Shopping in Cambodia

My favorite topic, shopping! Shopping here is a unique experience, at that. Most of us have been to Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, Hawaii, some resort where you may find many vendors bargaining their way to a sale. The starting price is never the final price, right? Then you enter stores and the price on the sales ticket is the price you get... you would probably get a silly look if you tried to ask for something at a lesser price.

Here, things are a bit different. Where E Roth lives in the city, Phenom Penh, the "Russian Market" is right across the street. Possibly the largest market I have seen , until they took us to another and another and, then again, another market!

Before I get ahead of myself, let me start by explaining that many of the clothes you wear are made here in Cambodia. Lacoste, abercrombie, hollister, ralph lauren, north face and tommy hilfiger...just to name a few..... Because the clothing is produced here, it is also extremely inexpensive as well.

Inexpensive... a subjective term I suppose. Allow me to put this into perspective for you.... North Face backpack in America $80- $120....in Cambodia $18 (before the bargain) then we pay $10-$12! Abercrombie women tee's only $3, Armani Exchange $5..... amazing considering the price we pay for these name brands back in the states.

The Russian Market so large, you could get lost inside (and I speak from experience). They sell seasonal clothing, luggage, backpacks, winter jackets, food, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables.....souvenirs and household items. Whatever your heart desires, you will most likely find here.

You may be asking why seasonal clothing is sold here. It is hot all year round being only 10 degrees above the equator. This may be sold for the foreigners, but the locals are mostly dressed in pants, sweaters, blouses, long sleeves. This is for protection from the sun, but the coverings also keep them cool.... looking at them, they don't really sweat either...(no worries, Bong and I sweat enough for the whole country)

So, back to shopping..... we had the opportunity to shop at a few malls in the city as well. One of which was equivalent to a massive multi leveled flea market of all new items....The other 2 were equal to that of what we would find in the states....clean, organized, easy to window shop. Do not be fulled by the appearance, though. This, too, is just another opportunity to bargain and buy name brand items at an American affordable price! Here, Bong was able to purchase a Versace long sleeved shirt for $15 USD!

One observation I made was the majority of the clothing (mostly all) is made for very small individuals. I think there is a height and weight restriction to be a citizen of Cambodia! Rare to find someone over 5'10 or greater than 130lbs.
I might be classified as an obese woman here :)

My experience shopping in Cambodia has been hot, exciting, and adventurous.....you really never know what you will find!