To help you plan a comfortable holiday in Cambodia, we provide a wide variety of pre-answers for frequent ask questions. Whether your research is from foreign exchange to passport and visa requirement, warnings to suggestions or initial research and requesting quotes to travel arrangement, you are in the sight place to get all and more. You just browse through the sections below to get the helpful answers.
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Cambodia F.A.Q
- Cambodia F.A.Q
How much shall I pay for airport tax?
The costs of airport tax are:
Domestic Airport Tax: US$ 6.00
International Airport Tax from REP: US$ 25.00
International Airport Tax from PNH: US$ 25.00
What is the national language?
Cambodia has a unique official language is Khmer or Cambodian. The French and English are widely utilised as second language. Cambodians tend to be trilingual.
How much shall I pay for my entry-visa?
There are two types of entry-visa shall be paid:
Business visa US$ 25.00
Tourist visa US$ 20.00
Do I need any vaccinatiions ?
If your doctor says you need malarials to travel to Cambodia, get a second opinion. Malaria is generally restricted to the rural areas of the country, well outside Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. If you're planning on spending long periods of time in remote areas of Rattanakiri or Mondulkiri, this is a different matter. Regardless of where you are going, exercise care and common sense, and you'll minimise the chances of catching it (and dengue fever) without purchasing expensive medicines and enduring their dangerous side-effects. Women of a slight build should not, under any circumstances, take Lariam.
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum infection is the most serious and can be fatal. Some types of malaria may persist for forty years after infection. Symptoms develop 10-14 days after being bitten and consist of high fever with alternate shivering and sweating, intense headaches, and usually nausea and vomiting. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop these symptoms. Anti-malarials are not 100% effective, so do not assume you cannot have malaria just because you are taking them.
Can I use drugs in Cambodia?
You can, but not legally. People will frequently smoke grass in some guesthouses and restaurants, though being discreet is a very good idea as Cambodian jails are not much fun. Other drugs are available, though none are legal.
If you do try to tempt fate, be aware that although drugs are generally cheaper than in the west, quality and dosage vary tremendously. Methamphetamines are often passed off as ecstasy, speed and all types of other trash is passed off as cocaine, and so on. Overdoses are not uncommon.
Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?
Most travellers shall be issued entry-visa upon their arrival. For further information, please directly contact the Immigration Police Unit at the Phnom Penh Airport International or the Siem Reap Airport. Some countries where the Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia installed, travellers shall then apply for an entry-visa prior to their departure. Multi-entry visa can be extended at the Department of Foreigner of the Ministry of Interior.
E-visa is available now and tourists can apply through online http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/index.php?version=engAre there many internet cafes in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh , Sihanoukville , Battambang and Siem Reap have loads of them. What is the best way to travel around the country?
It depends upon your need whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to take things leisurely, there is a wide range of choice of transportation.
By air, you can travel with Cambodian Airlines for domestic flights such as Angkor Air Cambodge, Siem Reap Airway. The flight routes are set for major tourist destinations and economic zones at the provinces of Siem Reap, Battambang, Koh Kong, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri.
By rail, the railway network of Cambodia that stretches from East to West, which run from Phnom Penh to the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Bantey Meanchey and other routes: Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Ville and Phnom Penh-Kampot. Be ensured that the Cambodian railway network is under development and time consuming to catch train.
By road, Cambodia now has several bus companies and private taxis are also available throughout Cambodia. But the bus operations are still very limited based on the road condition. Travellers can take coach from Phnom Penh to neighbouring provinces such as Siem Reap, Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Neak Leung (in Prey Veng), Ta Mao (in Kandal) and to two other cities of Sihanouk Ville and Kep. In particular, Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City along the National Road 1 is now available. Taxies are available to make a journey throughout the country.
By water, several speedboat firms can be seen along Tonle Sap River. These speedboats carry passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Angkor and further from Siem Reap to Battambang province; also are available for destinations along Mekong River such as from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, Kratie and Steung Treng. Above all, travellers can make a voyage from Vietnam to Phnom Penh as well.
What is the time difference?
Cambodia is 7 (GMT+7) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 12 hours ahead of the United States in Boston, Pacific Time Standard.
What are temperature and climate for the whole year round in Cambodia?
Cambodia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons – Hot/Dry from March to May, Rainy/Monsoon from June to October and small Winter/Cool from November through February. The average annual temperature is 28 C – 32C, this ranges in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The temperature during the small winter is 14C - 16C at provinces throughout the country but in Phnom Penh is about 16C – 20C. In the early April, it is found that there are some rain showers through the beginning of May. The end of May and the beginning of June the full monsoon starts till the end of October.
What attire should I bring on my vacation to Cambodia and what should I wear when visiting ancient temples and Buddhist Pagodas?
As Cambodia's climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire. Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image¾is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.
Are credit cards accepted in Cambodia ?
Not generally, but most top-range hotels, some middle range and very few lower range hotels will accept them. There are many restaurants and bars accept them. Most travel agents prefer cash. If you can use them, expect to be charged a 3% surcharge.
Are there ATMs in Cambodia ?
The ANZ Royal Group has finally brought international access, 7-day, 24-hour ATMs to Cambodia. ATMs can be found in all the main tourist centres across Cambodia (or at least Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville).
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Cambodia?
Most people now rely on a mix of cash, credit and debit cards and travellers cheques. Cambodia has ATMs of any use to foreigners on every corner in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville Battambang. For cash, bring US dollars because it is accepted everywhere.
How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Cambodia?
A typical budget in Cambodia is around US$15-20 a day. You can get by on less or a lot more, but for $20 you'll get a decent room and three meals with some left over for transport. If you are planning on travelling a lot, then $20 probably will not cut it as the cost of transportation will push it up. Likewise if you going to very few places, you can get away with less. Is Cambodia safe?
Generally speaking, yes, with the biggest problems being traffic accidents. Using common sense means you'll probably get out of Cambodia in one piece. Violent crime against foreigners occasionally takes place, but overall it's fairly safe.
Is western food available in Cambodia?
In the major tourist centres western food of varying quality is available such as in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kep, Sihanoukville, Battambang..... Outside these areas, it's rare. What if I were to travel alone?
Yes. One of the best or worst things (depending on your viewpoint) is how easy it is to meet other travellers while exploring Cambodia. If you're travelling by yourself, chances are you'll meet loads of people than if you're with a partner, and when you come to leave the country you'll realise you've developed a collection of friends from all over the globe. It's rare indeed for a lone traveller to not hook up with others for at least a part of their trip. When this is combined with the very gregarious nature of Khmers, it's actually pretty difficult to stay alone for long periods.
As with just about anywhere in the world, you are safer travelling with others, but as long as you use your common sense, travelling alone is generally perfectly safe. Take all the usual precautions: carry copies of all your documentation in case you are stolen and try to keep in touch with family or friends overseas. There's no shortage of internet cafes across the country, so there's no excuse for not occasionally dropping an email to placate worriers at home. Better still, send a postcard - some people still use them.
If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don't hesitate to ask a local for assistance - by and large Khmers are very helpful, end even if they don't speak your language, they'll be able to help you find someone who does.
I have a food allergy -- what should I do when travelling in Cambodia?
Find someone in your guesthouse when you first arrive and get them to write down your allergy for you in big clear writing. Show this card whenever you're eating somewhere where nobody speaks English. Is there good vegetarian food in Cambodia?
Cambodia is not world-renowned for its vegetarian food, nor for its food in general for that matter. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap has a limited range of vegetarian places, but other than that you're in for a lot of veggie stir-fries. Ot n'yum Satch means you don't eat meat. Even French places tend to not cater very well to vegetarians.


