| At any time of the year it rarely rains in the morning. |
|
|
| Population |
| Population (2002 est.): 12,775,324 (growth rate: 2.2%);
birth rate: 32.9/1000; infant mortality rate: 64.0/1000; density
per sq mi: 183 |
| |
| Religion |
| Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, others 5% |
|
|
| Capital City |
| Capital and largest city (2000 est.): Phnom Penh, 1,000,000 |
| |
| Size |
| Area: 69,900 sq mi (181,040 sq km) |
|
|
| Phones &
Communications |
| Cambodia has good mobile phone coverage in the major cities
such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Phone rates
into and out of Cambodia are expensive by first world standards
but internet cafes are widespread and cheaply priced. |
| |
| Currency |
| Cambodia's currency is the 'riel' (pronounced 'reel')
though the U.S. Dollar is considered an unofficial second currency.
Many establishments set their prices in U.S. Dollars. One U.S.
Dollars buys around 4,000 riel. The U.S.Dollar is the most practical
currency for visitors. Small sums should be changed to riel
for transactions such as taxi rides and tipping |
|
|
| While cash is the predominant means of payment, credit
cards such as Visa and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels
and restaurants and shops. Travellers cheques should be cashed
at the bank. |
|
|
| Shopping |
| Generally, shops are open from around 8 am to 8pm. There
is normally a two hour lunch break from around 11:30 am to 1:30
pm |
|
|
| What to bring |
| Visitors should bring light clothing, preferably in cotton,
such as shorts and T-shirts. Skimpy clothing is not appropriate
wear for visiting temples and pagodas so men should also bring
one pair of light trousers and women should bring one longer
skirt. A light plastic raincoat would be wise for the rainy
season. Generally, an open shoe such as a sandal of flip-flops
is a good practical choice of footwear. |
|
| Of course, sunglasses, a strong sunscreen and bathers
are a must. |
|
| A good insect repellent should be included also. |
|
|
| Health |
| Tourists should visit their medical practitioner before
arriving to make sure they have the appropriate vaccinations.
In some Western Countries there are specialist medical centres
for travellers. Your medical practitioner may be able to provide
you with a personal medical kit. |
| |
| Visitors
should not drink tap water but bottled water is cheap and available
everywhere. Travellers are not advised to eat at street stalls. |
|
|
| Language |
| The language of Cambodia is Khmer. Younger educated Cambodians
will often speak English while older Cambodians may speak French. |
|
|
| Visas |
| Tourist visas can be obtained before arrival from the
appropriate Cambodian Embassy but can equally be issued on arrival
at the airport. A 30 day tourist visa will cost US$ 20 (must
pay in cash) and you will also need one passport sized photo. |
|
|
| Airport Tax |
| From Phnom Penh: Airport taxes are US$20 for international
departures and US$5 for domestic flights. |
| |
| From Sihanoukville: Airport taxes are US$14 for
international departures and US$5 for domestic flights. |
|
|
| Social Customs |
