VISA CONDITION AND FEES
For most foreign visitors, entry visa for Cambodia are obtainable at Cambodian Embassy or consulate abroad or upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International airports at the cost of US$20. For overland crossing visitors visa is obtainable at these borders check-points:
- Poipet (From Aranyaprathet, Thailand)
- Cham Yeam (From Trat, Thailand)
- Pailin (From Thailand)
- Doung, Battambang (From Thailand)
- O'Smach (From Thailand)
- Choam, Anlong Veng (From Thailand)
- Bavet (From Moc Bai, Vietnam)
- Kaom Samnor (From Chou Doc, Vietnam)
- Kaom Samnor (From Chou Doc, Vietnam)
- Dong Kralor (Laos)
Two passport-size photos and at least 6 months validity passport are required to obtain visa. Tourist visa can be extended for another month at the cost of US$15. One month business visa are also available and cost US$25 but can be extended indefinitely. Please note that other check point with Vietnam such as: Phnom Den (Tinh Bien) and with Laos: Veurnkham are also international check points but visitors need to obtain visa prior to arrival at these borders. This information is true as of June 2005, and is subject to change without prior notice.
CLIMATE
The climate can generally be described as tropical, hot and humid with average temperature is around 27ºC. There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy season and Dry Season. Dry season is divided into two sub-seasons: cool and hot.
The Rainy season: June - September (27ºC - 35ºC)
The Dry season:
- The cool season: October – February (17ºC - 27ºC)
- The hot season: March – May (29ºC - 38ºC)
The best time to visit Cambodia is in cool season, however even in rainy season, it doesn't rain much normally one or two showers in the afternoon. Visit Cambodia in rainy season is more greenies and less crowded and most of the time, travelers could enjoy off peak rate offer.
CURRENCY
The local currency is Riel although US Dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia. The exchange is around US$ 1 – 4,100 Riel (as of July 2005), Traveler Cheque and major credit card: Visa, Master and American Express are accepted in major business establishment with a bank charge of 4% per transaction.
BUSINESS HOUR (GMT+7)
Most of offices open from 07.00 till 12.00 and from 14.00 till 17.00, Monday-Friday and Saturday morning. Banks run from 8.00 till 15.00.
KHMER SOUVENIR SHOPPING
The Krama (cotton scarf) is one of the best typically Cambodian souvenirs. This multi-purpose material, similar to a sarong, is used for bathing, cleaning, protection from the sun and many other uses in Khmer life. The Krama has become a popular tourist gift along with Khmer silk and silver.
ELECTRICITY
110 - 220 volts.
TRAVELING IN CAMBODIA
The quickest and most comfortable mode of domestic travel to major tourist destination is by flying. However traveling by coaches and boat although consume more time but offer an exciting experience, more scenery and more involvement. Van and car rental is recommended for touring in the city and outskirts. cyclos (tricycle) and motor taxis and taxi are available within the city.
AIRPORT TAX
Departure tax for international flight is $25 payable in USD. For domestic flight is $6 from Phnom Penh and other provincial ariprt.
HOW TO GET TO CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap cities are still considered to be the major gateways to access to and from Cambodia.
Direct flight to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Kula Lumpur, Taipei, Vientiane, Hong Kong, Shianghai, Guangzhou, Pakse, and Seoul.
Direct flight to Siem Reap are available from: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Pakse, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
The major airlines operating to and from Cambodia are: Thai Airways, Silk Air, Malaysia Airlines, Dragonair, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Eva Air, Jet Star Asia, Air Asia, Korean Air, Asina Airlines. Domestic carriers are: Siem Reap Airways and Angkor Airways.
