GETTING TO CAMBODIA

Most international visitors to Cambodia arrive by air at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. An increasing number of airlines are operating into Cambodia in response to the Cambodian governments open skies policy. The list of international airlines serving Cambodia includes; Bangkok Airways, China Southern Airlines, Dragon Air, EVA Air, Lao Aviation, Malaysia Airlines, Mekong Airlines, Silk Air, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines.

For transport to the city centre when arriving at Phnom Penh, you will find taxis outside the arrival hall. The taxi fare from the airport to the city is US$7 and the trip will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

In Siem Reap the cost of a taxi into the town area from the airport is US$5. Many of the larger hotels will offer free transport so let your hotel know your flight arrival details in advance.

Overland travel to Cambodia is possible through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam via border crossings.

VISAS

In all checkpoints you will be able to get a visa upon entry, the tourist visa is a 20 US$ fee, the business for a month 25 US$, take an ID picture that is only what you need.

Visas can be extended at the immigration Department in Phnom Penh. Visas are also issue at Royal Cambodia embassies or Consulates in foreign countries.

AIRPORT TAXES

As in other Asian countries (such as Thailand), you will be subjected to an airport tax at departure from the country. International departures from Phmon Penh: US$20 and from Siem Reap: US$15. For domestic flights: US$5 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap; and US$5 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

TRAVELLING AROUND CAMBODIA

Air travel, bus, train, boat and taxi are all modes of transport available to tourists in Cambodia. Your selection is best determined by how far you wish to travel, the time you have available, the amount you want to spend and, sometimes, by the weather as during the wet season travel by road especially in the provinces can be very slow.

For getting around the major centres such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, the most common form of public transport is the moto (motorbike taxi). The motos are fast, cheap (negotiate the price before your trip, usually a small course will be 500 Riel and it can get up to 2500 if you get to the suburbs) and readily available however if you are unfamiliar with sitting as a passenger on a motorbike in heavy traffic, such as in Phnom Penh, then you may prefer an alternative mode.

The quaint cyclo is also common in the cities and is a safer more pleasant way of getting around compared to the moto, although obviously slower! Again, negotiate the price first.

For comfort and safety your best option may be to hire a car, with a driver (we insist in this point, please do not try to drive by yourself in big cities before you can understand the basics of the circulation, which are very particular), and this will cost you around US$15-$25 per day. Your hotel/guesthouse will usually be able to arrange a car for you.

WHERE TO STAY

There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets in Cambodia, from 5-star luxury hotels to inexpensive and friendly guesthouses. You can bargain everywhere and it is strongly recommended to do so as you can get up to 50% discount on official prices.

CURRENCY / BANKS / CREDIT CARDS

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel however US dollars are widely accepted; in fact many businesses set their prices in US dollars. It is however wise to carry some riel around for small purchases and to pay for your transports around the cities. The current exchange rate is around 4000 riel = US$1. Riel denominations are 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100 and 50 Riel. Foreign currencies can be easily to changed at hotels, airports or at the markets.

The acceptance of credit cards is increasing in Cambodia and you can get cash advances against your credit card at some major commercial banks. There are however no ATMs that will provide access to foreign bank accounts. We strongly recommend you use travellers cheque as it is commonly accepted by all banks.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone: Country code: 885. Outgoing international code: 001/007. Satellite or cellular telephones are often used by international organisations.
There are not coin-operated phones (indeed, as there are no coins) in Cambodia. Phones cards are available, however, and the cards can be purchased at many outlets. There are also several mobile phone systems. Mobile phones can also be rented from booths on the street on a pay-per-call basis.
Fax: A few hotels have fax facilities.
Internet: Can be accessed and there are many cyber cafés in the main cities. The main providers are Online and Camnet.

Prohibitions on Photography: Photographing public buildings, military installations and airports is forbidden. Offenders can expect to be arrested, held for at least several hours and fined. We also recommend to ask permission before taking photos inside pagodas, royal palaces and other sacred places. When photographing local people, have the respect to ask them, most of them will be more than happy to pose for you.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Public Holidays:
January 1, International New Year's day
January 7, National Liberation Day
March 8, International Women Day
April 13/15, Khmer New Year's Day
May 1, International Labour Day
June 1, International Children Day
June 18, Queen's Birthday
September 24, Constitution Day
October 23, Paris Peace Agreement on Cambodia
October 30 - November 1, King's Birthday
November 9, National Independence Day
November 10, Human Rights Day

Opening hours
Government offices: Business hours are from 7.30am-11.30am and 2pm-spm, Monday-Friday. Banks are open from 8am-3pm Monday-Friday, from 8am-noon Saturday and closed on Sundays and public holidays. Markets are open from early morning to late evening including Sundays and public holidays.

