Country's Conventional Name:  Cambodia or Kampuchea

Capital: Phnom Penh

Location: Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the south,

Thailand to the east, Vietnam to the West, and Laos to the North

Currency:

1 US Dollar equals 4000 Riels

DO NOT EXCHANGE DOLLARS FOR RIELS AT THE BORDERS !!! You can pay with Dollars EVERYWHERE.

Climate: Tropical

· Cool Season: December to January

· Hot Season: February to May

· Monsoon season: June to November

Temperature: 32 - 38 degree Celsius


Religion: Officially Theravada Buddhism 95%; others Islam and Christianity

Language: Officially Khmer - others:  Chinese and Vietnamese

Time: +7 GMT

Events and Festivals

Cambodia has a wealth of traditional festivals but Chinese, Vietnamese, Western and international holidays are also celebrated. Most of these are a time of great rejoicing for the predominantly rural populace, many of whom flock to the capital to join in the celebrations. It is at these times the nation unites with a shared common understanding of values and traditions and they are looked forward to with great expectation.  All the traditional festivals are influenced by the concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism and superstition. The following are the most important of the celebrations organized throughout the year:


Water festival (October or November) - Pchum Ben (September)

King Sihanouk's Birthday Celebration (October 31)

King father's birthday, Queen's birthday

Khmer New Year (Mid April) - Royal Ploughing Day (May)

Independence Day (November 9) - Chinese/Vietnamese New Year (January or February)

International New Year (January 1)

National Day (January 7) ...............and many, many others


Cambodia Visa

All Foreign Visitors are now able to obtain the Cambodia visa upon arrival at the airport. It is no longer necessary to get the visa stamp at the Cambodian Embassy before your visit. Just prepare the following documents:

■ A Passport Photocopy

■ 1 photos (3 x 4 cm)

■ US$ 20 Cash for tourist visa fee (Paid directly to the Immigration)


The Cambodia Visa is issued officially at the following ports of entry:


By Air: Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh, Siemreap Airport


By Land: Travelers can travel to/from Cambodia by land through Aranyapathet-Poipet Border and Trat-Koh Kong Border of Thailand and Moc Bai - Bavet Border of Vietnam

Cambodia Visa Validity: 3 months from the date of issue, *NOT* from the date of entry.


Duration of Stay: 30 days for single entry


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 Pochentong Airport. The visa may be extended for 30 days at the cost of USD 25.-


Visa exempted for the following ASEAN nationals:Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore
 

E-Visa or Electronic Visa

To promote tourism and investment in Cambodia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched e-visa or electronic visa. Travelers who wish to visit Cambodia can apply for a visa online with credit card payment direct to the Ministry's website. Normal processing time takes three business days and it is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Length of stay is 30 days. Cost is US$ 20 for the visa plus Us$ 5 for processing fee.

The following nationals should apply for a visa at the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Cambodia: Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria(Requirements are letter from his/her company, Return air ticket to/from Cambodia, One photocopy of Alien ID card).

How should I take money to Cambodia?

Bring a combination of US Dollar cash and credit cards (no big bills). ATMs are widely available in airports, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and dispense USD. Most hotels change traveller's cheques and cash at reasonable rates. Credit cards can be used in upmarket hotels and in a (very) limited number of shops and restaurants in major centres. If you bring traveller's cheques, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

1 US Dollar equals 4000 Riels


How much money will I need each day for food and other expenses?

Cambodia is more expensive than neighbouring countries. Literally everything in Cambodia is imported and import taxes are extremely high. Allow approximately 50 USD per person for day-to-day living, which will buy you lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Transport such as tuk-tuks and cyclos is inexpensive, and should cost you no more than 5 USD a day on average, and often much less.


Do I need to tip in Cambodia?

Tipping inspires great service and, while it is not generally expected in Cambodia, it is appreciated. In basic restaurants we suggest rounding your bill up to the nearest 1 USD. In more up-market restaurants 5% to 10% is appropriate.


Will I need to bargain for everything I want to buy?

Bargaining  has long been the norm in Cambodia, however in supermarkets you'll find fixed prices. Bargaining should always be good-natured – a smile and friendly attitude are a must. In many cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%. In most cases you will not need to bargain for basic items such as bottled water, toiletries and food.


Health & Safety

What vaccinations will I need to have?

Some of the diseases known to exist in Cambodia include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, dengue, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. Consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical center for up-to-date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.


Is Cambodia a safe country?

These days Cambodia is a relatively safe country by world standards. Usual common sense precautions are advisable, especially in Phnom Penh. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and take taxis rather than cyclos. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible. In Phnom Penh in particular, we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street.


Is Cambodia a good place to take children?

Cambodia is very child-friendly. Every Cambodian has at least 5 - 8 children. If you are travelling with children aged 5-17, our Family Journeys, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities, might best suit your needs. Some hotels cater well to families with triple share options, or adjoining rooms.

Food & Water

Can I drink the water?

We advise against drinking tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels and is otherwise inexpensive and readily available.


What general food and water precautions should I take?

We advise you to use bottled water, even to clean your teeth. Always wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after handling local money. Ensure meats are thoroughly cooked. It is not necessary to avoid salads and herbs out of hand but remember uncooked foods do carry a greater risk (Hepatitis, Typhoid) . DO NOT EAT STREET FOOD (or you WILL end up in hospital).

There is no food control authority in Cambodia, the hygiene situation is absolutely substandard and therefore food poisonings are very common.

We advise you to bring "Ciprofloxacin" with you.


Drugs & Illegal Drugs

Under no circumstances attempt to purchase illegal drugs. The sellers are mostly undercover police officers disguised as Motodops, Tuk Tuk or taxi drivers and you have a fair chance to end up in prison. Please be aware that almost EVERY driver in Cambodia is a police officer or informant. They are everywhere and they see EVERYTHING.

Do not try to export legal drugs bought in pharmacies (Valium, Rohypnol, Opiates ....)

Info: There is no death penalty in Cambodia but you probably won't survive a 10 year sentence in a Cambodian prison.


Communications & Technology

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?

Mobile phone networks cover much of the country and global roaming is available – check with your service provider before leaving home. Reception can be patchy outside urban areas. You also can purchase a Cambodian SIM card for around $ 5.00


I am travelling with my laptop – will I be able to access WiFi?

WiFi is becoming increasingly common in hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. WiFi is also offered in some hotels, either in-room or in certain public areas such as the lobby. Check with your travel expert for availability of WiFi at your chosen hotel/s before departure. Do Not use Internet shops. These computers are infested with viruses and usually they will steal your passwords. Use your own device via WIFI !!!


What are some of the local customs I should be aware of?

Dress standards are fairly conservative, especially outside major cities. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. You should try to keep your shoulders covered, especially outside major cities. Try to resolve any difficulties in a calm, friendly matter. Losing your temper will not get you anywhere.


Entertainment:

There is a large choice of entertainment venues in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville from lively nightclubs to quieter social venues to karaoke bars and fully licensed casinos. For those interested in cultural offerings, there is traditional Cambodian music and dance, especially the graceful and popular Apsara dancing which dates back to the Angkorian period.

 Bars and night clubs are widely available. In addition, many international hotels provide live entertainment for their guests such as jazz pianists and vocalists singing contemporary ballads. Cambodia's guests are never short of anything interesting to do regardless of taste and personal preferences.