Throughout the year, it is advisable to wear summer clothing: thin clothes in light colours. During the rainy season, things get pretty wet, so do remember to bring along some lightweight protection against the rain. A strong pair of shoes is essential if you are visiting the temples at Angkor. Visitors will find themselfves doing a lot of clambering about. A hat is also recommended when visiting Angkor: much of the site is exposed, and it is amazing how quickly visitors can feel debilitated without something covering their heads.
When visiting temples and mosques, men and women should dress appropriately: no skimpy clothing. Knee-length shorts are acceptable, but running shorts are not. To visit one of Phnom Penh’s or Siem Reap's more exclusive restaurants, visitors will require reasonably smart clothes.
Currency
Notes currently come in demominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 riels. Because of low prices in Cambodia, riel notes above 20,000 are uncommon. There were coins of 50, 100, 200, and 500 riels, however these are no longer in common circulation.
The Cambodian currency is the riel although the US dollar is widely used in Cambodia. The exchange rate is around US$ 1 = 4,191 KHR, EUR 1 = 6,354 KHR (August 2009).
Major credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Security
Do not go out alone after dark.
Do not carry valuable items, deposit them in your hotel safe.
Carry only a small amount of cash.
Hire a trustworthy motorbicycle rider, preferably someone recommended by your hotel staff.
Language
The official language is Khmer. English and French are used popularly.
Film and developing
Fresh negative film is widely available. Popular brands are Fuji, Kodak and Konica. Positive colour print film is only obtainable in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
One-hour service photo shops are ubiquitous in tourist areas. Positive film can be processed and printed only in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Digital cards can be printed and made CD burning only in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Internet
Internet service is easy to find in most cities. Visitors are able to access the Internet at hotels, Internet cafes… Get useful information from these popular and reliable websites: www.cambodia.org, www.apsaratours.com.kh.
Shopping
The country was once well-known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarongs and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, papier mâché masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues.
The traditional clothing for both men and women is the Krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops. Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems.
Bargaining is essential for all souvenir shopping if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices. Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.
Health
Although vaccination is not officially required, it is recommended that travelers should check with their doctors or a travel immunization clinic to get advice or vaccination regarding protection against cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. If visitors are going to the provinces, any essential medications should be brought with them as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.
Clinics with qualified Cambodian and foreign doctors to treat foreign patients:
Naga International Clinic
593 Road No 6 Airport Road
Siem Reap
Tel: (855-63) 964500
American Medical Center
House 7a Street 282
Phnom Penh
Tel: (855-23) 993911
National holidays
January 1 : International New Year Day
January 7 : Liberation Day, celebrating the fall of the Khmer Rouge
February 13-16 : Lunar New Year
Mid-April : Cambodian New Year
May 1 : International Labour Day
May 13,14,15 : King's Birth Day, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath Norodom Sihamoni
October 29 : Coronation of King, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath Norodom Sihamoni
October 31 : King's Birth Day, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath Norodom Sihanouk
November 9 : Independence Day
Early November : Bon Om Dteuk,"Water Festival"
Other useful tips
Business hours: (GMT +7)
Offices: 7.00 – 12.00 a.m and 2.00 – 5.30 p.m, Monday to Saturday
Banks: 8.00 a.m - 3.00 p.m, Monday to Friday, also open on Saturday morning.
Airport tax for every passenger on every departure
International flights: US$ 25 at Siem Reap Airport, Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh.
Domestic flights: US$ 6
Taxis and regular buses are popular. Cyclos (pedicabs) are available in cities and towns. Bicycle or motorbike rental are recommended for visitors in the large cities/ towns.
