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Travel Tips:
While visiting Cambodia, the following Travel Tips may
help you appreciate the country and allow you to enjoy your visit to
this shrouded Country. CLOTHES: While one should wear casual and decent
clothes to most temples and pagodas - including those at Angkor - visitors
to the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda are expected to dress a little more
formally, with men wearing long trousers and women in long skirts (not
long trousers, however). Shoes
are generally removed before entering pagodas. GREETINGS: Cambodians
greet each with a bow and a prayer-like gesture called a Sompeah,
the younger or lower ranked person normally initiating the gesture.
Handshakes are also becoming more acceptable for greeting Cambodians.
BEHAVIOUR: Acting calmly and quietly - especially
when under duress - is recommended, while displays of bad temper, especially
in public, will make a bad situation worse.
The head is considered the highest part of the body, while the
feet are considered the lowest, both literally and figuratively. Touching
someone's head or pointing at people or things with the feet - especially
the soles - are, therefore, considered extremely rude. AIRPORT TAX: US$20.- per outgoing international passenger for flights
from Phnom Penh US$ 8.- per outgoing international passenger for flights
from Siem Reap US$10.- per outgoing
domestic passenger for flights from Phnom Penh US$ 4.- per outgoing domestic passenger
for flights from all other domestic
airports ANGKOR COMPLEX: A passport-sized photo must
be attached to multiple day entrance Passes to the Angkor complex (2-3
days pass and one-week pass). Visitors can have their picture taken
at the entrance checkpoint (1USD per photos). However, we recommend
that all visitors arriving in Siem Reap have a passport photo ready
prior to arrival. CURRENCY & EXCHANGE:
The local currency
is the Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and in Angkor almost all goods and
services are calculated and paid for in the US currency.
The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately
3,900.- Riel
to one U.S. Dollar. Credit
cards are accepted only at few places like major hotels, restaurants
owned by foreigners, souvenirs shops (Diethelm Travel is the local representative
of American Express). Traveller cheques and currencies other
than U.S. Dollars are accepted only by major banks.
It is best to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations CUSTOMS AND FORMALITIES: Regulations
are relaxed and simple formalities should be observed when entering
the territory. Every traveler
has to complete immigration and customs declaration forms during the
flight and must submit it on arrival. Any amount of foreign currency can
be brought into Cambodia, but the amount of Cambodian currency must
not exceed 100,000 Riels per person. Tourist and non-resident carrying over USD 100.000 in cash
or its equivalent must declare it to ensure they will be allowed to
take out with them the amount declared.
.Immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already possess
their visa. A Diethelm representative will meet
travelers at the airport, after immigration control has been passed.
For easy recognition, our representative will display
a Diethelm Travel sign with the names of the guests or their group.
Leaving the country, luggage will be X-rayed in Phnom
Penh airport and inspected in Siem Reap. ELECTRIC CURRENT: 220 Volts, AC 50 Hz.GENERAL ADVICE: Drink lots of water. Never
drink tap water-purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use
an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure
of protection against mosquito-borne diseases.
Since Cambodian has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual
and Light-weight clothing is recommended.
Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket
might be needed on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants
using excessive air-conditioning.
A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against
the Hot sun when sightseeing. When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor
Wat, Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed
at the Entrance to pagodas. For visit to Silver Pagodas, which is within
the Royal Palace grounds,
visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to
wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts. PHOTOGRAPHY: Color standard film (such as Kodak,
Konika or Fuji 100 and 200 ASA), Slide film and video film are widely
available. Photos are inexpensive To process
in the country. Any specialized photo or video equipment
should be brought with you. Photography and video in airports, railway Stations and
near any military installations in forbidden and discretion Should be
used when photographing people, particularly monks. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Although no vaccinations
are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with
their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against
malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis
A and
B. Any essential medications should be
brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in
Cambodia. LANGUAGE: Khmer
is the official language, inherited from the Mon-Khmer family, Enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages. There are various
dialects spoken in areas outside Phnom Penh.
English is the second language, followed by French, even though
they are not widely spoken except in the capital. LOCAL TIME: Cambodia runs at GMT + 7 hours, the same time zone as
its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. PASSPORT & VISAS: Cambodia
has very liberal visa regulations.
All travellers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days stay
upon arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport for US$ 20.- A passport
valid for at least six months beyond the end of your visit and one passport
photo is needed. For travellers
joining a Diethelm Travel
Cambodia tour departing from Bangkok within two working days. SHOPPING: There are a number of interesting
things to purchase in Cambodia, especially intricately designed silverware,
bas relief paper rubbings and imitation sandstone carvings. Handicrafts
produced by landmine victims also make good souvenirs and the proceeds
assist with rehabilitation. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs
shopping, if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices. TIPPING: Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, but is nonetheless widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porter: 1,000 Riel per bag.) |