Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia of incredible beauty, with famous breathtaking temples, fertile plains dotted with rice fields, and a history unlike any other. The dominant religion is Buddhism, which places value on hospitality and kindness. The country is worldwide rewarded of its breathtaking Angkor Wat - one of the seven wonders of the world.

AIRPORT TAX

Airport Tax (Passenger Service Charges)

For International Travel

Foreigner:

Adult US$25

Under 12 years old US$13

Under 2 years old FREE

For Domestic Travel

Foreigner:

Adult US$6

CLOTHING

Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam, , Cambodia & Laos. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam and Laos. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.

ELECTRICITY

220V in the towns and 110V in country areas.

FOOD

As in many Asian countries, the staple food of the Cambodian diet is rice. This is usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork. Fish is often fresh from Tonle Sap Lake and is eaten with a spicy peanut sauce called tuk trey. Popular dishes include sam chruk, a roll of sticky rice stuffed with soya bean and chopped pork, and amok, a soup of boneless fish with coconut and spices.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in all countries and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed.

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 or 08:00 until 17:00 or 18:00 and often close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00. Shops open early and close any time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are open 7 days a week.

LANGUAGE

Cambodia's national language is called Khmer and unlike the other languages of the region is not a tonal language. The written script originated in southern India. As in other former French colonies the educated older generation often speak very good French while the younger generation prefer English. Outside the major centres of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap most people speak o­nly Khmer.

MONEY

The currency of Cambodia is called the Riel. There is however no need to change your currency into Riels as in common with most Asian countries US Dollars are accepted in many places and are used to pay for airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, hotel and restaurant bills. Banks are open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning, closing for lunch between 10:30 and 14:00. In the major cities there are bureaux de change and most hotels will change US Dollars although for other currencies it is usually necessary to visit a bank. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and some hotels but can be difficult to change outside of the major cities. Visa Card and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, as in Vietnam, US Dollars cash are still the most reliable form of money to carry.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

- January 1 New Year's Day

- January 7 Vietnamese Liberation Day

- March 8 Women's Day

- April Khmer New Year (three days in mid-April)

- April 26 Visak Bochea Day

- April 30 Royal Ploughing Ceremony

- May 1 Labour Day

- June 1 Children's Day

- June 18 Queen's Birthday

- September 24 Constitution Day

- October 6-7 Pchoum Benh's Day

- October 23 Paris Peace Accords

- November 1 King Sihanouk's Birthday

- November 9 Independence Day

- November Water Festival (three days in mid-November)

- December 10 Human Rights Day

Cambodia Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in the late 1980s having been banned, like all religions, under the reign of the Khmer Rouges. Nearly 95% of the population today are Buddhists with the remainder made up of Catholics, Muslims and Cao Dai followers.

SHOPPING

Cambodiais known for good silverware, textiles, wooden sculpture and stone carvings. The two main centres of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the best places to look for souvenirs. A uniquely Cambodian souvenir that many visitors like to take home is the checked scarf made of cotton or silk called the krama.

TELECOMUNICATIONS

Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although be warned these services are expensive in all four countries. Away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls. Internet cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail. Postcards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desk.

TIPPING

Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped a small amount for their troubles.

 VISA AND PASSPORT

A passport and visa are required. Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both require a passport-sized photograph. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights.

 The entry points to obtain Visa 

Airports: 

Phnom PenhInternational Airport

Siem Reap International Airport

 Cambodia-Vietnam border: 

• Bavet International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province)
• Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point (Kandal Province)
• Koh Rohka International Check Point (Prey Veng Province)
• Banteay Chakrey International Check Point (Preyveng Province)
• Tropeang Sre International Check Point (Kratie Province)
• Prek Chak International Check Point (Kampot Province)
• Phnom Den International Check Point (Takeo Province)
• Oyadav International Check Point (Rattankiri Province)
• Tropieng Phlong International Check Point (Kampong Cham Province)

 Cambodia-Thailand border: 

• Cham Yeam International Check Point (Koh Kong Province)
• Poi Pet International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province)
• Osmach International Check Point (Odor Meanchey Province)
• Sihanoukville International Check Point (Sihanoukville Province)
• Choam Sanguam International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province)
• Prum International Check Point (Pailin Province)
• Doung International Check Point (Battambang Province)
• Preah Vihear International Check Point (Preah Vihear Province)

Cambodia-Lao border: 

• Dong Krolar International Check Point (Steung Treng Province)
• Tropieng Kreal International Check Point (Stung Treng Province)

 Application for Visas and Fee 

It is required for the visa applicants to submit passport, application forms, a recent passport-style color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay.

Single entry visa fee for tourist:    US$ 20

Single entry visa fee for business:  US$ 25

WEATHER

Cambodiahas two monsoons, the southwest monsoon from May to October brings heavy rains and the northwest monsoon from November to April spreads dry weather throughout the country. Temperatures vary from around 24 oC-35 oC with the coolest period between November and January and the hottest from February to April.

The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an overage 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)

WATER

It is not advisable to drink tap water in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos but bottled mineral is safe and available everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it o­n street stalls or in country areas.