Language: Khmer is the official language. French is also spoken, but English is fast becoming popular with the younger generation.
Entry requirements for Americans: US travellers must have a valid passport and holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK travellers must have a valid passport and a tourist or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport and a visa is required. A visa can be obtained on arrival, if the purpose of travel is for tourist or business purposes for up to one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport and a visa is required. A visa can be obtained on arrival, if the purpose of travel is for tourist or business purposes for up to one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must have a valid passport and require a holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a valid passport and require a business or tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport and require a holiday or business visa, which can be obtained on arrival for one month. A passport photo is needed, as well as USD20 for a holiday visa or USD25 for a business visa.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must have a return or onward ticket in addition to documents for further travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. A passport valid for at least six months from date of entry is required by all visitors. An e-visa can be applied for online (single entry tourist visas) that allows for stays of up to 30 days.
See www.mfaic.gov.kh for more information.
Health: There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Cambodia and travellers are advised to seek the latest medical advice on vaccinations and precautions especially regarding typhoid, cholera, malaria, hepatitis B and polio, at least three weeks before travelling. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas except Phnom Penh, around Lake Tonle Sap and the Angkor temple complex. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in heavily populated areas. There have been outbreaks of bird flu with four deaths in Cambodia, and although the risk of contracting the disease is slight, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, wild and caged birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. Diarrhoea is the number one ailment afflicting travellers. Visitors should assume that the water is not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages with ice. Medical facilities are poor, except for a few expensive private hospitals in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.
Tipping: Tips are not expected, but are welcomed in restaurants and hotels. Hotels often add a 10% service charge to the bill, but small amounts for personal services are appreciated as salaries in the country are low. Tour guides should be tipped.
Safety: There is some risk from terrorism due to continuing terrorist activity in South East Asia, and travellers are advised to be vigilant in public places and areas frequented by foreigners. Cambodia remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world. Visitors should travel with a local guide and never stray off the main paths. It is not advisable to travel anywhere at night. Caution should be taken in the capital, Phnom Penh, especially at night, as street crime is a problem, and there have been several incidents involving foreigners around popular tourist nightspots in Phnom Penh. After dark there is also a risk of violent crime in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Visitors should be aware that bag snatching is becoming an increasing problem on public transport; motorcycle taxis and while walking in the main towns. Due to the large numbers of tourists involved in road accidents on motorcycles, police in Siem Reap have banned rental outlets from hiring motorcycles to tourists.
Customs: Permission should be sought before snapping pictures of people, particularly monks. Avoid touching someone on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of a person's body. Women should wear modest clothing, preferably a long skirt or loose-fitting trousers.
Communications: The international access code for Cambodia is +855. The outgoing code is 001 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Domestic and international calls can be made at post offices or telecom offices in most towns. Three mobile phone operators cover Phnom Penh and other major cities. The country uses GSM networks, so US phones are not compatible. Mobile phones can be rented at Pochentong International Airport on arrival. Internet cafes are available and inexpensive in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Internet phones are available in Siem Reap and provide a cheaper alternative for international calls.
Duty Free: Travellers to Cambodia are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or equivalent of cigars or tobacco; and 1 bottle of spirits. Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on the import or export of drugs, firearms, antiquities and ivory.