and other businesses will not accept it.
Internet
Internet access around Battambang seems to be fairly fast and reliable. It seems that almost every restaurant and café has free wi-fi on offer.
Compared to traditional media in Cambodia, new media, including online news, social networks and personal blogs, enjoy more freedom and independence from government censorship and restrictions. However, the government does proactively block blogs and websites, either on moral grounds, or for hosting content deemed critical of the government. The government restricts access to sexually explicit content, but does not systematically censor online political discourse
Telephone
All the major mobile phone networks are available in Battambang and the surrounding area. If you have a data plan, you should be able to get a connection.
Cheapest solution is to buy a local sim card once you arrive. Although you're supposed to have a local ID to buy one it's normally not too difficult to find someone (eg a tuk tuk driver) who will buy the card on your behalf.
To satisfy the eating and drinking needs of travellers there are plenty of restaurants and bars
in the city of Battambang. The local restaurants in the town are ideal places to relish traditional as well as international dishes. Listed below are some of the popular restaurants in the city of Battambang:
- Heng Lim Restaurant
- Smoking Pot
- Mercy House
- Victory mini restaurant
- Phkay Preuk
- White Rose restaurant
- La Villa Western and Asian food
- Riverside Balcony
- Sunrise Coffeehouse Western
Shopping is also a popular part of things to do in Battambang. Mentioned below are some shops and markets in the city:
- Chan Thounny Wedding Dress Shop
- KL Clothing Shop
- Lina Lyneth Clothing Shop
- Lao Chhay Try Modern Dress & Shoes Shop
- Hour Pheng Up to Date Clothing Shop
- Morng Heng Dress Shop
- Lay Lay Shop
- Leang Heng Beauty Salon & Clothing Shop
- Beauty Salons Clothing – Shopping
If you do visit Battambang, try to arrive by one of the many boats that are continually coming and going. The sight of 20 or so touts (locals trying to get you to stay in their particular hotel or hostel) swimming out to be the first to hand you a business card is definitely a sight for travel weary eyes.
