Travel Tips and General Information on Cambodia

Visa

Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. All travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. The cost of a tourist visa is $US20. You need to provide one passport photo on arrival.

Customs and Formalities:Regulations are relaxed and simple formalities should be observed when arriving Cambodia. Every traveler has to complete immigration and customs declaration forms and must submit them on arrival.

Airport Tax

USD 25 per outgoing international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh.

Language

Cambodian or Khmer is the official language. English is the second language, followed by French and Chinese. At the Faculties of Dentistry, most students and staff speak some English. Interpreters can be provided for lectures etc if necessary.

Climate

It is a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from June - October and a dry season from November to May (average 20 - 28 C). The hottest time lasts from March to June (average 28-35C). The coolest time is from December to January. During the rainy season it often rains hard for an hour or two most days and surface flooding is common.

Dress

Attention to the traditions and customs of Cambodia should be paid. Men should normally wear long trousers; however, short trousers can be used at home and for outdoor activities. For women, dresses, short-sleeved blouses, skirts and trousers can be worn, but should normally be below the knee. When visiting Pagodas tidy dress is required.

Currency and Exchange

The local currency is the Riel, however, almost all goods and services are paid in US currency. The exchange rate is approximately 4000 Riel to one USD. Other currencies are less readily accepted. Credit cards are accepted at many places such as major hotels, the larger restaurants and souvenir shops. Traveler's cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are accepted only in major banks. It is best to carry US Dollars in small denominations. It is not wise to carry large amounts on cash on your person.

Accommodation

Hundreds of hotels and guest houses are available in Phnom Penh, ranging from simple dwellings to 5 star hotels. Guest house rates range from USD10 to USD25, and the good hotels from USD 90 to USD 250 per day.

Health Requirements

Although no vaccinations are officially required, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctors or a travel agent concerning immunization against hepatitis A &B, malaria, typhoid, and tetanus. There are a number of good medical clinics and private hospitals, although evacuation is sometimes necessary for major medical problems. Travelers to Cambodia should have travel insurance.

Local Time

Cambodia runs at GMT + 7 hours, the same time zone as its neighbours Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.

Security Notice

Although Cambodia has had periods of political and social upheaval, it has now regained its stability and rebuilt its image internationally. Security is generally good while travelling within the capital city and for travel to most of the provinces. However, care must be taken, for example:

• You should not walk around with large amounts of cash on your person
• You should not travel around unnecessarily late at night (especially alone)
• You should not ride on a moto taxi or tuk tuk with a bag over your shoulder which could be grabbed by someone on another motorbike