Phnom Penh: Getting
to/from/around
Most
international visitors arrive in Cambodia by air at
Phnom Penh or
Siem Reap.
Visas are
available on-arrival at both airports as well as most
overland crossings.
Phnom Penh receives direct flights from more than a dozen
Asian cities and there are also regularly scheduled buses
to/from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, the
only domestic air service out of Phnom Penh is to/from Siem
Reap and Sihanoukville. See
international flight
schedule page for detailed international and
domestic flight information and a list of airlines that
service Phnom Penh and Cambodia.
Cambodia shares international crossings with all bordering
countries. The international crossing with Vietnam at Bavet/Moc
Bai is most convenient to Phnom Penh. For international overland travel from
surrounding countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) see the
international border crossing/overland travel page.
Cambodian
visas are
available on arrival at both airports and most international
border checkpoints.
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International flights to/from Phnom Penh
There
are direct international flights between Phnom Penh and more than a
dozen cities, most in east Asia, including Bangkok, Beijing, Chengdu,
Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Kuala Lumpur,
Nanning, Qatar, Singapore, Shanghai, Taipei and Vientiane. See the
flight schedule page for more
information.
Currently there are domestic flights between
Phnom Penh and two Cambodian cities:
Multiple daily flights to Siem Reap, and; at least 5 flights between Sihanoukville
and Phnom Penh (some via Siem Reap.) See the
flight schedule page for more
information.
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Phnom Penh to/from
Vietnam
Air/Flights
There are daily direct flights between Phnom Penh and both Ho Chi Minh
City and Hanoi. See the
flight schedule page for more information.
Overland
There are several international border crossing points with Vietnam. The
most direct and convenient border crossing to Phnom Penh is the Bavet
checkpoint on National Route #1 and the 'Chau Doc crossing on the Mekong
River. See the
overland travel page for more
crossing points.
Bavet Checkpoint: Moc Bai, Vietnam /
Bavet, Cambodia
(National Route #1 to Phnom Penh)
Cambodian visas
available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border
The Moc Bai crossing is the most convenient to Phnom Penh. The road to
Moc Bai is in very good condition, through the bridge over the Mekong at Neak Luong town.
Bus: There are several bus companies offering direct a/c service between
Phnom Penh and HCMC for $9-$18, taking about 6 hours. (Deluxe buses are
slightly more expensive.) No bus change at border. In HCMC, most of the
bus stations are in the Pham Ngu Lao traveler area.
Bus: Phnom Penh - HCMC
Giant ibis Transport
(Deluxe
transport) |
To HCMC: 8:00, 12:30
From HCMC: 8:30, 12:30 |
US$18 |
KHAI NAM |
To HCMC: 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00,
10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00
From HCMC: 9:00, 14:30, 15:30 |
US$9-$10 |
Kumho Samco Busline |
To HCMC: 7:30, 9:00,
10:00, 11:00 13:00, 14:30, 15:30
From HCMC: 7:30, 9:00,
10:00, 11:00 13:00, 14:30, 15:30 |
US$9-$10 |
Mekong Express
(Deluxe transport) |
To HCMC: 6:30, 7:00, 8:30,
14:00, 15:30
From HCMC: 6:30, 7:00, 8:30,
13:00, 15:00 |
US$12-$15 |
Phnom Penh Sorya Transport |
To HCMC: 6:45, 8:45, 12:45,
14:45
From HCMC: 6:45, 8:45, 12:45, 14:45 |
US$9.50-$11 |
Phuong Trinh |
To HCMC: 6:00, 9:00, 12:30,
15:00
From HCMC: 6:30, 9:00, 12:30, 15:00 |
US$9 |
Sapaco |
To HCMC: 6:30, 8:00, 9:30,
12:30, 13:30, 15:30
From HCMC: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30 |
US$8-$16 |
Virak Buntham |
To HCMC:
1:30
From HCMC: 1:30 |
US$15-$16 |
See here for more
bus schedules and station locations.
Ving Xuong, Vietnam/Kaam Samnor,
Cambodia: The Chau Doc Crossing
Cambodian visas available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT
available at the border
The ‘Chau Doc crossing’ is on the Mekong River. At least part of the
trip to/from Phnom Penh will involve boat travel. From Phnom Penh there
are two options: 1) Slow boat (the old route): From Phnom Penh bus to
Neak Luong, where Route #1 meets the Mekong River (2 hours). At Neak
Luong transfer to a boat to ‘Chau Doc crossing’ (5 hours). After
crossing into Vietnam catch a motorcycle to Chau Doc and then a bus to
HCMC (6-7 hours). $15-$20. 2) Fast boat: Direct boat from Phnom Penh to
Chau Doc (5 hours). As above, catch a moto to Chau Doc and then a bus to
HCMC (6-7 hours). $20-$25. Consult a travel agent for tickets.
