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 Passport and
visa
Cambodia has
very liberal visa regulations. For US$ 20, all travelers can obtain a tourist visa
valid for 30 days upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. A passport valid for
at least six months beyond the end of your visit and one passport photo is needed.
Visitors arriving overland from Ho Chi Minh city , Vietnam at the Bovet border crossing,
or from Thailand at Trat (Hat Lay border crossing) or Aranyaprathet ( Poipet border
crossing) must obtain a visa which clearly indicates their entry point prior to reaching
the Cambodian border.
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Customs
and formalities
Airport tax
is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights and US$ 10 per passenger on international
flights.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 arrival flight and must submit them on arrival.
Any mount of foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia, but the mount of Cambodia
currency must not exceed 100.000 riels per person. Tourists and non- resident carrying
over USD 10.000 in cash or its equivalent must declare it to ensure they will be allowed
to take out with them the amount declared. The immigration formalities are quicker when
travelers already possess their visa. Upon leaving the country, luggage will be X-rayed in
Phnom Penh airport and inspected in Siem Reap.
Currency
The local
currency is the Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and most major tourist destinations, almost
all goods and services are caculated and paid for in the US currency. The rate of exchange
(at time of printing ) is approximately 3,900.- Riels to one U.S Dollar. Credit cards are
excepted only at a few place such as major hotels, restaurants owned by foreigners and
souvenir shop ( Diethelm Travel is the local representative of American Express ).
Travelers cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are accepted only by major banks it
is best to carry U.S Dollars in small domination.
Climate
Cambodia can
be visited throughout the year. The climate is tropical and distingush three major
seasons. The most pleasant season is the dry season from November to March during which
temperatures are cooler (average 20-28o c ). The host season last from March to
June (average temperatures 28-35O c) and the rainy season from May to early
October. Note also that Siam Reap is in general cooler than Phnom Penh.
Healt requirements
Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia,
they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel
immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A
& B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee
they will be available in Cambodia.
International flights
The direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Guangxhou, Ho
Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kulalumpur, Singapore, and Vientiane. Dragonair, Laos Aviation,
Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Royal air Cambodge, Silk Air, Thai Airways
International, Vietnam Airlines and President Airlines are currently serving Phnom
Penh. At this time visitors can get into Siem Reap by direct flights from Ho
Chi Minh and Bangkok.
Domestic flights
Siem Reap Airways or President Airlines accept domestic flight booking up to one year
in advance. Full details of flight will only be confirmed when tickets are
purchased . At this time most of flight to and from Siem Reap are operated by ATR
72s and Boeing 737s. Finally acting as intermediary Dragon
Travel is unable to guarantee exact flight times and flight number that
clients demand.
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.
Public holidays
Nov 9 :
Independence Day
Jan 1 :
International New Year
Jan 7 : Victory
over Khmer Rouges
Mar 8 :
International Women Day
May 1 :
International Labor Day
Jun 18 :
Queen’s birthday
Oct 30- Nov 1 :
King’s birthday
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. (Porters, 1,000 Riels per bag.)
Airport tax
US$ 20 per
international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh, US$ 8 per international passenger for
flights from Siem Riep and US$ 10 per domestic passenger for flights from Phnom Penh and
US$ 4 per passenger for domestic passenger from all other airports.
Business hours : GMT + 7 hours
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