CAMBODIA TRAVEL FACTS

Weather: The climate of Cambodia is governed by two monsoons. From November - March there is a cool dry monsoon that carries little rain. From May to October the monsoon can bring strong winds, hot temperatures (around 35 degrees), high humidity and heavy rains. Between these seasons the weather is transitional. Average temperatures year round range from 20-above 35 degrees Celsius.

·         Nov.-Feb.: cool & dry

·         Mar.-May: hot & dry

·         June-Aug.: hot & wet

·         Sept.-Oct.: cool & wet

Safety: There is still a degree of lawlessness and banditry throughout the country and on the streets of Phnom Penh after dark. It's best to leave passport, airline tickets, jewellery and the bulk of your money in the room safe or at the hotel reception. You are strongly advised to take licensed taxis only at night. It is not safe to walk the streets of Phnom Penh after dark as street lighting is poor and armed robberies have occurred. There is no risk posed to travelers by landmines or other residue of war providing you stick to the main tourist areas/attractions.

Health: Medical facilities are basic throughout the country - even in the capital Phnom Penh. Please contact your country’s health department for up-to-date information. Travel Insurance must be purchased as a booking condition with Paradissa Travel.

Visa: A visa is required for most nationalities. Tourist visas are of 1 month validity. The passport is required to have 4-month validity as least. It is possible to obtain this “visa on arrival” at all international points of entry into Cambodia (Phnom Penh, SiemReap, Poipet-Thai border, Bavet-Vietnamese border). This is an automatic “visa on arrival” and no prior paperwork or visa approval is necessary. The cost for the visa is US$20.00 (cash) and 01 passport photos is required.

Money: USD is accepted everywhere and can easily be used instead of Riel (local currency unit) – It’s advisable be prepared some Riel for small items. You are advised to carry a mix of USD cash and travelers cheques. Credit cards can be used in limited shops in Phnom Penh, SiemReap and are not widely accepted elsewhere. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted.

Accommodation: from guest houses to 05 star standard. Deluxe hotels are available in PhnomPenh and SiemReap only.

Transportation: by airplane, taxi, car, bus, train, boat, motorbike, cyclo. From PhnomPenh to SiemReap and vice versa, one can travel by bus, boat or by airplane. Some big buses have air-con and toilet on board.

Departure Tax: International: Siem Reap 20USD, Phnom Penh 25USD, Domestic: 6USD.

Important dates affecting touring, and compulsory meals

• 01 Jan - International New Year's Day:
  Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. The main entrance of some tour sites in Phnom Penh (such as the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace) may be closed, however side entrances are usually open, so touring should be unaffected.

• 07 Jan  - National  Day:
  Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

• Jan or Feb.- Lunar New Year (depending on the lunar calendar)

• Mid  Apr  - Khmer New Year (depending on Khmer Calendar):
  Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. All sites in Siem Reap will be open. Some sites in Phnom Penh will be open in the morning, and closed in the afternoon. Phnom Penh will be particularly crowded during the three days of the New Year.

• 01 May - International Labor Day:
  Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

• 31 Oct - King's Birthday:
  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.There will most likely be crowds in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, and this could affect traffic flow.

• Oct. or  Nov - Water Festival:
  Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. There will be significant crowds during the day and night, at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Some sites (Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace) will be open in the morning, but not in the afternoon. Touring in Phnom Penh will be re-ordered so that planned touring can be completed.

• 09 Nov - Independence Day:
  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

• 24 Dec - Christmas Eve:
  Not a public holiday - no effect on touring.
  There will be compulsory dinners at a number of hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• 31 Dec 2003 - International New Year's Eve:
  Not a public holiday. Note that International New Year's Day is a public holiday however (see above).
  There will be compulsory dinners at a number of hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Government: Constitutional Monarchy.

Language: Khmer.

Electricity: 220V/50Hz.

Time: GMT+7

Working hours: 7:30-11:30/ 14:00-17:00 (closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday)

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