| What to take with you |
| A map, certainly |
| Photocopies of your passport and visa. |
| Cash in US$ 20's and $ 100's or Baths. |
| A folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. The wettest months are July and August. |
| Zip locks bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry. |
| Hotel cards: You should keep your hotel cards in case of missing way back home. |
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| What to wear |
It is common to see men and women using Krama, a Long, Narrow checked cotton cloth round their neck. The krama is just like a piece of clothe. Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended and long-sleeved items should be included for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to 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. |
| Currency |
The Riel is the official currency of Cambodia . The bank note are presently in denomination of 50; 100; 200; 500; 1000; 2000; 5000; 10000; 20000; 50000; 100000.So around 4000 Riel for one US dollars at the time of writing.
All major currencies suck as the US Dollar, France Franc, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at Banks or local markets that are located in all major towns. US dollars can be freely spent though out the country. Most places will refuse old, or damaged US bills.
Traveler Cheque and Credit Card other are accepted by most banks or some hotels and restaurants, but only in Phnom Penh and SiemReap and must pay 2-5% for commission. ATM is available in Cambodia , in Phnom Penh , Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in some Super markets or Banks, so if you plan to travel to outskirts, it is advisable to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations. In case of journey to remote areas it is, of cause, advisable to take a good supply of Riel with you. |
| Languages |
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. A part of the Mon-Khmer family and has its origins in Sanskrit and Pali from India and influenced by spoken and written Thai. It is spoken all over the country except in some tribal areas where local indigenous languages are used.
Today, English is the most popular foreign language in Cambodia . , French is spoken by some of the older members of society and Chinese by many of the business people. Russian, Thai and Vietnamese is also in common use among business sectors and young generations. |
| Drinking |
| Bottled water and mineral water are obtainable at any shops in most cities. It is advisable to drink boiled water and never drink ice and tap water. |
| Shopping |
The country was once well-known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, paper maché masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues.
Buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenir shopping. The renowned Central Market and Toul Tom Pong Market ( The Russian Market ) is the city's best source with Items for sales including miniature Buddha, various ritual objects and old Indochinese coins. |
| Business hours |
| (GMT + 7) same time zone with its neighbors Thailand , Vietnam and Laos. |
| Government offices: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday |
| Business offices: 08:00 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday |
| Shops:8 a.m. to8 p.m. 7 days a week |
| Banks: 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. |
| Markets: 7:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days a week. |
| Electrical current: 220 volts (50Hz) A.C. |
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| Tipping and bargaining |
| Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia ; however, if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things |
| Air Access |
| There are two port of arrival by air: Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap ( Angkor ) Airport in Siam Reap. |
Cities with directs flight to Phnom Penh Airportare Bangkok , Utapao, Kualalumpur , Singapore , Vientiane , Ho Chi Minh City , Hanoi Hongkong and Guangzhou . Airline Companies currently serving in Phnompenh are Lao Aviation, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airway, Vietnam Airline, The Southern China Airline, and Malaysian Airline.
Cities with directs flight to Siem Reap are Bangkok , Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City . Airline Companies currently serving in Siem Reap are Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airway and Vietnam Airline.
Differ from other Indochina countries, there are several airlines companies serve Domestic flights such as Ro President Airline, Siem Reap Airway and so forth. Please contact us to get the best air fares
Airport tax: US$ 25 (international flight) and US$ 6 (domestic fight) for every passenger on every departure. International Border Crossings |
| Visas at Overland Border Crossing |
Border crossing with Laos : This is a semi-official crossing. Border policies are not stable. Travelers report that Cambodian visas are available at the border. Laos 's visas are not available.
Border Crossing with Vietnam : Cambodian visas are available at the border. Vietnamese visas are not available. Border crossing with Thailand : Cambodian visas and 30-days Thai transit visas are available at all Thai/Cambodian border crossing. Thai transit visas are free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available. |
| Border Crossing with Thailand |
Aranyaprathet , Thailand / Poipet, Cambodai (Rt. 6 to Siem Reap) Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.
Chong Jom , Thailand / O'Smach, Cambodia: Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.
Chong Sa Ngam , Thailand / Anlong Veng , Cambodia: Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.
Ban Pakard , Thailand / Phsar Prom Pailin , Cambodia: Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.
Ban Laem , Thailand / Daun Lem , Cambodia: Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available. |
Border Crossing with Vietnam |
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.
Ving Xuong , Vietnam / Kaam Samnor , Cambodia : The Chau Doc Crossing: Cambodian visas available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border.
Phnom Den, Takeo , Cambodia / Tinh Bien , Vietnam: Availability of Cambodian visas unknown. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border. |
| Border Crossing wiht Laos |
| Voeung Kam, Laos / Dom Kralor , Cambodia: Cambodian visas available at the border. Laos visas NOT available at the border |
| Visas and Entry Requirements |
A passport with at least six-month validity is required. A visa is required for most nationalities. One-month visas are available through Cambodia embassies, on arrival at the international airports in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh , and at border crossings with Thailand , Vietnam , and Laos .
Tourist visa: US$20, Business visa: US$25. Diplomatic, official, Courtesy, and Special visas are issued free of charge. One 4x6 photo is required. Tourist visas can be extended for one month, but only one time. Business visas can be renewed indefinitely. Renew visas through a travel agent or the Department for Foreigners located opposite Phnom Penh International Airport.
Tel: 012-581558. Fax: 023.890380. E-mail: visa_info@online.com.kh . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the 'e-visa' – visas available online. Scan of passport and passport size photo required. Payment by credit card. US$25 for a 30 days visa (three-month validity). Processing time: 3 days. See http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh. |
| Visa Extension |
Travelers who would like to prolong their stay in Cambodia may extend their visa at the Department of Immigration situated just opposite the Phnom Penh Airport . The visa may be extended for 30 days at the cost of USD 25.
Some travelers have reported that the visa extension for another one month was no longer possible, since the middle of June 2000. If you expect to stay more than a month, better get a Business visa at one shot for USD 25 with three months validity. |
| Climate |
Practically speaking, Cambodia has four seasons:
1). December-February, cool/dry: 2). March-May, hot/dry
3). June-August, hot/wet
4). September-November, climb above 35 C and the cool season may push the mercury as low as 20 C. The monsoons between June and October follow a regular pattern, clear mornings with 1-3 hour rains in the afternoon. The regularity of the wet season rains makes them easy to plan around |
| Health equipment |
| Although vaccination is not official required, it is recommended that traveler should check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic to get advice or vaccination regarding protection against for cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B if you are going to the provinces.
Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia. |