How to get

There are direct flights to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Hochiminh, Kualalumpur, Singapore, Hongkong, Vientiane and Guangzou. All of these cities serve as gateways to Cambodia meaning Cambodia is easily reached from further a field. Cambodia can also be reached by road from Thailand and Vietnam. Another exotic way to reach Cambodia is by river boat or sea cruise. The increasing numbers of airlines are operating into Cambodia in response to the Cambodian government’s open skies policy. The list of international airlines serving Cambodia includes; Bangkok Airways, China Southern Airlines, Dragon Air, EVA Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Mekong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Siem Reap Airways International, Silk Air, Royal Phnom Penh Airways, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.

Cambodia-Thailand Land Crossing

Poipet International Check Point, Kohkong International Check Point, O’Smach International Check Point, Pailin International Check Point, Koh Kong International Check Point and Somroung Yung are available.

Cambodia-Vietnam Land Crossing

Bavet International Check Point, Tro Paing Tlong International Check Point and Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point are available.

Cambodia-Laos Land Crossing

Stung Treng International Check Point

Passport & Visa

Passports valid at least 4 months are necessary.

Entry Visa

Application for an entry visa requires;

*A complete visa application form
*Once recent photograph (4x6)

Visa fees
20 USD for Tourist Visa and 25 USD for Business Visa

Pre-Departure Preparations

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea. Aspirin or Panadol (for pain or fever), Antibiotics, Calamine lotion (to ease irritation from bites or stings), Bismuth preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomoti (for stomach upsets and diarrhea), Bandages (for minor injuries), Insect repellent, sunscreen, suntan lotion, chop stick and water purification tablets are recommended to carry. Ideally antibiotics should be administered only under medical supervision and should never be taken indiscriminately.

Vaccine

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Malaria does not exist in main destinations. However tit is advisable to follow the preventive treatment against malaria and the encephalitis.

Electricity

It is 230 volts with 60 Hz in Phnom Penh. In Siem Reap and rest of the country is 110 Volts with 50 Hz.

Customs

Cambodia has simplified its tariff system in recent years and eliminated most non-tariff barriers to trade. Customs duties are now divided into four simple categories: luxury goods, such as automobiles, alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics have a rate of 70%; finished products such as electronics, paint, and furniture carry a tariff of 35%; machinery and capital equipment have a rate of 15%; and raw materials carry a tariff of 7%. A few products, such as agricultural equipment and pharmaceutical products, are exempt from import tariffs, but are still subject to the 10% value-added tax (VAT). The United States resumed diplomatic ties with Cambodia in September 1993. The following goods may be imported into Cambodia without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or equivalent in tobacco.
• Reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.

Mails & Telephones

The service of post office in Cambodia is slow; it can take at least one month.To call to Cambodia from abroad it is necessary to mark 00 855, followed by the code number of the country. The code number of Phnom Penh is 23 & Siem Reap is 63.

Currency

The official currency is the Rail (KHR) that can fluctuate a little if it is compared with a dollar. Riel denominations are 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 & 100000. Banknotes, which are printed in both Khmer and English, increases in size according to value and are in different colors. American dollars are widely used and foreign currencies can be easily changed at hotels, airports or markets. Credit cards are only accepted in banks and main hotels.

Local Time

Seven hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

Commercial Hour

The government offices are open from 07:30 to 11:30 & 14:00 to 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
Business offices are open from 07:30 to 12:00 & 14:00 to 17:3o (Monday to Friday). On Saturday, it is from 07:30 to 12:00.
The banks are open from 08:00 to 15:00 (Monday to Friday) and from 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturday. Shops and markets open daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

Water

Please don’t drink the water and that includes ice as well as tap water. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if water may have been added. Milk should be treated with suspicion, as it is often un-pasterised. Boiled milk is fine if it is kept hygienically and yoghurt is always good. Tea or coffee should be OK since the water is boiled. In general, the juices, the milk, the water, the tea and coffee offered at the hotels and the restaurants we recommend, are safe. Bottled water and mineral water are obtainable at any shops in most places.

What to Wear

Throughout the year, it is advisable to wear summer clothing: thin cloths in light color. In December and January, a sweater or jersey is recommended. In rainy season (July to September), it is advisable to bring umbrellas or raincoats.

Seasons to visit Cambodia

Generally speaking, Cambodia is well access in all year round. Even though it has the affect of monsoon in July & August, only sometimes it rains and sometimes it does not. Nevertheless, the rains do not disturb our visits and sightseeing. The best period to come to Cambodia is from October to end of March. April and May are the hottest months in Cambodia but no rain.

Average Temperatures in the Main Destinations

Things to buy

Shopping in Cambodia is better than ever now. Bargain is essential around the country and in some places, we need to bargain about 50%. We can buy silk, cottons, wood carving, tapestries, marionette, silver, simulated antiques, fine ceramics and copies of famous paintings. All the souvenirs shops accept the American Dollars or Credit cards in some places. Few shops accept Euros but not favorable. The most convenient currency to pay is in American Dollars.

Export Restrictions

The following items cannot legally be taken out of the country: Prehistoric implements and artifacts, fossils, old coins, bronze or brass weights, bronze or clay pipes, kammawas or parabaiks, inscribed stones, inscribed gold or silver, historical documents, all religious images including of Buddha.

Film & Developing

Fresh negative film is widely available. Popular brands are Fuji, Kodak & Konica. Positive color print film is available in Phnom Penh & Siem Reap. One hour service photo shops are ubiquitous but the quality is not so good.

Airport Taxes

International Airport departure tax is 25 USD per person. The children under 12 years need to pay 13 USD per person and the children under 2 years old do not need to pay. Domestic airport tax is 6 USD per person.

Security

It is possible to go around the cities at day and night. However it is better to take care of yourself all the time.

Photograph

The military places and airports are restricted. It will be more convenience to ask for permission if you want to take the photo to somebody and especially to the Buddhist monks.

Important

You cannot take out of the country the antiques, Buddha images, neither precious stones with certificate.