Top Cambodia Hotels

Passports should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry and a tourist visa is required by all nationalities whether entering Cambodia by land or air. It is possible for all nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival if entering the country at either of the international airports (3 passport-sized photographs are required). If arriving overland, a visa should be obtained prior to entry. It would be advisable to check the current situation with the Cambodian Consulate or Embassy before travelling.

Cash amounting to more than US$10,000 in foreign currency must be declared upon arrival and the import/export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency up to the equivalent value of the amount imported may be taken out of Cambodia.

• Alcohol - 1 opened bottle of spirits
• Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe.

Cambodian Time: GMT + 7

• Cambodian Riel (CRI) - Check current exchange rates
• 1 Riel = 100 sen.
• Notes issued: CRI100, 000, CRI50, 000, CRI20, 000, CRI10, 000, CRI5, 000, CRI2,000, CRI1000, CRI500, CRI200, CRI100

US dollars are widely used, however other foreign currencies are not generally accepted

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia whilst French, English, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese are also spoken to varying degrees. English is widely spoken around the main tourist areas of Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat and Cambodians are enthusiastic about learning and practising English.

Tipping is optional in most situations, although it is appreciated in hotels and restaurants. Tip porters, hotel staff and taxi drivers between CR2,000 and CR4,000.

Monday to Friday 8.00am to 3.00pm

The international dialling code for Cambodia is 855.

When making international telephone calls from Cambodia, first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.

• 220 volts AC, 50Hz
• Flat and round two-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item.
• Power cuts are quite frequent but many hotels and businesses have their own generators.

Tap water is not considered safe for drinking and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country.

Be aware that the standard of health care is exceptionally low in Cambodia and there is also an acute shortage of medical staff. Make sure that your health insurance is comprehensive and covers evacuation. Think seriously about being inoculated against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Also consider a pre-exposure rabies vaccination and anti-malarials. It is essential that you check the current situation with regard to all potential health hazards and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

• Phnom Penh - Pochentong
• Siem Reap

• US$20 at Phnom Penh
• US$8 at Siem Reap

All international airports mentioned above plus the following:

• Battambang
• Koh Kong
• Sihanoukville
• Stung Trung
• Banlung
• Sen Monorom

From US$4 to US$10 depending on airport

As with most of South East Asia, modest dress is recommended; avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts and shorts. Dress especially respectably when visiting temples and take your cues for appropriate behaviour from fellow Cambodian visitors.

A number of countries have representative offices in Cambodia.

Further information on Cambodian culture and tourist attractions:

• Cambodia-Web
  

Situated 14 degrees north of the equator, Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with maximum temperatures averaging 32C all year round and humidity levels maintaining a sticky 80-90%.

Light clothes are recommended and it is worth carrying an umbrella throughout both the hot and rainy seasons. Warmer clothes are advisable during the cooler months, especially at night.

Hot Season - The northeast monsoon brings high temperatures and low rainfall to Cambodia. These months, especially April, can be extremely hot with high humidity.

Rainy Season - The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains - usually during the afternoon and flooded streets are commonplace.

Best time to visit: During the Cool and Dry Season - although daytime temperatures can remain high, nights become much more tolerable with an average temperature of 22°C. The air can be rather dusty during this period.