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Phnom Penh to/from Thailand
Air/Flights
There are daily direct flights between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. See
the
flight schedule page for more information.
Overland
There are several international border crossing points with Thailand,
though most are more easily accessed from other Cambodian cities. The
most frequently used by international travelers include the Poipet
Crossing (most convenient to Siem Reap) and Cham Yeam Crossing (most
convenient to Koh Kong and Sihanoukville). See the
overland travel page for more
crossing points.
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Phnom Penh to/from Siem Reap
Air/Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air offers several daily flights between Siem
Reap and Phnom Penh. (There are also now thrice weekly flights to/from
Sihanoukville.) See the
flight schedule page for more
information.
Buses
Buses are the most popular means of overland transport from Phnom Penh.
The roads are in good condition (except for short stretches of road
repair) and there are dozens of daily buses in both directions, taking
5-6 hours.
Cheapest, standard buses provide a/c and
sometimes on-board toilet. Some companies, such as Giant Ibis and Phnom
Penh Sorya Transportation, have deluxe buses and mini-buses offering a better level of
service and comfort.
Generally speaking it is easiest to buy
tickets through an agency. Phnom Penh does not have a centralized bus
station.
Buses from different companies depart from
different stations. In Siem Reap the Chong Kov Sou station is located
7km west of town center. On arrival, motodups from the station into town
run $1.50-$2 and tuk-tuks for $3. For departing passengers, most
companies offer a free shuttle service to the bus.
Booking buses online: The new online
booking website
offers online reservations and ticketing for domestic buses throughout
Cambodia as well as international buses to/from Vietnam Laos and
Thailand.
Bus: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Bayon VIP Co., Ltd |
To SR: 7:00, 08:00, 9:00, 14:00, 15:30
From SR: 7:30, 9:00, 13:00,
, 14:00, 15:30 |
US$8-10 |
Cambodia Post VIP Van |
To SR: 7:00, 8:00, 09:30, 14:00
From SR: 7:30, 09:00, 11:00, 14:00 |
US$8-9 |
Capitol Tours
and Transport |
To SR: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 10:15,
12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 17:30
From SR: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30,
11:30, 13:30, 18:00 |
US$9 |
Giant ibis Transport
(Deluxe
transport) |
To SR: 8:45, 9:45, 12:30,
23:00, 23:30
From SR: 8:45, 9:45, 12:30,
23:00, 23:30 |
US$15 |
Larryta
Express (Deluxe
transport) |
To SR: 6:30, 6:35, 7:00, 7:30, 8:15,
8:30, 9:00, 9:30,
10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00,
14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30,
18:00, 18:30
From SR: 6:30 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00,
9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00,
13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00,
17:30, 18:00, 18:30 |
US$9-11 |
Mekong Explore |
To SR: 7:30
From SR: 7:30 |
US$38 |
Mekong Express
(Deluxe transport) |
To SR: 7:30, 8:30, 12:30,
14:25, 17:30, 23:30
From SR: 7:30, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30,
23:30 |
US$10-12 |
Mey Hong Transport |
To SR: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 10:01,
12:15, 13:30,
23:00
From SR: 7:00, 8:30, 12:15, 13:30,
23:00 |
US$8-10 |
Phnom Penh Sorya Transport |
To SR:
7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 10:45, 12:30,
14:30, 22:30
From SR:
7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 10:45, 12:30,
14:30, 22:30 |
US$7-10 |
Seila Angkor Khmer |
To SR: 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00,
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:30, 12:45, 13:30, 14:00,
15:00 16:00, 17:00,
18:00
From SR: 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00,
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:30, 12:45, 13:30, 14:00,
15:00 16:00, 17:00 |
US$9-11 |
Thero Express |
To SR: 8:00, 14:30
From SR: 8:00, 14:30 |
US$9 |
Virak Buntham |
To SR: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00,
10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00,
18:30, 20:00, 21:15, 21:30, 23:00,
23:30, 24:00
From SR: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00,
10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00,
19:00, 22:30, 23:00, 24:00 |
US$11-$17 |
See here for more
bus schedules and station locations.
Local
Taxi
Local shared taxi: ~$10 per person. Departs from southwest corner
of Central Market in Phnom Penh. 5-8 hours
Private taxi: Private taxis run $60
or more for the whole car. 4-5 hours. Share the car with friends and
share the cost. Negotiate with a local taxi or arrange a private taxi
through your hotel or travel agent. Generally speaking, the better the
car, the higher the price.