TOURIST INFORMATON

Ministry of tourism
www. visit-makong.com/Cambodia/
3,Preah Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel:(855-23)213911
Fax:(855-23)26170 / 217503
E-mail: dgpro@camnet.com.kh
Siem Reap Airway International
www.siem reapairways.com

Siem Reap Office
511 Road No.6,Phum salakanseng,Khum Svaydamkung, Srok Khet,Seim Reap , Kingdopm of Cambodia
Tel:(855-63)380 330-1
Fax:(855-63)380 332

Phom Penh Office
No.65, Road 214,Sangkat Beoung Rang, Khan Dong Penh,Phnom Penh , Cambodia
Tel:(855-23)720 022 / 720 055
Fax:(855-23)720 522
sales cambodia@seimreapairway.com

Pochengton Airport Offices (Phnom Penh)
Tel:(855-23)890 375
reservation@siemreapairway.com

ADRESS BOOK

EMBASSIES

Australia Embassy
No 11 ,St 254
Tel 023-213470/2
Fax 023-213413

Belgium Embassy
No. 01,St 21
Tel 023-360877

Canada Embassy
No. 11,St 254
Tel. 023-213470-2
Fax. 023-213413

China Embassy
No. 256,Mao Tse Toung Bd
Tel. 023-720922

France Embassy
No. 01, P.Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-430037
Fax. 023-430038

German Embassy
No. 76/78, St. 214
Tel. 023-216381
Fax. 023-427746

India Embassy
No. 777,P.Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-210912
Fax. 023-426566

Indonesia Embassy
No.90,P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-216148
Fax. 023-427566

Japan Embassy
No. 75,P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-217161-4
Fax. 023-216162

Malaysia Embassy
No. 161,St 51
Tel. 023-216176-7
Fax. 023-216004

Russia Embassy
No. 213,Sothearos St
Tel. 023-210931

Singapore Embassy
No. 92,P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-360855-6
Fax. 01881084

S.Korea Embassy
No. 64,Street 214
Tel. 023-363869-70

Thailand Embassy
No. 4, P.Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-363869-70
Fax. 018810860

British Embassy
No. 27/29, St 75
Tel. 023-427124
Fax. 023-427125

USA Embassy
No. 27, St. 240
Tel. 023-216436-8
Fax. 023-216437

Vietnam Embassy
No. 426,P.Monivong
Tel. 023-362531
Fax. 023-362610

AIRLINES

Lufthansa German Airlines
No. 32,P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-428249
Fax. 023-428249

President Airlines
No. 50, Norodom bd
Tel. 023-212887
Fax. 023-212992

Aeroflot Airways
No. 101, St 128
Tel. 023-362008
Fax. 023-362018

Air France
No. 313, P.Sisowath Quay
Tel. 023-426426
Fax. 023-426426

Bangkork Airways
No. 61 St. 214
Tel. 023-261707

Dragon Air
No. 19 St. 106
Tel. 023-427665
Fax. 023-427652

Lao Aviation
No. 58, P.Sihanouk Bd
Tel. 023-216563

Malaysia Airline
No. 172-184, P.Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-426688
Fax. 023-426665

Silk Air
No. 129, P. Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-364545
Fax. 023-427100

Thai Airways International Ltd.
No. 19, St. 106
Tel. 023-722335/ 470

Vietnam Airline
St. 214
Tel. 023-363396
Fax. 023-364460

Pochenton International Airport
National Road #4
Tel. 023-366719
Fax. 023-366720

BANKS

Advanced Bank of Asia Limited
No. 97/99,P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-720434
Fax. 023-720435

Asia Bank Ltd
No. 86, P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-427808

Asia Development Bank
No. 165, P.Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-360473

Cambodian Commercial Bank
No. 26, P.Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-426145
Fax. 023-426116

Cambodian Development Bank
No. 246, P. Monivong Bd
Tel. 023-426511
Fax. 023-426306

Cambodian Mekong Bank
No. 1, Kramoun Sar St.
Tel. 023-430518
Fax. 023-426525

Cambodian Public Bank
No. 23, Kramoun Sar St.
Tel. 023-723664
Fax. 023-426068

Canadia Bank Ltd
No. 70, P. Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-427233
Fax. 023-427235

Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia
No. 24, P. Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-724466
Fax. 023-426108

May Bank
No.2, P. Norodom Bd
Tel. 023-427590

National Bank of Cambodia
No. 60, St.200
Tel. 023-426117
Fax. 023-726117

S.B.C Bank Singapor Banking Corporation Ltd
No. 68, St. 114
Tel. 023-427555
Fax. 023-427277

Part of the editorial content of this section has been provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Cambodia