Angkor Wat is truly one of the most amazing sights in the world, but it is only one of literally thousands of temples to explore. Outside of Angkor, the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, the sun-drenched beaches of Sihanoukville and the welcoming smiles you will encounter as you travel the beautiful countryside will give you reason enough to visit Cambodia time and time again.
Money:
The official unit of currency in Cambodia is the riel, however United States dollar cash is accepted everywhere and can easily be used instead of riel. As you will accumulate riel as change from payments you make in $USD, we recommend you change either nothing or very little (e.g. $10USD) into riel upon your arrival in Cambodia. We advise you to carry a mix of $USD cash and travellers cheques.
Please be aware that costs in Cambodia are significantly higher than in neighbouring Asian countries. The cost of meals, transport, and shopping often takes tourists by surprise. Like many parts of the world, Cambodia is suffering from increasing inflation which was around 19% in the year to July 2008.
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) can be used in only a limited number of shops and restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. ANZ Royal ATMs are installed throughout Phnom Penh and Siem Reap while Battambang, Kampong Cham and Sihanoukville have one ANZ branch with ATM services. All ANZ ATMs allow you to withdraw money (in $USD) from your overseas account. Cash advances can also be obtained using Visa and MasterCard’s at exchange booths and banks in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. We suggest you allow approximately $10USD per person for a main course meal at a nice restaurant.
The current approximate exchange rates is Riel 3,900 equals $1AUD.
Passports & Visas:
Tourist visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports for approximately $20USD; you will need to provide a passport photo. Visas can also be obtained online in advance at www.mfaic.gov.kh for $25USD. Travellers arriving overland can get a visa on arrival at most border crossings for $23USD to $25USD, and will need to provide a passport photo.
Airport Taxes:
Please allow $25USD per person for international departure taxes. Domestic departure taxes are now included in the cost of the ticket. Departure taxes must be paid in cash.
Health & Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Cambodia. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Safety & Security:
Cambodia is safe by world standards, but commonsense safety precautions apply. Travellers should avoid walking the streets of Phnom Penh at night where street lighting is poor; take a taxi after dark. Keep jewellery to a minimum, and make use of your hotel’s safety deposit box.
Communications:
There are numerous internet cafés in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that provide affordable email and internet telephone facilities.
Climate:
Cambodia can be visited year-round. Her climate is influenced by two seasons – the dry season from November to March, and the monsoon season from May to early October. During the monsoon season it rains for a short time in the afternoon, temple moats are full, the scenery is lush and green, and there are fewer visitors at tourist sites; many people prefer to travel to Cambodia at this time of year.
