Cambodia Profile: Summary
-Official Country Name: Kingdom of Cambodia - Government: Constitutional Monarchy, Norodom Sihanony - King of Cambodia
- Capital City: Phnom Penh- Major Cities: Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Kompong Cham
- Major Lakes/River: Tonle Sap Lake, Tonle Sap River, Bassac River and Mekong River- International Airports: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Language: The official language is Khmer however English, Chinese and French are widely spoken.- Population of Cambodia: 13.1 millions (2001 estimate) and 90 percent of those are Khmers and remaining is Chams (Islam), Chinese, Vietnamese and Hill tribes.
- Ethnic Groups: Khmer 90% and the rest are Ethnic Chinese, Ethnic-Vietnamese, Cham, and Several Hill Tribes- Population of Phnom Penh: 1,184,945 (2001 estimate)
- Land Area of Cambodia: 181,035 square kilometers- Land Area of Phnom Penh: 357 square kilometers
- Official Religion: Theravada Buddhism 90% and the rest are Islam and Christianity- Electricity: Electricity in Cambodia is 220 volts with various electric sockets but adapters are widely available at any electric appliance store, which is located on street sides or business streets.
- Time: Cambodia has one time zone and seven (7) hours ahead of GMT- Climate: Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. The climate is tropical and distinguishes three major seasons 1
- March to May: Hot, temperature average 28 to 35C2 - June to October: Rainy, temperature average 25 to 30C 3- November to February: Cool, temperature average 20 to 28C
Passport and Visas:
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. It is meant to say a valid passport and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtained at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap (Angkor) Airport. All travelers have to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa application. A one-month tourist visa costs US$20 while a business visa costs US$25.00. Visa application form will be provided on inbound flights. Visas are also available at Thai/Cambodian overland border crossing.
Airport Tax:
International Departures: US$20
Domestic Departure: US$10
Currency:
Riel is the Cambodia’s currency. To check for the today’s exchange rate, please refer to our GoCambodia’s front-page, located top right page. However the US dollar is widely accepted
- Travelers’ cheques: can be changed at most banks in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Kompong Cham.
- Credit cards: Visa, Master, JCB and American Express are the most widely accepted especially at the major hotels and restaurants in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. If you plan to travel to outskirts, it is advisable to use small change in US dollars although the Riel is acceptable.
Health:
Although vaccination is not official required, it is recommended that traveler get vaccinated for cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B if you are going to the provinces.
Transportation:
To and From Cambodia: Most tourists are flying into the International Airports at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently a growing numbers of visitors are also arriving overland from Vietnam and Thailand.
On arrival, Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxis can be rented just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh International airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $7.00 while Motordub is charging $1.00 to $2.00. The distance is about 8 kilometers to town.
Hotel:
Room rate is starting from $3 to $100 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses with no air-con but fan, a motel style will cost you from $10 to $45 or you may stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana, Le Royal or Inter-Continental. The cost of $10 and up will equip with air conditioner, refrigerator and a cable TV.
Communication:
The country code for Cambodia is 855. The telephone networks consists of satellite, landlines, cellular, GSM and radio systems which connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kompong Cham and other provinces internationally. International dialing can be done at main postal offices, private business centers or hotel or at public phone booths, which can be found at postal office, main streets, gas stations, major restaurants, hotels etc. If you want a lower rate and clear sound is not a factor, there are many Internet café are offering International calling for a price less than $0.10 per minute to most developed countries.
Postal Services:
The main postal service in Phnom Penh is located on the corner of street 102 and 13, which is east of Wat Phnom Penh. From there, you can send parcels, telegrams etc. It opens daily from 6:30AM to 5:00PM
Business Hours:
Government offices are open from 7:30AM to 5:00PM on weekday; the lunch break is from 12:00 to 2:00PM. Most businesses, restaurants open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM while most banks operate from 7:30AM to 3:30PM on weekday and some are half day on Saturday.
Tipping and Bargaining:
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia but if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Salaries remain extremely low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things. A persuasive smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price
Passport and Visas:
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. It is meant to say a valid passport and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtained at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap (Angkor) Airport. All travelers have to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa application. A one-month tourist visa costs US$20 while a business visa costs US$25.00. Visa application form will be provided on inbound flights. Visas are also available at Thai/Cambodian overland border crossing.
Airport Tax:
International Departures: US$20
Domestic Departure: US$10
Currency:
Riel is the Cambodia’s currency. To check for the today’s exchange rate, please refer to our GoCambodia’s front-page, located top right page. However the US dollar is widely accepted
- Travelers’ cheques: can be changed at most banks in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Kompong Cham.
- Credit cards: Visa, Master, JCB and American Express are the most widely accepted especially at the major hotels and restaurants in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. If you plan to travel to outskirts, it is advisable to use small change in US dollars although the Riel is acceptable.
Health:
Although vaccination is not official required, it is recommended that traveler get vaccinated for cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B if you are going to the provinces.
Transportation:
To and From Cambodia: Most tourists are flying into the International Airports at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently a growing numbers of visitors are also arriving overland from Vietnam and Thailand.
On arrival, Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxis can be rented just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh International airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $7.00 while Motordub is charging $1.00 to $2.00. The distance is about 8 kilometers to town.
Hotel:
Room rate is starting from $3 to $100 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses with no air-con but fan, a motel style will cost you from $10 to $45 or you may stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana, Le Royal or Inter-Continental. The cost of $10 and up will equip with air conditioner, refrigerator and a cable TV.
Communication:
The country code for Cambodia is 855. The telephone networks consists of satellite, landlines, cellular, GSM and radio systems which connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kompong Cham and other provinces internationally. International dialing can be done at main postal offices, private business centers or hotel or at public phone booths, which can be found at postal office, main streets, gas stations, major restaurants, hotels etc. If you want a lower rate and clear sound is not a factor, there are many Internet café are offering International calling for a price less than $0.10 per minute to most developed countries.
Postal Services:
The main postal service in Phnom Penh is located on the corner of street 102 and 13, which is east of Wat Phnom Penh. From there, you can send parcels, telegrams etc. It opens daily from 6:30AM to 5:00PM
Business Hours:
Government offices are open from 7:30AM to 5:00PM on weekday; the lunch break is from 12:00 to 2:00PM. Most businesses, restaurants open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM while most banks operate from 7:30AM to 3:30PM on weekday and some are half day on Saturday.
Tipping and Bargaining:
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia but if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Salaries remain extremely low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things. A persuasive smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price
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