Motorcycling to Siem Reap
Some of the road to Siem Reap is paved and in good condition, but long
sections of National Route 6A and 6 are currently under construction and
in rough shape.
Driving in Cambodia is very challenging and should be attempted only by
experienced riders. Road hogging buses and farm animals on the road are
the norm. The trip calls for a bike no smaller than 250cc and can be
made in an easy 6 hours, but two days with a layover in Kampong Thom
allows time to visit the nearby pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk
as well as explore some of the other sites.
The usual route from Phnom Penh follows 6A north 75km to the Skun
intersection. But due to road conditions consider an alternate route
following Route 5 to the Prek Kdam bridge, then cut back to 6A,
bypassing some of the construction. Head north on 6A and bear left at
Skun (known for its exotic foods - check out the fried spiders) onto
Route #6 to Kampong Thom. In Kampong Thom, the Arunreas Hotel (near the
market, 062-961294) and Stung Sen Royal Hotel (on the corner at the
bridge, 012-309495) are affordable places. Arunreas is also one of the
more popular restaurants in town, serving reasonably priced Cambodian
food.
River
Ferry
River ferries between Phnom Penh and Siem
Reap on the
Tonle Sap used to be the
most popular means of travel. These days the local ferry is less
popular, running part of the year (August - March), but higher quality
slow boats have gained popularity with outfits like Compagnie
Fluevial Du Mekong and Tara Boat running regular trips (see
below.) When running, the local ferries depart 7:30AM from the Phnom
Penh Port on Sisowath Quay near Street 104 and in Siem Reap, the docks
at Chong Khneas, 15km south of town. Tickets and can be purchased
through hotels or travel agents. ($35, 251km, 4-6 hours)
Compagnie Fluevial Du Mekong (CFM)
High quality, very leisurely paced 3-10 day boat trips between Siem
Reap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City on a traditionally crafted wooden
riverboat with deluxe facilities. Tel: 023-216070
www.cfmekong.com
Tara Riverboat
Offering an affordable 3 day/2 night riverboat trip between Phnom Penh
and Siem Reap, stopping in Kampong Chhnang and Battambang along the way.
Tel: 092-957765
www.taraboat.com
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Phnom Penh to/from
Sihanoukville
Air/Flights
At time of printing Cambodia Bayon
Airlines is offering twice weekly direct flights between Phnom Penh
and Sihanoukville and Cambodia Angkor Air daily flights via Siem
Reap. See the
air schedule page for
more information and airlines. Or consult a local
travel agent for the
current schedule.
Bus
A/c buses depart Phnom Penh several times
per day. 24,000R-52,000R for the 4 hour trip to Sihanoukville via Route
#4. There is no centralized bus station in Phnom Penh. Buses from
different companies depart from different stations. At Sihanoukville,
all buses arrive/depart from the bus station near the Independence
Square.
Bus: Phnom Penh -
Sihanoukville
Bayon VIP Co., Ltd |
To SHV: 6:30, 7:30, 8:45,
11:30, 13:30, 14:30;
15:30, 17:30
From SHV: 6:30,
7:30, 8:45,
9:45, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 17:30 |
US$8-$10 |
Cambodia Post VIP Van |
To SHV: 7:30, 13:30
From SHV: 7:30, 13:30 |
US$7-$8 |
Capitol Tours
and Transport |
To SHV: 7:15, 8:45, 9:45, 12:15, 14:30,
16:30
From SHV: 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 12:15, 14:15,
17:30 |
US$9 |
CTT Transportation |
To SHV: 7:30, 8:30, 13:30,
14:00, 14:30
From SHV: 8:30, 12:45, 13:30, 15:30 |
US$8-$10 |
Giant ibis Transport
(Deluxe
transport) |
To SHV: 8:00, 15:30
From SHV: 8:30, 15:30 |
US$13 |
Larryta
Express |
To SHV: 7:30,
9:00, 13:00, 15:00
From SHV: 7:30,
9:00, 13:00, 15:00 |
US$8-$10 |
Mekong Express
(Deluxe transport) |
To SHV: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 12:30,
13:30,
15:00, 17:30
From SHV: 7:00, 8:30, 9:30,
12:30, 13:30, 15:00, 17:30 |
US$10-$12 |
Phnom Penh Sorya Transport |
To SHV:
7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00,
12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:45
From SHV: 7:00,
8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 |
US$7-$10 |
See here for more
bus schedules and station locations.
