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Frequently Asked Question About Cambodia |
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Airport tax How much shall I pay for airport tax? The costs of airport tax are International Departure Tax: US$ 25 per person and domestic departure tax: US$6 per person Getting there There are direct flights to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Hochiminh, Kualalumpur, Singapore, Hongkong, Vientiane and Guangzou. All of these cities serve as gateways to Cambodia meaning Cambodia is easily reached from further a field. Cambodia can also be reached by road from Thailand and Vietnam. Another exotic way to reach Cambodia is by river boat or sea cruise. Health Do I require medical insurance before travelling to Cambodia? It is a good idea for you to have medical insurance before you travel to Cambodia as Cambodia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. Do I need any vaccinations for Cambodia vacations? Travellers have very little to worry about in a country where health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Vaccinations are not required to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia. you are unless coming from a 'yellow' infected area. Money - Currency What money should I take for Cambodia tours? Travelers checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of the local currency the Riels. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Phnom Penh and Siem Reap banks but there are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged-funds can be available within 48-72 hours if you are in capital city Are there ATMs in Cambodia? The ANZ Royal Group has finally brought international access, 7-day, 24-hour ATMs to Cambodia. Safety Is it safe to travel? Are there places to avoid? 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 tuk-tuks, 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. Telecommunications Telephone: Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although these services are expensive. It may not always be possible to make international calls in remote areas. If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the costs before using it abroad - it may be expensive.
Internet: Major hotels have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet. Some of them have wireless broadband access in rooms or public areas. Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Prices are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to a landline or mobile phone worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. A postcard to Europe costs 2,000 to 4,000 Riels and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach the country of destination. Time What is the time difference in Cambodia? Cambodia's time zone is GMT + 7. There is no daylight saving time here. Transportation What is the best way to travel around Cambodia? It depends upon your need whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to take things leisurely; there is a wide range of choice of transportation.
By air, you can travel with Cambodian Airlines for domestic flights such as Royal Air Cambodge, Siem Reap Airway, Royal Phnom Penh Airways and the President Airline. The flight routes are set for major tourist destinations and economic zones at the provinces of Siem Reap, Battambang, Koh Kong, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri
By rail, the railway network of Cambodia that stretches from East to West, which run from Phnom Penh to the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Bantey Meanchey and other routes: Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Ville and Phnom Penh- Kampot. Be ensured that the Cambodian railway network is under development and time consuming to catch train
By road, Cambodia now has several bus companies and private taxis are also available throughout Cambodia. But the bus operations are still very limited based on the road condition. Travellers can take coach from Phnom Penh to neighbouring provinces such as Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Neak Leung (in Prey Veng), Ta Mao (in Kandal) and to two other cities of Sihanouk Ville and Keb. In particular, Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City along the National Road 1 is now available. Taxies are available to make a journey throughout the country.
By water, several speedboat firms can be seen along Tonle Sap River. These speedboats carry passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Angkor and further from Siem Reap to Battambang province; also are available for destinations along Mekong River such as from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, Kratie and Steung Treng. Above all, travellers can make a voyage from Vietnam to Phnom Penh as well. Visas Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia? Most travelers shall be issued entry-visa upon their arrival. For further information, please directly contact the Immigration Police Unit at the Phnom Penh Airport International or the Siem Reap Airport. Some countries where the Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia installed, travellers shall then apply for an entry-visa prior to their departure. Multi-entry visa can be extended at the Department of Foreigner of the Ministry of Interior. Especially, from 2006, tourists can apply for an E-visa at http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/index.php?version=eng
Visa Fee: US$20 of tourist Visas and US$25 for business Visas. The fee is payable only in cash. Passport must be valid for at least six months and requires one passport photo for visa application. How long does it take for a visa upon arrival processing? Time Approximately 20 - 60 minutes; processing time may vary. Weather What are temperature and climate for the whole year round in Cambodia? Practically speaking, Cambodia has four seasons:
1. November-February: cool/dry. 2. March-May: hot/dry. 3. June-August: hot/wet. 4. September-October: cool/wet.
From December to April the climate in Cambodia is at its driest with abundant sunshine and temperatures often reaching 40ºC (104ºF) in April, the hottest month. The humid south western monsoon from May to October sees rain fall mostly in the afternoon, accounting for 70-80% of annual rainfall. The highest temperatures around this time average just above the 30ºC mark (around 88ºF). Others
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