Cambodia

There are two distinctive seasons in Cambodia: wet and dry. In the wet, or monsoon, season (May to October) the temple moats around the Temples of Angkor are full, skies can be dramatic and the rice-fields glimmer when the sun comes out after a brief downpour. It usually only rains for a short time in the afternoon, and does not affect touring. In the dry season (November to March), daytime temperatures are a steady 30-35 degrees and rain is less likely. Roads can get dusty, but you will find it easier to walk through the leafy areas that surround the temples.

The Khmer language is a member of the Mon–Khmer subfamily of the Austroasiatic language group. French, once the language of government in Indochina, is still spoken by many older Cambodians. French is also the language of instruction in some schools and universities that are funded by the government of France. Cambodian French, a remain of the country's colonial past, is a dialect found in Cambodia and is sometimes used in government, particularly in court. However, the increasing number of tourists from around the world has resulted in the shift from French to English.

Cambodian                                                                         English

Sur s'dei                                                                              Hello (or hi)

NiakSohksabayte                                                              How are you?

Kh'nyohmsohksabay                                                        I'm file, thank you

Or kun                                                                                  Thank you

Teurniakchhmoohar vey                                                  What is your name?

TKh'nyohmchhmoh                                                           My name is

Niakaryuhponnmamn                                                       How old are you?

Kh'nyohmaryuh...chhnamn                                              I am...years old?

Teur...thlaiponnmamn                                                        How much is...?

Vearthlainaa                                                                        It's too expensive!

Te                                                                                          No

Jah                                                                                       Yes

Sohm toh                                                                            Excuse me / I'm sorry

Lia sen hao-y                                                                     No need

Or kun. Pontehkh'nyohm min trovkar thong plastic te         Thank you, but I don't need a plastic bag 

Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Cambodia, which is practiced by more than 95 percent of the population. The Theravada Buddhist tradition is widespread and strong in all provinces, with an estimated 4,392 monastery temples throughout the country. The vast majority of ethnic Khmers are Buddhist and there are close associations between Buddhism, cultural traditions and daily life. Devotion to Buddhism generally is considered intrinsic to the country's ethnic and cultural identity. Religion in Cambodia, including Buddhism, was suppressed by the Khmer Rouge during the late 1970s but has since experienced a revival. Islam is the religion of the majority of the Chams and Malay minorities in Cambodia. The majority of Muslims are Sunnis of the Shafi'i school and are very numerous in Kampong Cham Province. Currently there are more than 300,000 Muslims in the country.

The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (pronounced ‘real’), although US Dollars are accepted everywhere. ATMs distributing US Dollars are found in the main cities and moneychangers throughout the country. As of Aug 12: 1USD = 4,044 Riel. Riel is used for items where the price is less than US$1 and can be used in conjunction with USD.

Food is very cheap in Cambodia. Local street vendors will cost you about $1-2 USD per meal and basic restaurant meals will cost between $3-5 USD per meal. Western meals at nice restaurants go between $5-10 USD. You can get some really world class food in Phnom Phen these days and dishes start at around $8-10 USD. Fruit from the market will cost less than $1 USD.

The cuisine of Cambodia contains tropical fruits, soups and noodles. Key ingredients are kaffir lime, lemon grass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, curry, tamarind, ginger, oyster sauce, coconut milk and black pepper. Some delicacies are NumBunhjok, Amok and Ah Ping.

The passport needs to be valid for 6 months at the departure date. Visitors with passports from these countries do not require a visa for stays up to the days specified:

·         14 days – Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar and Thailand

·         15 days – Republic of Seychelles

·         21 days – Philippines

·         30 days – Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Slovakia

All other nationalities require a visa (tourist visa:30 days) in advance to visit Cambodia. You can get your visa in the country where you are living by contacting the embassies and representative is available on this site. 

Visa on arrival service is available for most nationalities on international flights arriving in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, as well as most land crossings with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Travelers arriving overland from Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, it’s advisable to obtain visa in advance to avoid any misunderstandings at the crossing. For travelers arriving overland from Vietnam at most border crossings, Bavet, Kaom Samnor, Phnom Den, Trapaing Sre and Tropaing Phlong crossings are open to foreign travelers. For Thailand are Poi Pet, Cham Yeam, Chorm, Daung, Prom and O’smach. For Laos is Dom Kralor checkpoint.

Application for a 1 month tourist visa on arrival requires:

* A completed visa application form 
* A Passport with at least 6 months validity
* One recent photograph (2 inches x 2 inches)
* Appropriate visa fee (US$35)

For a visa-on-arrival, you will need to bring two passport photos with you.

An e-visa will only be accepted at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports, Poi Pet, Cham Yeam (from Thailand), and Bavet (from Vietnam). For the tourist e-visa, you need to file a digital photo.

If your passport is lost or stolen during your stay in Cambodia, you will require a police report to obtain an exit visa. The police report must be applied for in person at the tourist police station closest to where the incident occurred. You will also need to apply for a new exit visa with the Cambodian immigration authorities. Approval for an exit visa will take around 3 working days from the Cambodian Department of Immigration. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

There is an airport departure tax to pay for each international flight (25 US$/pax). 

Despite being one of the poorest nations on Earth, Cambodia is a relatively safe destination. The usual precautions apply to maintaining personal safety.

In Phnom Penh in particular, it is advisable to steer clear of badly lit streets at night and to take taxis rather than cyclos. We recommend that throughout your travels in Cambodia you keep a hotel address card with you so you can show drivers where to go. Petty crime can also be a problem in Phnom Penh. It is a good idea to wear as little jewelry as possible when on the street and to keep your money close to your body in a secure place.

Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers. These documents should be kept in a safe place separate from the originals. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible.

Tipping

Tipping is a personal matter and travellers are encouraged to tip any amount they feel is appropriate. For your convenience, we have included a suggested tipping guide below:

·         Bellboy: $1

·         Chambermaid: $1 per day

·         Guides: $5-$10 per day for guides (depending on group size and performance)

·         Drivers: $2-$5 per day, per person

·      Restaurants: In smart establishments you may find that the tip is already included in the bill. In local restaurants tips are not expected but you may wish to leave loose change on the table.

 Restaurants

·         Khmer food: from $3

·         Western food: from $4

 Drinks

·         Soft drinks: $1

·         Local beer: $1

·         Bottled water: Small $0.50, large $1

·         Juice: $2

 Other Items

·         SIM card: $3

·         Mobile phone: $15-$20

·         Books: $10-$15

·         DVDs: $2.50- $3

 Pre-departure checklist

·         Travel insurance

·         Passport with at least six months validity from date of entry

·         Photocopy of passport

·         Visa or a passport photo and US$20 for visa on arrival

·         Vaccinations

·         Foreign currency (US$) and/or ATM card

·         All relevant tickets

·         Reconfirmed flights

·         Lightweight clothing

·         Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (recommended for evenings)

·         Electrical adaptor: 220V, 50Hz; 2 pin plugs

·         A small bag/backpack for day and overnight trips

·         Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling and walking

·         Insect repellent

·         Sunscreen

·         Medication/first aid kit

Please note: Domestic airlines impose baggage weight restrictions of around 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible.