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Useful Information

Arrival and Departure
One-month tourist visas are available on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and all land border crossings. Tourist visas on arrival cost USD 20.00 and require one passport-sized photograph.

Airport Taxes
Departure from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports:
Domestic Destination: 6 USD
International Destination: 25 USD

Electricity
220V, 50 Hz. Note that particularly in remote areas power cuts are not uncommon.

Money
The Riel is Cambodia’s official currency (USD 1 = 4,000 riel). US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Most hotels in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville accept international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Traveller’s cheques can be easily cashed in most banks, sometimes subject to a small charge. ATMs are likewise common in the major towns, but may not be available in remote areas. It is therefore advisable to carry sufficient amounts of cash when travelling to remote places.

Health
Although medical care is improving fast in Cambodia, it is still rudimentary in remote areas. It is recommended that all travellers consult their doctor or travel centre prior to leaving for Cambodia. Health insurance is a must and should include evacuation coverage in case of a serious emergency.
 
What to pack
As temperatures in Cambodia are tropical throughout the year, only light clothing is needed. The sun is very intense, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. During the rainy season a light raincoat will be useful. When travelling in the countryside mosquito repellent is a must. Good shoes are needed for hiking or exploring the temples. During the cooler months a sweater or jacket may be useful when travelling to the mountainous provinces of Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri.
 
 
Food
Rice and fish are the staple diet for Cambodians. Specialities include fairly mild curries, sour soups and meat dishes such as Loc Lac (Cambodian stir fried beef). Cambodia’s national dish is Amok, which is fish steamed with coconut and lemongrass in a banana leaf. Chinese and Vietnamese and dishes are also common. Western food is readily available in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.

Safety
Cambodia has become a safe country in which to travel, and violent crimes against travellers are rare. Most hotels offer safety boxes for storing valuables and money. In some areas it is imperative to stick to marked paths because of the danger of unexploded landmines. Always travel with a knowledgeable guide when visiting remote places.

Customs
It is important to respect local dress standards, especially when visiting religious sites. Covering the upper arms and legs is appropriate. Always remove your shoes before entering a religious building or someone’s home. When seated make sure that the soles of your feet do not point towards other people and never point with your feet to any object. Do not touch the head of other people, as this is considered rude. Be diplomatic when discussing political issues.

Language
The official national language of Cambodia is Khmer, also referred to as Cambodian. French is spoken by many of the older generation, while English is the first foreign language among the younger generations. Even though Khmer grammar is relatively simple, the pronunciation and script, especially for Westerners learners, can be challenging.
 
Tipping
Tips are not traditionally expected but highly appreciated in a country as poor as Cambodia. Even small tips can make a real difference to the recipient’s income. It is appropriate to make a small donation at the end of a visit to a pagoda or other religious site.

Time
The time difference between Cambodia and Europe is 6 hours (CET +6). During the European daylight saving time this is reduced to 5 hours.

Many travellers in Southeast Asia still limit their visit of Cambodia to a short trip to the magnificent Temples of Angkor. While Cambodia is justly famous for its unique historical heritage, the Kingdom has much more to offer than just Angkor Wat, and visitors are welcomed with open arms to discover its treasures, many of which are still largely untouched by tourism.

There is a wealth travel experiences, ranging from trekking adventures in the pristine wilderness of one of the numerous national parks to exciting overland journeys to hill tribe areas which are rarely visited by tourists, to relaxing breaks on one of the empty beaches, to in-depth explorations of the splendour of the Khmer civilisation of which Angkor Wat is no doubt the most spectacular testament and which should of course not be missed by any first-time visitor.

But Cambodia also offers a wealth of less obvious attractions, for example the many small but fascinating discoveries visitors make, be it on a cyclo ride through the bustling capital of Phnom Penh or when observing the goings-on in a fishing village during a homestay with a Khmer family.

Among the most captivating experiences on a journey through Cambodia are the many encounters with its warm-hearted people – no doubt Cambodia’s greatest treasure. Despite their unspeakable suffering in the past they have not lost their charming smiles. With their hospitality and optimism they make Cambodia a truly rewarding travel destination.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia!

Geography
Cambodia is situated on the Indochina Peninsula and occupies an area of approx. 181,000 sq km. Cambodia shares borders with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand and has a coastline of approx. 400 km. There are also numerous small islands which belong to Cambodia.

The Kingdom mainly consists of the so-called Cambodian Basin, which is only a few metres above sea level and which is bordered by mountain ranges in the North, East and West. Cambodia’s highest mountain is Phnom Aural (1,813 m). The Mekong and the Tonle Sap lake and river, which joins the Mekong in Phnom Penh, form the life veins of the country. During the rainy season the water level of the Mekong rises to such an extent that large areas of country are flooded and the Tonle Sap river changes its direction of flow, feeding the Tonle Sap Lake with enormous quantities of water. This results in an expansion of the lake to several times its area during the dry season.

Climate
Cambodia’s climate is tropical with three distinct seasons. The rainy season lasts from June to October. It is followed by a cool dry season from November to January and a hot dry season from February to April. The rainy season is characterised by short, heavy rainfalls that rarely last for more than an hour. Continuous rain as known in Europe is very rare. Average temperatures range from 27C to 31C degrees.

Population and Mentality
Approximately 90 percent of Cambodians are ethnic Khmer. Minorities include Vietnamese, Chinese, Cham and Khmer Loeu, the indigenous people populating the Northeast. Only about 20 percent of Cambodians live in cities.

With a population growth of approx. 2 per cent per annum Cambodia is among the world’s fastest-growing nations. More than 40 per cent of Cambodians are younger than 15 years, whereas only three per cent are older than 65 years. Average life expectancy is 58 years. At 30 per cent the illiteracy rate continues to be very high.

Cambodians are generally considered tolerant, hospitable and helpful. After the unspeakable suffering of the past they long for peace and harmony. Conflicts and problems are thus often met with a smile and solved by compromising.