Taxi
Share taxi: Shared taxis offer a
cramped and harrowing 2½-5-hour ride with seven or more people stuffed
in a compact car. 35,000R/pax.
Private taxi: Private taxis run about $55-$60. In Sihanoukville,
Phnom Penh taxies can be found at the bus station
Driving/Motorcycling
to Sihanoukville
It is a 230 km, 4-5 hour trip on Route #4.
Most motorcyclists rent 250cc bikes for the trip. Leaving Phnom Penh,
follow Airport Road south past the airport and out of town. At the well
marked Route #3/#4 fork just past the airport (Chum Chao), bear right.
National Route #4 to Sihanoukville is a toll road with toll booths
located near the beginning, middle and end. The toll is nominal, less
than $1 at each booth for most vehicles. Route #4 is a paved and smooth,
fast, easy and a relatively dangerous. Speeding taxis and reckless
lorries are the norm. Passing courtesy is rare. Slow down through
villages, watch for errant cows and dogs and oblivious children on the
road. If you ride, by all means wear a helmet and bear in mind that
medical assistance and rescue is non-existent in the countryside. Stop
for a refreshment break at one of the many road side restaurants just
south of the Pich Nil pass near the half way point. At the top of the
pass, there are dozens of spirits houses and shrines dedicated to Buddha
and local deity Ya-Mao. It’s a good photo opportunity and they say it’s
good luck to burn a few joss sticks, leave a small donation and a hand
of bananas.
Train
After years in retirement, the train service
between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville has just been restarted. The price
is $6 one-way for the 8 hour trip via Kampot, currently running 3 times
per week. Buy tickets at the train stations in Sihanoukville or Phnom
Penh.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville; $6/pax, 8hours. Departure:
Friday at 3:00PM; Saturday at 7:00AM; Sunday at 7:00AM
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh; $6/pax, 8hours. Departure:
Saturday at 7:00AM; Sunday at 7:00AM and 4:00PM
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Getting Around
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Tuk-tuks are the most
popular form of transportation, with motodup and taxis a distant second.
Though traffic is getting more congested by the day, you can usually
still travel the length of the city in less than 45 minutes and get
between most popular tourist destinations in less than 15 minutes. And
transportation is easy to find. Too easy at times. If the drivers aren't
already trying to solicit your business, just step to the curb and hold
out your hand and the tuk-tuks and motodups will find you fast enough.
Moto-romorques
(Tuk-tuks)
Unlike their noisy, two-stroke namesakes
common to Bangkok, the Cambodian ‘tuk-tuk’ offers a quieter, more
pleasant ride. As you will be repeatedly reminded by drivers, tuk-tuks
gather in tourist areas such as the riverfront and near hotels. They
charge $1-$3 for short trips and $12-$15 for the whole day. Prices vary
depending on the number of passengers and where you pick up the tuk-tuk.
They tend to be cheaper outside a backpacker guesthouse than a 5-star
hotel. Bargain for the best deal, but please be fair. Bear in mind that
tuk-tuk, moto and cyclo drivers are, generally speaking, fairly poor.
For safety's sake, make sure to keep your
bag away from the edges of the tuk-tuk to protect against bag snatching.
Also beware of bag snatchers when deboarding a tuk-tuk, especially in
tourist areas.
Motorcycle Taxi
(Motodup)
The motodup, commonly called a
‘moto’, is the fastest and cheapest form of public transportation, and
though not as common as they used to be (displaced by tuk-tuks and
taxis,) are generally readily available across the city. Passengers
simply ride pillion on the back of the moto. Helmets are rarely provided
so if you want to where a helmet, bring your own. Motos cost from
3000R-6000R for a trips in-town and $8-$12 per day. Prices go up at
night and for multiple passengers.
To protect against bag snatching, keep your
bag between you and the driver or in front of the driver. NEVER
carry/wear your bag on your back when riding on a moto! Bag
snatchers have been known to pull people off the moto by their bag.
Cyclos
The humble bicycle rickshaw known locally as
the 'cyclo' (from the French ‘cyclopousse’) can be a romantic, even
practical form of transportation, especially if time is not a factor.
Slow and relaxed, cyclos are easier on the nerves than motos, the canopy
offers a drier, cooler ride and sitting in front provides a much better
view of the passing street scene. The cyclo was first introduced in
Phnom Penh in 1937 and has since become an iconic fixture - a vestige of
the French colonial period that can be found in cities throughout old
French Indochina. As traffic increases and other forms of transportation
become available, the cyclo is slowly losing its place in Phnom Penh. A
cyclo ride should cost about the same as a moto.
