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| Visas |
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Can be obtained at Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia |
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A visa on arrival, valid for 30 days, is issued at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport. Poi Pet, O'Smach and Cham Yeam at the Cambodia - Thailand international border checkpoint and Bavet, Kaam Samnor at the Cambodia-Vietnam international border checkpoint. |
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Visa fee: Business visa: USD25, Tourist visa: USD20. |
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| International Gate Ways |
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Phnom Penh International Airport |
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Siem Reap International Airport |
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Sihanoukville Port (Visa on Arrival) |
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Airport Tax: |
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International Airport: |
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Foreigner: USD25 |
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Cambodian: USD18 |
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Domestic: |
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Foreigner: 6USD |
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Cambodian: 5USD (Effective from 5th January 2004) |
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| Currency |
RIEL (USD1 approximately 4000 Riels). US dollars are widely accepted.
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| Clothes |
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.
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| 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.
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| Food |
While not as spicy or as varied as food from Thailand or Vietnam, Khmer food is tasty and cheap and is invariably accompanied by rice (or occasionally noodles). Thai and Vietnamese characteristics can be found in Khmer food, although Cambodians love a stronger sour taste in their dishes, especially through the addition of prahok, the famous Khmer fish paste (although for most foreigners this is most definitely an acquired taste!). In addition to Khmer food, there are large number of Chinese restaurants, especially in Phnom Penh and large provincial centers.
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| Tap Water |
Tap water in Cambodia is not suitable for drinking. Phnom Penh municipality claims that its water is treated and cleaned, and this is probably true; however by the time it gets to your tap, it's been contaminated. Bottled water is the only thing you should ever drink or brush your teeth with.
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| Health |
There are presently no vaccination requirements to enter Cambodia, unless arriving directly from Africa. Border officials have from time to time operated scams whereby travelers were "fined" for not having proof of vaccinations, however this now appears to have stopped completely.
Before visiting Cambodia, be sure to discuss prevention with a qualified specialist / travel clinic. It's especially important to review the relevant vaccinations (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, rabies, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid, etc) well in advance; in addition, both malaria and dengue fever are endemic in some parts of Cambodia, particularly in heavily forested areas for malaria, though dengue fever can be found throughout the country.
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| Communication |
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.
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| Shopping |
Good souvenirs include temple rubbings, replicas of Angkor's bas-reliefs and sculptures, wood carvings, stone carvings, Cambodian music and traditional musical instruments. Those who know what they're looking for may want to buy precious stones. But perhaps the best buy in Cambodia is silk. Much is still hand woven and colored with natural dyes (the inexpensive stuff is machine made and chemically colored). To get naturally dyed silk, ask for leak tomuhjeat. Untailored bolts of cloth are available, but if you want something wearable, look for a krama, the traditional peasant scarf still worn throughout the country.
Bargaining is generally the rule. Take along U.S. bills of small denomination, which are accepted throughout the country, along with the local currency and the Thai baht. Credit cards are accepted only at luxury hotels and a limited number of tourist-oriented shops.
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| Business Hour |
Government offices are officially open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 5:30pm. The break and siesta are from 11:00 or 11:30 am to about 2:00 or 2:30 pm. Private businesses and shops generally follow same schedule, although some shops may remain open longer.
Banks, ministries and embassies are closed during all public holidays and festivals.
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| Tipping |
Tipping is not expected in Phnom Penh, 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.
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