Fast Fact about Cambodia

Area

181,035 Square Kilometres

Capital City

Phnom Penh (pop.approx.1 million)

Population

11.67 mil

Language

Cambodia's official language is Khmer. French is still taught in schools and universities. English increasingly predominates.

Religion

The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is also practiced in neighboring Laos, Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.

Climate

Tropical Monsoon: Rainy Season May-November. Dry Season December-April.

Local Time

GMT +7

Currency

The Cambodian currency unit is the Riel. Cash US dollars are universally accepted however, with the equivalent change tendered in Riels. (Exchange rates for currencies other than US dollars can be disadvantageous) Only larger hotels and souvenir shops accept credit cards. Money changers give a slightly better rate than banks. Most banks open from 08.00 am to 3.30 pm. Some banks also open on Saturdays.

Business Hours

Government: Monday-Friday 07.30 am-5.00 pm; Shops:8.00 am-9.00 pm.

Postal Service

Airmail to Europe takes 4-5 days, and to the USA 7-10 days.

Telephone

Telephone and fax are available. Country code: 855. Phnom Penh code: 23. Most big hotels have IDD lines, but calls are expensive. Public phones utilizing prepaid phone cards are now common in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with the cards on sale at the post office, most hotels, and supermarkets.

Newspapers

English dailies: The Phnom penh Post and The Cambodia Daily.
Email/Internet: Internet-service and e-mail providers are currently operating in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Electricity supply

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Large hotels and businesses have generators. Outside cities, electricity is available only in the evening from 1830-2130

Local transport

The most convenient way to travel around the capital is by cycle (tricycle) which costs roughly US$3 per hour or motodops (motorcycles). Cruising taxis are not the norm. Domestic flights (note: weight limit of 10 kg on luggage) connect major cities. Public bus, boat and train travel are available.

Current Entry formalities

A one-month tourist visa is available on arrival at Pochentong International Airport and in Siem Reap Airport and all international border checkpoints with Vietnam and Thailand for US$20. Visas can also be issued at Cambodian Embassies or Consulates abroad.

Passport must be valid for at least six months and requires one passport photo for visa application.

Tap Water

Drink sealed bottled water only

Medical

No vaccinations required for entry. A full supply of any personal medications should be carrid with you.

Tipping

Not obligatory but widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills.

Airport

Journey time to town 10-15 minutes. A taxi cost around US$7. Motorcycle taxis can also be hired outside the airport for US$ 1

Airport Tax

International US$20, Domestic US$10.

There are more than 200 hotels throughout the country. International standard hotels are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Guesthouses are also available. Camping is not permitted. Nightlife entertainment outside your hotel is available at night time, but visitors are advised to go with a guide or an experienced local person.

Photography

Photography in airports, inside the National Museum, some part of the Royal Palace and near any military installations is forbidden, and discretion should be used when photographing people, particularly monks.

Car for rent

Self-drive generally not recommended. To hire a car or a van with a driver is approximately US$20-50 per day. US$6-7 per day for motorcycle (self-drive), US$1-2 per day for bicycle. Traffic drives on the right

Emergency services

There are emergency services in Phnom Penh, call 119. Medical facilities and services in Cambodia are significantly improving.

Tourist information

Ministry of Tourism: Tel: (855-23)

Security and safety

The security situation is stable for traveling to tourist areas, but visitors are advised to contact local authority or tourist offices when traveling outside major urban areas and tourist sites.

Religion

Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long skirts (long trousers are not acceptable). When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor Wat, smart casual dress is acceptable

Social

Cambodians greet each other by pressing their palms together in front of their bodies and bowing. This is called a Sompeah, with the younger or lower ranked person normally initiating the gesture. The western handshake is acceptable when greeting or being introduced to Cambodian people. Like most South East Asian countries, it is importance to dress neatly and modestly, and act in a quiet, calm manner. Generally speaking, guests will be judged by behaviour and general appearance, not by diplomas or personal wealth. It is considered rude to point feet, particularly the soles, towards a person or things, so tuck them away when sitting on the floor or on a chair. The head is regarded as the highest part of the body; avoid touching any person there even in a friendly manner. In difficult situations, display of bad temper, especially in public, will make a bad situation worse. When taking photographs of people, always request their permission especially monks and hill tribe villagers.