CAMBODIA: The Royal Kingdom of Cambodia or Kampuchea has a population of 11.6 million and area of 181,035 sq. km. The capital is Phnom Penh with a population. approx. 1 million. Travel
Tips: While visiting Cambodia, the following Travel
Tips may help you appreciate the country and allow you to enjoy your
visit to this shrouded Country. CLOTHES: While one should wear casual and decent
clothes to most temples and pagodas - including those at Angkor -
visitors to the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda are expected to dress
a little more formally, with men wearing long trousers and women in
long skirts (not long trousers, however).
Shoes are generally removed before entering pagodas.
GREETINGS: Cambodians
greet each with a bow and a prayer-like gesture called a Sompeah,
the younger or lower ranked person normally initiating the gesture.
Handshakes are also becoming more acceptable for greeting Cambodians.
BEHAVIOUR: Acting calmly and quietly - especially
when under duress - is recommended, while displays of bad temper,
especially in public, will make a bad situation worse.
The head is considered the highest part of the body, while
the feet are considered the lowest, both literally and figuratively.
Touching someone's head or pointing at people or things with the feet
- especially the soles - are, therefore, considered extremely rude.
AIRPORT TAX: US$20.-
per outgoing international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh US$
8.- per outgoing international passenger for flights from Siem Reap US$10.-
per outgoing domestic
passenger for flights from Phnom Penh US$ 4.- per outgoing domestic passenger
for flights from all other domestic
airports ANGKOR
COMPLEX: A passport-sized photo must be attached to multiple day
entrance Passes to the Angkor complex (2-3
days pass and one-week pass). Visitors can have their picture taken
at the entrance checkpoint (1USD per photos). However, we recommend
that all visitors arriving in Siem Reap have a passport photo ready
prior to arrival. CURRENCY & EXCHANGE:
The local currency is the Riel, however, in Phnom
Penh and in Angkor almost all goods and services are calculated and
paid for in the US currency.
The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately
3,900.- Riel
to one U.S. Dollar. Credit
cards are accepted only at few places like major hotels, restaurants
owned by foreigners, souvenirs shops (Diethelm Travel is the local
representative of American Express). Traveller cheques and currencies other
than U.S. Dollars are accepted only by major banks.
It is best to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations CUSTOMS
AND FORMALITIES: Regulations are relaxed and simple formalities
should be observed when entering the territory.
Every traveler has to complete immigration and customs declaration
forms during the flight and must submit it on arrival. Any amount of foreign currency can
be brought into Cambodia, but the amount of Cambodian currency must
not exceed 100,000 Riels per person. Tourist and non-resident carrying over USD 100.000 in cash
or its equivalent must declare it to ensure they will be allowed to
take out with them the amount declared.
.Immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already
possess their visa. A Diethelm representative will meet
travelers at the airport, after immigration control has been passed.
For easy recognition, our representative will
display a Diethelm Travel sign with the names of the guests or their
group. Leaving the country,
luggage will be X-rayed in Phnom Penh airport and inspected in Siem
Reap. ELECTRIC CURRENT: 220 Volts, AC 50 Hz.GENERAL
ADVICE: Drink lots of water. Never drink tap water-purified, bottled
water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes.
It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito-borne
diseases. Since Cambodian
has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and Light-weight clothing
is recommended. Clothing
made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket might be needed
on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants using excessive
air-conditioning. A hat
and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the Hot
sun when sightseeing. When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor
Wat, Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed
at the Entrance to pagodas. For visit to Silver Pagodas, which is
within the Royal Palace
grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are
required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers
or long skirts. PHOTOGRAPHY: Normal memory cards are widelay available. Any specialized photo or video equipment
should be brought with you. Photography and video in airports, railway Stations and
near any military installations in forbidden and discretion should
be used when photographing people, particularly monks. HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS: Although no vaccinations are officially required
for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with
their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection
against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis
A and
B. Any essential medications should be
brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in
Cambodia. LANGUAGE:
Khmer is the official language, inherited from the Mon-Khmer family,
Enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages. There are
various dialects spoken in areas outside Phnom Penh.
English is the second language, followed by French, even though
they are not widely spoken except in the capital. LOCAL TIME: Cambodia runs at GMT + 7 hours, the same
time zone as its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. PASSPORT
& VISAS:
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations.
All travellers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days
stay upon arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport for US$ 20.-
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your visit
and one passport photo is needed.
For travellers joining a
Diethelm Travel Cambodia tour departing from Bangkok within
two working days. SHOPPING:
There are a number of interesting things to purchase in Cambodia,
especially intricately designed silverware, bas relief paper rubbings
and imitation sandstone carvings. Handicrafts produced by landmine
victims also make good souvenirs and the proceeds assist with rehabilitation. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs
shopping, if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices. TIPPING: Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, but is nonetheless widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porter: 1,000 Riel per bag.) |