Notice
Cambodia information
Official Name
Kingdom of Cambodia
Surface Area
181,035 square kilometers
Population
Approximately 13 million (2003)
Race
The majority (90%) of the population is Khmer. The remaining 10% are comprised of Cham (Khmer Muslims), minority hill tribes and Chinese.
Language
Khmer is the official language. English and French are popular second languages.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia. The majority of people are Buddhist and 5% are Muslim, Christian and others.
Climate
The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an average temperature around 27°C (80°F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot.
These seasons are:
The Rainy season: From June till October 27-35°C (80-95°F)
The Dry season (Cool): From November till February 17-27°C (80-95°F)
The Dry season (Hot): From March till May 29-38°C (84-100°F)
Currency
The local currency is the Riel, although the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the country and in all major markets. In recent years the rate of exchange has been floating around USD1= 4,000 Riels. Some popular Riel denominations include: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 notes.
Tipping
Tip isn't mandatory, however it is widely practiced and always appreciates for all of the generous.
Visas & Fees
For most visitors to the kingdom, visas is obtainable upon arrival at the international border check-points. At Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports. Various land cross at International border check-points, visa can also be obtained on arrival as well. Please refer to Great Angkor Tours, or Cambodian oversees consulates to secure confirmation before commencing your trip. Requirement: One Passport Photographs.
One completed application form.
Visa Fee: US$20 for tourist Visas & US$25 for business Visas.
The fee is payable only in cash.
Foods & Beverages
It may surprise some, but Khmer dishes are, typically, not too spicy for the western palate (as can sometimes be the case in Southeast Asia). In Cambodia the basic meal is almost always built around rice and usually includes fish, chicken, pork, beef and vegetables. Freshwater fish is frequently served due to the country's abundant supply of this natural resource.
While selecting from Khmer menus, we suggest you do order some fish for your meals, especially the popular Amok or Elephant fish dishes. Chinese, European, Thai and Vietnamese foods are also available in numerous restaurants in Cambodia's major cities.
Many of the same beverages which are generally offered in the outside world are readily available including the usual suspects: canned soft-drinks, beer, and wine (most of them imported). Coca Cola, Angkor Beer and several others are also bottled here
Business Hours (local time is GMT plus 7hours)
Most business offices are open from 08:00 till 12:00 and from 13:00 till 17:00, Monday through Friday and Saturday morning. Banks generally operate from 08:00 till 15:00hrs.
Most private companies work on Saturday, while government offices are closed.
Souvenirs from Cambodia
The Krama (a traditional cotton scarf) is one of the most popular, typical Cambodian souvenirs. These multi-purpose garments, similar to a sarong, are used for bathing, cleaning, protection from the sun and many other purposes in Khmer life. It is also one of the national symbols that distinguish Khmer people from their neighbors. Both cotton and silk Krama are available throughout local markets and souvenir shops. Ask the seller to demonstrate the proper addressing of the Krama so you may carry and wear it yourself while sightseeing for a more elegant and traditional look.
Electric
220 volt
Hospitals
There are still many state-owned hospitals, where qualified doctors work. There are also a number of private clinics and hospitals available in the major cities and most of these maintain international standards.
Van and car rental is recommended for touring in the city and the outskirts. A few city buses are available on limited roads but these are local and may not suitable for international tourist. Cyclos (human-powered Tricycle-taxis) and moto-taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and readily available. We recommend cyclos for an "in-touch with the people" experience. These are ubiquitous within the cities. We also suggest get Remok ride (tri-motorcycle) where local people use motorbike to tow a cart. It is a kind of great experience.
Health Requirements
Vaccination is not required for entry into Cambodia, but Great Angkor Tours suggests you check with your doctor as some countries recommend their citizens be inoculated before embarking on an overseas adventure. Telecommunications
There are several gateways for international telephone access from Cambodia by dialing 001 or 007 or 008 followed by the country code and the phone number. There are also many cellular/mobile phone service providers offering convenient communication via the GSM and CDMA system, therefore many citizens now carry mobile phones. Phone IDD and facsimile are also available.
Email and Internet
It is easy and cheap to access the Internet and email in Cambodia. There are a plenty of internet cafes and many are open until late at night. Currently the charge is between 1-2 U.S dollars per hour, and falling.
How to get to Cambodia
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are still considered the major points of entry and exit for Cambodia. Both are international gateways.
Border crossing by land is available from neighboring Thailand and Vietnam and Laos.
Airport Tax
From Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh
International Departure Tax US$25 per person
Domestic Departure Tax US$ 5 per person
From Siem Reap International Airport in Siem Reap
International Departure Tax US$25 per person
Domestic Departure Tax US$ 5 per person
Flight Information
The airlines that are currently operating to/from Cambodia are:
Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Dragonair, Eva Air, Korean Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, SilkAir, Southern China Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines
Japan Airlines operates as charter schedule from Osaka and Tokyo to Cambodia.
There are also low-cost airlines operating to/from Cambodia as well. They are Air Asia and Jetstars.
Currently only one airline operate domestic rout. It is Siem Reap Airways.