Cambodia Travel Tips

It is safe now to travel to Cambodia!

Cambodia has opened it door to the world since 2000 when "Open Sky Policy" is set up. Foreign travelers are now can travel safely to and within Cambodia. Especially, there are many airline companies have increased their flight schedule directly to Siem Reap. There are two International airports, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where tourists can fly into the country. Bangkok airways and Thai airway now are served their services from and to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and also local flight Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and reverse. It is possible to flight from Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Japan to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is recently government has allowed Cruise Ship to embark at Sihanouk Ville International seaport. And gradually, passing through border is popular for travelers from neighbouring countries and other travelers from the world.

Entry

The mode of transport most used is probably the plane that takes you directly to the heart of your journey through two international airports located near the capital, Phnom Penh and near the site of Angkor, Siem Reap. They are served from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Ha Noi via Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, Vientiane in Laos, Singapore in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hong Kong in China. Road from Vietnam and Thai borders have been renovated; now travelers can travel into Cambodia by bus. It is not limited only by air and land, travelers can enter Cambodia by cruise ship as well.

Visas

All foreign travelers who come to Cambodia are required to have a Visa. At any Royal Cambodian Embassy or Consulate, Visa is issued to all foreign nationals and also Visa can be issued at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International airports directly or for who want to enter Cambodia by passing through borders, visa can be obtained at border checkpoint of Thailand, Hat Lek - Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) and Aranyaprabhet - Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey). At Vietnam border, visa can be issued at Moc Bai - Bavet (Svay Rieng). For those who are citizens of Vietnam, Philippine, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore, Visa are applied for free.

Tourist visa cost USD 20 per person valid for 30 days for a single journey. Passport is required to apply for the visa, valid at least 6 months before the date of entering Cambodia. ID-size photographs are needed for visa application form, if no US$ 5 will be charged.

Note: For citizens from: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, visa is not allowed to obtain directly at the airports or borders, visa can be obtain from nearest embassy.

For more about VISA, now tourists can obtain visa online at Cambodian Government site: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/e-visa/index.aspx

Cambodia Time:

 It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Time Zone is the same as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Currency

Riel is officially used as the local currency which 4000 Riels is equivalent to US$ 1. US Dollar is widely used through out Cambodia. Do not recommend to take Riel out of Cambodia. Cash is preferred to pay in the country such as pay to hotel, restaurant, transportation and so on. Banks offer cash advance from your credit card at the top tourist places in Cambodia. ATM Cambodia advances cash in Riel and US Dollar.

Electricity

The electrical works of Cambodia at a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50 Hz as in the West, the electrical connection thus requires no special plug.

Religion

The main religion in Cambodia is Hinayana Buddhism islands with some Christians and Muslims.

Precautions

In hot climates, it should also protect themselves from the sun: sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are necessary.

Money

The local currency is the Riel, whose exchange rate is around 3900 Riels for U.S. $ 1, but payment in U.S. dollars is greatly appreciated and provided that tickets are not too torn users or under threat of being refused.

Credit Card (Visa, Master)

Payments by international credit cards are accepted mainly from hotels and banks. Some stores and some restaurants accept it, but the majority of daily purchases and expenditures shall be made in local currency. In addition, no cash has yet been installed in Cambodia: liquidity can therefore be achieved as banks.

Telephone

Telephone booth cards can be found in Phnom Penh alone, but throughout the country, a mobile telephone network was developed. With the activation of the "global network" with your ISP, the Cambodian therefore your communications link using the same dual-band frequencies as those in force in Europe: 900/1800 KHz. The international code to call the Cambodia is 855

Internet

Internet connections are decreasing the price (0.5 to $ 5 per hour) and at moderate speeds with cafes that are found in Cambodia or in big hotels which are equipped accordingly. However, the network is sufficient for e-mail correspondence without great difficulty. The high speed are served at local Internet coffee and Free Internet service at Restaurant "Commend ground" which located near ANZ Royal Bank Center Market.

Post Office

The sending of letters or parcels between France and Cambodia is quite possible in both directions. Count 10 to 15 days between shipment and receipt.