Practical Information Guide
Comprehensive Practical Information Guide for Tourists Visiting Cambodia
1. Electricity Information
Voltage and Frequency: Cambodia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. Ensure your devices are compatible with this voltage; otherwise, you may need a voltage converter.
Plug Types: Cambodia uses three types of plugs:
Type A: Two flat parallel pins (common in North America).
Type C: Two round pins (common in Europe and Asia).
Type G: Three rectangular pins (common in the UK). To avoid inconvenience, carry a universal travel adapter, which can handle various plug types.
Electricity Availability: Major cities and tourist areas have a reliable electricity supply, but power outages can occur, especially in rural areas. Hotels and upscale accommodations typically have backup generators.
2. Currency and Exchange
Official Currency: The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency. However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions.
Exchange Rate: The exchange rate is approximately 4,000 KHR to 1 USD. Rates can fluctuate, so it’s wise to check the current rate before exchanging money.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, and airports. Banks typically offer the best rates. Ensure to carry small denominations of USD as change is often given in KHR.
ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. They dispense both USD and KHR. Be aware of withdrawal fees, which can be around $4-$5 per transaction. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.
Credit Cards: Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in large hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. In rural areas, cash is essential. Carry sufficient cash when traveling to less developed regions.
3. Language
Official Language: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. Most Cambodians speak Khmer, and it’s the language used in government, education, and media.
Secondary Languages: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. French, a remnant of Cambodia's colonial past, is also spoken by some older Cambodians and in certain professional sectors.
Learning Basics: While English will get you by in most tourist areas, learning a few basic Khmer phrases can enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
Basic Vocabulary
Hello: "Sour Sdei" (សួស្តី)
Thank you: "Aw-kun" (អរគុណ)
Yes: "Baht" (បាទ) for men, "Chaa" (ចា) for women.
No: "Ot te" (អត់ទេ)
How much?: "Bo-man?" (ប៉ុន្មាន)
Goodbye: "Lea heuy" (លាហើយ)
Please: "Som" (សូម)
Excuse me: "Som toh" (សូមទោស)
Water: "Teuk" (ទឹក)
4. Phone and Internet
SIM Cards: Local SIM cards are affordable and offer good connectivity. Major providers include Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone. You can purchase SIM cards at the airport, mobile phone shops, and convenience stores.
Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in cities and tourist areas. Speeds are generally good, though rural areas may have slower connections.
Costs: Data plans are reasonably priced. For example, you can get a 1GB data plan for around $1.50. SIM cards usually cost $2-$5, including some initial credit.
Phone Usage: Ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a local SIM card. Alternatively, consider buying a local phone if you plan to stay for an extended period.
5. Useful Numbers
Emergency Services: For police, dial 117. For an ambulance, dial 119. For fire services, dial 118.
Tourist Police: In Phnom Penh, the tourist police can be reached at 012 942 484. In Siem Reap, dial 097 778 0002. The tourist police can assist with issues specific to tourists, such as theft or scams.
Embassies
1. United States Embassy
Address: No. 1, Street 96 (Wat Phnom), Phnom Penh
Contact: +855 23 728 000
Website: U.S. Embassy in Cambodia
2. British Embassy
Address: 27-29 Street 75, Phnom Penh
Contact: +855 23 427 124
Website: British Embassy Phnom Penh
3. Australian Embassy
Address: No. 16B National Assembly Street, Phnom Penh
Contact: +855 23 213 470
Website: Australian Embassy in Cambodia
Keep a List: Write down or save these numbers in your phone. Also, keep the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate.
6. Religion
Main Religion: Theravada Buddhism is practiced by approximately 95% of Cambodians. It plays a significant role in daily life and culture. Monks in saffron robes are a common sight, and many festivals are rooted in Buddhist traditions.
Other Religions: There are small communities of Christians, Muslims, and animists. Islam is practiced by the Cham people, while Christianity has a presence due to missionary activities.
Religious Sites: Cambodia is home to numerous temples and pagodas, the most famous being the Angkor Wat complex. Other significant sites include the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom.
Respect: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temples.
7. Food
Staples: Cambodian cuisine heavily features rice, noodles, and freshwater fish. The cuisine is known for its bold flavors, often combining sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes.
Popular Dishes:
Amok Trey: A fragrant curry made with fish, coconut milk, and kroeung (a Khmer spice paste), steamed in banana leaves.
Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef served with a tangy lime and pepper dipping sauce, often accompanied by rice and a fried egg.
Kuy Teav: A noodle soup made with pork or beef, flavored with herbs and lime.
Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork served with rice, a staple breakfast dish.
Num Pang: Cambodian-style baguette sandwich, often filled with pâté, pickled vegetables, and meats.
Street Food: Safe to eat from busy, high-turnover stalls. Popular items include grilled meats, noodles, and fresh fruit.
Prahok: A traditional fermented fish paste used as a seasoning or dip.
