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International
Flights : 20 USD from Phnom Penh / 15 USD from Siem Reap
Domestic Flights : 5 USD from Phnom Penh / 5 USD others |
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Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most
suitable for traveling in Cambodia. The
dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is
advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A
lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter
months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Laos. Visitors to Buddhist
countries should not wear shorts, short
skirts or other skimpy clothing when religious buildings and shoes should
be removed before entering a private home. |
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| As in many Asian countries, the staple food of the Cambodian diet is rice. This is
usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork. Fish is
often fresh from Tonle Sap Lake and is eaten with a spicy peanut sauce
called tuk trey. Popular dishes include sam chruk, a roll of sticky rice
stuffed with soya bean and chopped pork, and amok, a soup of boneless fish
with coconut and spices. |
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No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming
from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be
inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and
polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to
take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical
facilities are rather limited in all countries and it is essential to take
out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation
is needed.
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Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 or 08:00 until 17:00 or
18:00 and often close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00. Shops open early
and close any time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are open 7 days a
week.
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Cambodia's national language is called Khmer and unlike the other languages of the
region is not a tonal language. The written script originated in southern
India. As in other former French colonies the educated older generation
often speak very good French while the younger generation prefer English.
Outside the major centres of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap most people speak
only Khmer.
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The currency of Cambodia is called the Riel. In common with most Asian
countries US Dollars are accepted in many places and are used to pay for
airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, hotel and restaurant bills.
Banks are open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning, closing for lunch
between 10:30 and 14:00. In the major cities there are bureaux de change
and most hotels will change US Dollars although for other currencies it is
usually necessary to visit a bank. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at
banks and some hotels but can be difficult to change outside of the major
cities. Visa Card and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels,
restaurants and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, as in Vietnam,
US Dollars cash are still the most reliable form of money to carry.
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Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in the late 1980s having been banned, like all religions,
under the reign of the Khmer Rouges. Nearly 95% of the population today are Buddhists with the remainder made
up of Catholics, Muslims and Cao Dai followers.
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Cambodia is known for good silverware, textiles, wooden sculpture and stone carvings. T
he two main centres of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the best places to look for souvenirs. A uniquely
Cambodian souvenir that many visitors like to take home is the checked scarf made of cotton or silk called
the krama.
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Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although be warned these services are expensive in all four countries. Away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls. Cyber cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in
Cambodia and many travelers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail. Post cards can be bought at all the main
tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. It is not permitted
to bring mobile phones into Myanmar. Even if they are not connectable in Myanmar to international network such
as GSM, they'll be confiscated upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and released only upon departure.
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Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary,
though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also
be tipped.
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Visas for a stay of up to 28 days are issued on arrival at Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airport.
The cost is 20 USD and requires the filling in of an application form and two passport photos.
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It is not advisable to drink tap water in Cambodia but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere.
Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls
or in country areas
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Cambodia has two monsoons, the south west monsoon from May to October brings heavy rains and the north west
monsoon from November to April spreads dry weather throughout the country. Temperatures vary from around 24oC to 35oC with
the coolest period between November and January and the hottest from February to April.
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