Cambodia Travel Tips

Entry Requirements Tourist Visas can be obtained upon arrival at the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports. One passport size photo is required. Visas are valid for 30 days. Fee is $20 U.S. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the end of your stay. Visitors may arrive overland from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam via the border crossing at Bavet or from Thailand via the border crossings at Trat - Hat Lay or Aranyaprathet - Poipet. These visitors must obtain a visa which clearly states their entry point at the Cambodian border.

Visa Extentions can be done at the Department of Foreigners (Bureau des Etrangers) at House 32, Street 200, Phnom Penh. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00-12:00. Two passport photos are required. The processing time is 10 days!

Another place to extend visas is the Immigration Office at No. 5, Street 200, Phnom Penh. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30-10:00 and 14:00-16:00. If you fail to extend your visa, you will be charged for each day you overstay.

By Air From the West, there are no international direct flights to reach Cambodia therefore an Asian call is compulsory.

Airport Fees / Taxes International Departures: US $20 Domestic Departures from Phnom Penh - US $10 and Siem Reap - US $4

Business Hours Government offices are open from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays only. The lunch break is from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. Most business centres are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Time GMT plus seven hours.

Communications Hand phones have become a necessity and almost everyone carries one. The numbers start with 012, 011, 016 or 018. Public phones with phone card systems are now common in Phnom Penh. Phone cards can be purchased at the post offices, most hotels and supermarkets.

International Calls can be made from post offices, hotels and some public telephones. The system though is not 100% reliable. The international dialling code for Phnom Penh is 855. When making international telephone calls from Cambodia dial: 00 + country code + area code + telephone number. Note: Cambodian telephone numbers begin with a '0' (e.g. 034-000000, 016-000000, etc.) When dialing domestically, it is usually necessary to dial the entire number including the '0' at the beginning. When dialing from outside Cambodia to a Cambodian telephone number, you must use the country code but exclude the '0' at the beginning (e.g., 855-34-000000, 855-16-000000, etc). When dialing from Cambodia to a number outside of Cambodia, you must precede the number with '007 or 001' (for example 007-662-251-0000).

Internet The Internet situation is improving. Connection speed has improved and prices, though still relatively high, are dropping. Internet access is still relatively expensive in Siem Reap by comparison to Phnom Penh. Connections can be slow and unstable.

Electricity Electrical appliances use 220 V so buy an international adaptor if you plan on bringing your own electrical appliances for use in the country before arrival if required.

Health Although prior vaccination is not necessary, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for cholera, typhoid and hepatitis if you are going to the provinces. Malaria, typhoid, rabies, Japanese B encephalitis and getting blown up by landmines are also health problems in the country.  You are advised to consult with your own doctor before departure. Tip: Bring your International Vaccination Certificate as at some border posts you get fined if you can not show it (or a photocopy).

Emergency services There are limited emergency services. Medical facilities and services in Cambodia are not up to international standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Security and safety The security situation is steadily improving, but travel outside major urban areas and tourist areas, is not advisable. Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world.

What to wear Most Cambodians are casual in their dressing except when they are attending formal events or business meetings. It's not unusual to see both men and women wearing the Krama, a long, narrow checked cotton cloth round their neck at most functions.

Weather The cold season is from November to January, the hot season from February until April or May and the rainy season from May or June to October. Variations in temperature are small, ranging between 21 to 35 degrees C.

When to Go The ideal months to be in Cambodia are December and January, when humidity is bearable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. From February onwards it starts getting pretty hot and in April, unbearably so. The wet season lasts from May to October and despite being somewhat soggy, can be a good time to visit Angkor, as the moats are full and the foliage lush - but steer clear of the northeast regions during those months, as the going gets pretty tough when the tracks are waterlogged. The country's biggest festival, Bon Om Tuk, is held in early November, and is well worth catching.

Currency The currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). The unit is the Riel. Riel denominations come in 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000 and 20.000 notes. There are no coins. American dollars are generally accepted throughout the country, as well as Thai Baht. Most of the major hotels and banks accept credit cards for a 4-5% commission, but generally one is advised to carry U.S. dollars.

ATM Machines don't really exist here. Fortunately, most things can be paid for in US Dollars and this is the currency you are strongly advised to bring with you as it tends to be used for almost everything. It is always good to carry around a lot of smaller denominations like 1's, 2's, 10's and 20's.

Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in many of the banks for the local currency, the Riel. Phnom Penh offers the best rates, although you might find, it's a lot easier getting around the country just using US$.

Credit Cards You can get cash advances on your credit card at several banks. The Siam Commercial Bank allows it as does the Thai Farmers Bank. In every case, commissions are very high; they will have to phone Bangkok for confirmation. Shop around for the cheapest rate.

Religion The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism which was introduced into Cambodia in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. There are also around 500,000 Muslims and 60,000 Christians.

Language Except Khmer, which is the official language, French is spoken by the older generation and educated people. In recent years, the trend among younger Cambodians has been to study English as a second language so speak to the teenager if you want to communicate something to someone in this tongue.

Food Rice and fish are the meals among Khmers. Local specialities include soups, curries and many varieties of dishes prepared with beef, pork, poultry and seafood. Chinese, Vietnamese and western cuisine can be found.

Water Tap water is not potable. Drink sealed bottled water only.

Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted.

Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and sometimes even when taking a room.