Cambodia - Before you go
Highlights | Know before you go | Trips
OFFICIAL NAME
After regaining independence in 1953, Cambodia had several name
changes:
CITIES
Capital : Phnom Penh (population 1 million)
Other cities : Battambang, Siem Riep, Sihanoukville
CLIMATE
Cambodia can be visited all the year round though some seasons are preferred. Each season has its own beauty and change in weather. The average temperature is 27 degrees celcius. The minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. There are three seasons : monsoon season (May-October), the dry season (November-March) and the hot season (March to June) where temperatures can reach 38 degrees. Coolest months are December to January (17-27 degrees)
POPULATION
Total : Approximately 9 million Ethnic Division : Khmer(90-95%), Vietnamese(5%), Chinese and others(1%)
RELIGION
Theravada Buddhism (official religion) : 95% of population Muslims : 500,000 Christians : 60,000
LANGUAGE
Khmer is the officlal language of Cambodia. Older and educated Khmers speak and read French. Younger Cambodians study English as their second language.
CURRENCY
The unit is riel. Riel denominations are 100, 200 and 500. Current exchange rate : 1US$=2500riel. Please check before your departure as this varies daily. US$ are generally accepted throughout the country and we recommend carrying some dollars in small denominations at all times. Credit cards, travelers cheques and currencies other than US$ are only accepted by major banks. Credit cards can be used in major hotels and restaurants but it is best not too place too much reliance on this form of payment.
LOCAL TIME
+7 hours GMT
WORKING HOURS
Government offices : 7:30-11:30a.m. and 2:00-5:00p.m. Business offices : 8:00-11:30a.m. and 2:00-5:00p.m Shops : 7:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Banks : 8:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
VISAS
A 30 day tourist visa is available upon arrival at Pochentong or Siem Reap airports. The current fee is US$20.00 plus two passport photographs. Visa extensions are possible through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of Immigration.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No formal requirements are needed to enter Cambodia. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
There are direct flights to Phnom Penh from Hong Kong, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Ming City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Vientiane. Or it can be reached by road from Vietnam
AIRPORT TAX
US$ 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
DOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Air Kampuchea carries passengers on their linking flights between Phnom Penh and several cities. But actually, only Phnom Penh and Siem Riep, where the famous Angkor Wat is situated at, are open for tourists.
