|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cambodia - Practical Information
Cambodia , also known as Kampuchea, covers an area of 181,035 square kilometers and has a population of about 12 million. Ninety percent of the population consists of ethnic Cambodians, called Khmers, with the remaining ten percent consisting of Vietnamese, Chinese, and the semi-nomadic tribal groups scattered in the mountains of the northeast. More than ninety percent of Cambodians citizens are Buddhists. The dominant features of the Cambodian landscape are the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap (Great Lake). The central low and flat plains cover three quarters of the country. There are three main mountainous regions: the Chuor Phnum Kravanh range to the southwest, the Chuor Phnum Dangrek range to the north and the Eastern Highlands with Phnom Aural, Cambodia's highest peak (1,813 m).
Temples still buried in the jungle, hill tribes settled in remote, mountainous areas, magnificent pagodas, unspoiled beaches, islands surrounded by crystal clear waters, and friendly people - all these things are awaiting to be discovered. Cambodia is ready to stir the hearts of visitors from all over the world.
CLIMATE
Cambodia enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
|
|
|
|
Hot Season: |
April - May |
Rainy Season: |
June - October |
| Dry Season: |
November - March |
The most pleasant season is the dry season with temperatures ranging from 20-28° C. During the rainy season, downpours hardly last more than a couple of hours.
MONEY/CURRENCY
The Cambodian monetary unit is the Riel. However, in Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap/Angkor almost all goods and services are calculated and paid for in US currency. Current exchange rate is US$1=3816 Riel.
MONEY EXCANGE
Money and travelers checks of all major currencies - other than U.S. Dollar - can be exchanged only at major banks.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and at a few up-market shops and restaurants.
Recommended items to pack include: good walking shoes, protection against sun, (i.e., sun screen, sun glasses, hats, umbrellas etc.), light jacket or sweater, extra pair of sox (temple sox), mosquito repellent (Deet or such), diarrhea medication, soap leaves, wet wipes (single use type packets), hand sanitizer, binoculars, flashlight, medication, alarm clock or a travelers watch, calculator, camera with extra memory sticks/film and batteries.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current for the whole of Cambodia is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. All travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for a stay of 30 days upon arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and at Poipet / Aranyaprathet border points, provided that the validity of their passport exceeds at least six months beyond the end of their visit. The cost is US$20 and a passport-size photo is needed.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
An unlimited amount of foreign currency can be brought in to Cambodia, but the amount of Cambodian currency must not exceed 100,000 Riels per person. Tourists and non-residents carrying amounts over US$10,000 in cash or the equivalent must declare so in order to ensure that they will be allowed to leave with the declared amount. Leaving the country, luggage will be x-rayed and inspected in Phnom Penh airport as well as in Siem Reap.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are presently required unless you are traveling from or through contaminated areas. It is recommended that you be immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus, and both hepatitis A and B. It is suggested that you bring adequate supplies of any essential personal medication along, as they may not be available in Cambodia.
SAFETY & SECURITY
After years of political and social upheaval, Cambodia now enjoys stability. Continuing efforts are made to reconstruct the country after decades of war and to ensure security. Cambodia is now once again safe to travel. However, certain security precautions should be observed while traveling in the country. Journeys to remote areas or sites are not recommended without authorized assistance.
TIME ZONE
Cambodia time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It lies in the same time zone as its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
|
|
