There are no department stores and relatively few shops, leaving markets as the most

popular shopping venues.

The Central, "Russian", and Olympic markets are the most popular. Prices

are determined by barter.

Good buys include silks, silver, gold, pottery and carvings. Second-hand clothes

are good with plenty of funky 1970s stuff around.

Silver and gold are priced by quality and weight. Silk is sold on quality and in

meters.

Sometimes an entire length of silk must be bought because vendors are reluctant to

cut up small pieces. Sarongs are sold individually.

Old silk can be found at the Russian market but is more expensive than new silk.

The traditional krama, the chequered scarves in silk and cotton, are excellent buys.

Cambodia is a great place to have things made. A custom dress or shirt costs just

a few dollars. There are numerous tailors around the capital. Take along material

and a photograph of what you want.

There are many shoe and hat makers near the Capitol Hotel. A pair of hand-made shoes

cost around $10.

One street right past Tuol Sleng Museum a shoemaker produces her own-label, "Tuol

Sleng" brand and has some decent designs .

Electronic goods are fairly cheap, with some second-hand shops which both buy and

sell.

Photo developing is cheap but, be warned, some shops regularly scratch negatives.

The UN may have pulled out but plenty of souvenirs remain behind. UNTAC T-shirts

and flags are popular.

For those craving Vegemite, Hershey bars or Cadbury's chocolate, all this and more

are available at four supermarkets in Phnom Penh - Le Shop, International House,

Lucky, and the Bayon.

For make-up and other beauty products, check out the Cosmetic Center on Street 63,

opposite Phnom Kiev restaurant, which stocks a comprehensive range.