Cambodia

OVERVIEW

Kingdom of Cambodia is one of the most attractive destinations to international tourists. The country is known as the land of beauty, ancient and mysterious temples in the Angkor site. The Bayon and the collapse of the powerful Khmer empire contain solemnity and majesty and have an important position of world wonders. Besides, the pristine beauty, the majestic Angkor, Royal palace against time and hospitable and friendly Cambodian always are impressive to every tourists travelling to this country.

TIME TO GO

Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The dry season is from late October to early May and the rainy season is from the middle May to late September. March and April are the hottest months with very high humidity (30-35^oC) whilst the coolest months of the year are from October and December (25 – 27^oC). The dry season may be very dusty, but easier for walking through the jungle terrain around the temples. However, the rainy season also has its own advantage as it will bring fanciful scenery.

The best time to travel to Cambodia is between October and March.

TIME ZONE

It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7).

LANGUAGE

Khmer is the official national language. English are widely spoken in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Cambodia is Riel (KHR). However, USD, EUR, Visa and Master card are widely accepted.

VISA/PASSPORT

Cambodia immigration department only accepts visa on arrival of specific nationalities, please see the website of Cambodia Embassy. Visas are obtained upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports.

Cambodia visas are required to be 60 days of validity from the date of issue. You need 2 passport size photos, valid passport (at least 6 months beyond the length of stay) and USD 20 fee paid at border check points in 4 international airports.

CUSTOMS

When reaching the custom counters, you will have to complete the custom declaration. You are allowed to bring foreign currencies, jewels…You have to fill in a form if you bring over US $10,000 or its equivalent in any other foreign currencies.

OTHERS

Sim cards and Internet

Cellcard/Mobitel, Beeline, Mfone… are the biggest operators and provide great coverage in Phnom Penh. Anyone can buy sim cards but have to register with their valid passports. Cellcard is favored by expats as it offers cheap data packages and cheapish international calls.

Wifi is available at most hotels exception to hotels in the less touristy towns. The best way to surf internet in these towns is to buy 3G sim card.

Water:

The tap water is not disinfected then you are advised to drink bottles water and mineral water which can be found at many shops outside hotels or restaurants.

Electricity:

The standard households (hotels) electrical supply in Cambodia is 230 volts, 50 Hertz. The standard socket accepts two round pins and flat blade plug.

If your electric devices do not accept 230 volts and 50 Hertz, you can bring voltage converter or buy one in Cambodia.