Public Taxis, Cars
and Limos
A continually growing number of taxi
companies offer on-call 24/7 taxi service. Meter taxis sometimes wait in
tourist areas such as the riverfront. Unmetered taxis can be arranged
through your hotel or travel agent. Private car with driver (in city)
costs around $35-$45/day.
Cambodia Driver
Private car/taxi with driver, long term or
short jaunts. Airport pick-up, tours, monthly rates.
Tel: 016-639852, 012-778368, 089-750203
www.cambodiadriver.com
Choice Taxi
Meter taxi service. Available 24/7.
Tel: 023-888023, 010-888010
Global Taxi
Phnom Penh’s first meter taxi
service.
Tel: 011-311888, 092-889962
Ravy Tours
Cars, vans and buses for rent with driver. For private and commercial
rental. Insurance. Full service travel and tour agent. Offices in
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
#3 Street 390, BKK3
Tel: 023-216618, 023-986772
www.ravyangkortours.com
Tour
Buses
There is a new ‘Hop on-Hop off’
a/c tour bus the circles past all of the major in-city attractions
once per hour, allowing a flexible itinerary. $15 for one day, $25
for two. The same outfit also offers twice daily buses to Toul Sleng
and the Killing Fields.
Book through your hotel or call
016-745880, 071-4493330 or see their website at:
http://phnompenhhoponhopoff.com
Motorcycle Rental
Visitors can rent and ride motorcycles.
An international or Cambodian driving license is required. The
helmets laws are enforced so make sure to get a one with your
rental. Dirtbikes (250cc) run $12-$15/day for older bikes and
$20-$25/day for a newish bike; mopeds (100cc, manual shift) are
$4-$5/day; auto shift, 125cc for $7-$8/day. 250cc bikes are good for
the countryside but are too much bike for in-city. Mopeds are better
for in-city riding. Chaotic traffic makes motorcycling challenging
in the extreme. If you do decide to ride, drive slowly, stay right,
wear a helmet and remember that medical services are limited.
Lucky Lucky Motorcycle
Motorcycle rental/sales, visas, extensions
Monivong Blvd near the corner of Street 184
Buses
There is regular in-city bus system in
Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh:
Arrival and Visas
Visas
In order to visit Cambodia, a passport and visa is required for most nationalities.
Cambodian visas are available to most nationalities: 1) on arrival
at all international airports in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap); 2) at
overseas Cambodian
embassies; 3) at most
international border crossing checkpoints in Cambodia, and 4) through the online
E-Visa procedure. A passport with at least six month validity is required.
Visa-on-arrival is not
permitted for holders of the following passports: Afghanistan;
Algeria; Bangladesh; Iran; Iraq; Pakistan; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka;
and Sudan. Holders of these passports must obtain a Cambodian visa
before arriving in the country. Holders of these passports are also
required to hold a sponsor letter or invitation from a company /
organization / travel agent, and you are also advised to hold a
valid return ticket.
Issuance of a visa on arrival at the
airports and international border crossings is relatively quick and easy, taking about 20-30 minutes.
One 4x6 photo is required.
30-day tourist visa
(Type ‘T’): US$30. Tourist visas can be extended for one
month, but only one time.
30-day 'Ordinary Visa' or 'Business
Visa' (Type ‘E’): US$35. ordinary/business visas can be renewed for one month, three months, six months or one year at a
time.
See the
visa page for
more details and fees.
Phnom Penh Airport
The Phnom Penh International Airport sits about 9km (40-60 minutes) from
city center. Transportation into the city can be hired just outside the
lobby for set prices. You can also walk out to the street outside the
airport and usually get a slightly better price.
Car Taxi: $9 into the city; $12 for
destinations beyond the city center; $15 to distant parts of the city.
Tuk-tuk (moto-remorque): $7-$9 into the city. Drivers often ask for an
additional $2 for destinations past town center.
Motorcycle taxi: Motodups can be found just outside of the airport and
hired for $2-$4, though they sometimes charge another $1 past town
center.
Also available at arrival: duty free, currency exchange, international
calling, ready-to-use SIM cards.
River ferry
River ferries arriving from Siem Reap and Ho
Chi Minh City dock at the Phnom Penh Port on Sisowath Quay (the
riverfront road) near Street 104. Taxis and tuk-tuks are always
available. Several restaurants and hotels are within easy walking
distance.
Arrival by Bus
(Bus
schedules and station locations)
There is currently no centralized bus station in Phnom Penh. Buses from
different companies arrive/depart different stations around the city.
Tuk-tuks and motodups await arriving passengers.
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