Cambodia: what you need to know before you travel

Cambodia: what you need to know before you travel

Cambodia is a small country, 181 035 km2 for 15 million people, but there are many things to know before going there:

Population - Language in Cambodia:
The second smallest country in the Southeast Asia region, Cambodia now has a population of nearly 15 million people and 85% of Cambodian people are still living in rural areas.
The official language is Khmer. French language ( is spoken only by a minority of inhabitants), English, Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken.

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia

Seasons:
The rainy season start from June to October. The dry season is from November to May, and temperatures are particularly high in April and May.

Entry requirements:
The government issues tourist visas valid for one month atembassies and airportsand is renewable once. Obtaining a visa in advance helps to avoid illegal extra costs at certain border posts. See our article The different visas for your stay by clicking here .

Useful addresses and Phone Number:

France Embassy CAMBODIA - Phnom Penh
1, Monivong Boulevard, BP 18, Phnom Penh
Tel. +855 (23) 43 00 20 -
Fax. +855 (23) 43 00 37.
www.ambafrance-kh.org .
E-mail: ambafrance.phnom-penh-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Royal Embassy of Cambodia in France
4, rue Adolphe-Yvon, 75116 Paris
Tel: +33 (0) 1 45 03 47 20
Fax: +33 (0) 1 45 03 47 40.
www.ambcambodgeparis.info .
E-mail: arc.paris@mfa.gov.kh
Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm (for visa) and from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Money:
The official currency of Cambodia is Riel. But you will pay mainly in dollars . Indeed, no distributor delivers riels. Hotels, Restaurants and also small shop Set up price in US dollar, but they change you back in local currency "riel" such as 2000 riel = $0.50 , 3000 riel = $0.75.  For more information about Cambodia money.

Religion in Cambodia:
95% of Cambodian People are Buddhist. And the other practice on Christians and Muslims.

Take a Photo:
Cambodians do not impose any restrictions on take the photo, but be careful on the street ask the people, especially the religious, permission to take them a photo.

Cambodia Food:

the principle local cuisine is based on fish and rice, simmered meats accompanied by spicy vegetables, shrimps and seafood in donuts.

Shopping in Cambodia:
You will find in Cambodia a large quantity of handicrafts (textiles, reproduction of statues, wood carvings, etc ...). You can also bring Krama , the famous traditional scarves that are found on any market.

Phone:
There are many phone companies in Cambodia such as : Cellcard, Smart , Metphone and much more,
For foreigner and Cambodian are so easy to make a call to oversee countries.
Be aware, however, that it is less expensive to use prepaid cards to call abroad.
To call Cambodia from France, dial 00 + 855 + the city or province code (Siem Reap: 63) + the number of your correspondent.
To call France from Cambodia , dial 00 + 33 + your correspondent's number, without dial Number 0.

Electrical sockets in Cambodia:
220 volts (sometimes 110 in some rural villages).

Health:
Attention to diseases transmitted by insect bites (malaria, dengue ...). Diphtheria-tetanus-polimyelitis vaccination is recommended as well as typhoid, hepatitis A and B vaccination. Do not drink tap water. Beware also of monkeys (risks of bites). For more information see our article "Health in Cambodia.