Num Banh Chok: Rice noodles topped with a green fish curry sauce, often eaten for breakfast.
Kralan: Sticky rice mixed with beans, grated coconut, and coconut milk, roasted in bamboo.
Tuk-a-loc: A sweet and creamy fruit smoothie, often made with condensed milk and sometimes a raw egg.
Sugarcane Juice: Freshly squeezed from sugarcane stalks, a popular street beverage.
Angkor Beer: The most popular local beer, known for its refreshing taste.
8. Etiquette
Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing in general.
Shoes Off: Remove your shoes before entering homes and temples. It's also polite to take off hats and sunglasses when entering these places.
Monks: Avoid physical contact with monks. Women should not hand objects directly to monks but can place them within the monk's reach.
Greetings: Use the "Sampeah" gesture, placing your hands together in a prayer-like position and bowing slightly. The higher the hands, the more respect is conveyed.
Respecting Elders: Show respect to elders by addressing them formally and allowing them to enter or leave rooms first.
9. Holiday Calendar
New Year’s Day: January 1 - International holiday.
Khmer New Year: Mid-April - A three-day festival marking the end of the harvest season, celebrated with games, dances, and visits to temples.
Visak Bochea: April/May - Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The date varies based on the lunar calendar.
Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day): September/October - A 15-day religious festival honoring ancestors with offerings of food and prayers.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk): November - Celebrates the reversing of the Tonle Sap River with boat races and illuminated floats.
Independence Day: November 9 - Marks Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 with parades and ceremonies.
Other Holidays: Include King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday (May 14), Constitution Day (September 24), and various Buddhist holidays.
10. Airport Tax and Customs
Airport Tax: Departure tax is generally included in your flight ticket. Confirm with your airline to avoid surprises.
Customs Regulations:
Duty-Free Allowance: Visitors can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine or spirits, and a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
Prohibited Items: Include illegal drugs, certain animal products, and cultural artifacts. Declare valuable items upon entry to avoid complications.
Arrival and Departure: Complete the arrival/departure card and customs declaration form. Keep the departure card safely as it will be required when you leave the country.
11. Food Hygiene
Street Food: Generally safe if chosen from busy stalls with high turnover. Look for places where locals eat, indicating good quality and hygiene.
Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources. Bottled water is widely available and affordable.
Restaurants: Opt for reputable establishments. Many restaurants cater to tourists and adhere to higher hygiene standards. Check reviews on travel apps and websites.
Precautions: Wash hands regularly, use hand sanitizers, and consider bringing antidiarrheal medication for minor stomach issues.
12. Safety
Petty Crime: Common in tourist areas, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places.
Scams: Be wary of common scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced tuk-tuk rides, fake tour guides, and counterfeit goods.
Traffic: Cambodian traffic can be chaotic. Exercise caution when crossing streets. Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps for safer transportation.
Health Precautions: Malaria risk exists in rural areas. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings, and consider taking prophylactic medication.
Personal Safety: Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit and populated streets.
13. Photos
Permission: Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially monks. Respect local customs and privacy.
Restricted Areas: Avoid taking photos in sensitive areas such as military sites and government buildings. Signs often indicate photography restrictions.
Religious Sites: Photography is usually allowed in temples and pagodas, but some areas may be off-limits. Respect signs and guidelines.
14. Tipping
Customary: Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Service charges are sometimes included in bills at higher-end restaurants and hotels.
Guidelines:
Restaurants: Tip 5-10% of the bill.
Hotel Staff: $1-2 per bag for porters, $1 per night for housekeeping.
Tour Guides and Drivers: $5-10 per day, depending on the service and your satisfaction.
Tipping Culture: While not expected in all situations, tipping for good service is a gesture of appreciation and encourages excellent service.
15. Insurance and Hospitals
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers health, accidents, theft, and any adventure activities you plan to undertake. Policies should include medical evacuation, as local healthcare may not meet international standards in rural areas.
Hospitals:
Phnom Penh:
Royal Phnom Penh Hospital
Address: Medical Services Company Limited, 888 Russian Federation Blvd (110), Phnom Penh
Phone: +85523991000
Calmette Hospital - offer a range of medical services, with some English-speaking staff.
Address: 34 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh
Phone: +85523426948
Siem Reap:
Royal Angkor International Hospital
Address: 6 NR6, Krong Siem Reap 17000
Phone: +85563761888
Angkor Hospital for Children - known for good care and services.
Address: 9V54+8FQ, Tep Vong (Achamean) Road & Oum Chhay Street, Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St, Krong Siem Reap
Phone: +85563963409
Clinics: Numerous private clinics in major cities cater to expatriates and tourists. They offer general and specialized medical services.
Pharmacies: Available in cities and tourist areas. They stock both local and imported medicines. Check expiration dates and ensure the pharmacy is reputable.
Medical Precautions: Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications. Ensure vaccinations are up to date, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching experience while visiting Cambodia. Enjoy the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of this beautiful country.