Destination travel guide for Cambodia
You'll need a visa to visit Cambodia.
If you're travelling to Cambodia for tourism, you can apply for an electronic tourist visa (e-visa) online through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. E-visas are valid for entry through Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poipet (Banteay Meanchey) and Bavet (Svay Rieng). E-visas aren't accepted at other entry points.
Tourist visas are also available on arrival at air and land entry points that are open to foreigners, including those where e-visas are accepted.
There are very few non-stop flights from Australia to Phnom Penh. Therefore, you'll have to take connecting flights. In such cases, flight time depend on the stopover destination specified by your airline or the one you choose while booking your ticket.
The best time to visit Cambodia depends on the heat, rainfall and number of tourists. Most travellers visit Cambodia from November to March. ... Cambodia is warm year-round with temperatures rarely dipping below 68°F (20°C), wherever you go. Seasons are broken into wet and dry season.
Experience World-class Service at Song Saa Private Island. Showcasing a sun terrace and fitness center, Song Saa Private Island is located in Song Saa Private Island in the region of Preah Sihanouk Province, just 21 miles from Sihanoukville.
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4 Rivers Floating Lodge is set on a pontoon on the Tatai River within the Cardamom Rainforest, this secluded upscale lodge with tented villas borders the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary and lies 21 km from Tatai Waterfall. The lodge is only accessible by free boat transfer.
Yes. Travel Insurance is always a good idea
If you're going to Cambodia, make sure you have the right travel insurance. The things you need to take into account are:
The cost of your trip – Because if you have to cancel, you want to know that you can get that cost back
The things you're likely to be doing - Will probaly be covered but it's always best to check.
For most visitors to the Kingdom, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. At land crossing from Thailand, visas are available at Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong province). Visitors who enter from Vietnam through Bavet (VN: Moc Bai) or Ka-Om Samnor (VN: Chao Doc) will need to have already obtained their visas prior to their arrival through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Tourists also can obtain visa through the online E-Visa.
The most friendly people in Asia are Cambodians. Khmer people are very hospitable. Get a formal or informal invite to visit their home? You must be very fortunate because Khmer people consider you a nice person. In the urban cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville, most Cambodians people are able to have a conversation with you in English.
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. The Cambodian language is derived from the Mon-Khmer (Austro-Asiatic) language family. Khmer is renowned for possessing one of the largest sets of alphabets; it consists of 33 consonants, 23 vowels and 12 independent vowels.
While tourists may wish to learn a few spoken phrases before or when visiting Cambodia, English is widely spoken and understood. French and Mandarin are also spoken frequently in the country; most elderly Cambodians speak French and many people in the Khmer-Chinese population speak Mandarin.
You are allowed 2 pieces of luggage not exceeding 23kgs (58lbs) and one small carry-on bag not exceeding 4 kgs (10 lbs). For those flying business class, you are allowed an extra 10kgs on luggage.
The reason to mention the luggage requirements is NOT to over pack for Fiji especially if you flying within the country. Luggage allowances on domestic airlines are limited generally to 15kgs (33 lbs). You will have to store excess luggage (which can done at the Nadi airport or your hotel) or pay overage charges.
- Suntan lotion (SPF30+)
- Head covering(We’ll leave it to you as to style but your protection and comfort should come first.)
- Insect repellant(If you prefer a special brand. If not, you can get some Aerogard in Fiji formulated for tropical environments.)
- Flip-flopsor the previously mentioned water shoes (i.e. Tevas)
- Most of you will be forgiven for being “snap happy” with the gorgeous Fijian scenery. So make sure you have plenty of batteries and memory cardsfor digital photography or video cameras, as they will be either overpriced or not readily available.
- If snorkeling, you’ll want to bring your own mask.
- For diving, bring your own regulator and dive certification card.
Electricity is 240 volts AC/50 cycles. Most modern appliances such as mobile phones, computers, etc. have internal dual voltage. So you will only need a twin prong adapter with round poles. Buy a set, with converter, before you leave the US if you are intending to use any other devices. Most hotels have hair dryers that are already configured for Fiji electricity.
Generally communication from the islands is modern and up to date. Although broadband and high speed internet is not available all over.
Phone
- Most hotel rooms have IDD (International Direct Dial) but that can be costly. And GSM (satellite) phones are pricey. Vodaphone provides the only mobile phone service in the islands and if need be, you can rent one from them. Most US cellular phones do not work in Fiji even with a change in SIM cards. And if they do, you’ll be charged international roaming rates.
- If you need to call, buy a Tele Card available in hotels and shops. They are available in denominations ranging from FJD3 – 50. You are then dialing on one of the Fijian networks and it is probably the cheapest way to ring back to the US (00-1-area code+number).
- If dialing to Fiji, the international access code is 011+679+number.
Email
All hotels and most larger towns have internet facilities. For a small hourly charge you can read and answer emails or browse the net. Generally these are dial up, as broadband and wi-fi are limited. Expect to pay 7–10c per minute or a pro-rated hourly fee.
Time
Fiji is 12 hours ahead of GMT. If it is 12 noon in Fiji it will be 5 pm the previous day in LA and 8 pm the previous day in NY. Check for seasonal changes to daylight savings time.
Currency
The local currency is the Fiji dollar (FJD). The US dollar trades at a favorable rate (approx. 1.5) to the Fiji Dollar. Use our handy currency converter under the Resource tab in the toolbar. The Fiji dollar comes in denominations of FJD50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 bills. Coins range from .01 to 1 FJD and is based on 100 cent to the dollar.
Cash machines
ATMs can be found at the ANZ airport bank and at ANZ or Westpac banks in Nadi town and Suva. Check with your banking institution if the cash card is usable in Fiji or go on-line to www.anzbank.com.
Banking hours
Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 3pm and Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Credit cards
Most all resorts, independent activities, restaurants and car rentals that cater to the tourist trade, accept credit cards for payment. (Visa, Amex, MasterCard and Diners Club). For other cards, it would be advised to check with the issuer before traveling.
Travelers Checks
It is advisable to take travellerscheques in smaller, easy-cashed denominations (20s or 50s). You can cash travellerscheques at banks for the best rates. Hotels do not offer competitive rates but are convenient. This work’s best when you want to shop at local markets or villages.
You will arrive at the international airport at Nadi (Nan-dee). The airport was modernized a few years ago and is quite up to date.
- For transiting passengers, you will be directed to a secure area until your next flight.
- For those entering the country, you will proceed directly to the arrivals hall to clear passport control. Then down to luggage claim where there are duty free shops to browse while waiting in the baggage area.
You are allowed to bring in 2 liters of alcohol and as much money as you want. However, you have to declare anything over FJD10,000 and you cannot take out more than you brought in. Amateur still and video cameras are fine but if you are bringing in professional grade equipment, have a copy of receipts and registration numbers.
All major international car rental companies (Avis, Hertz and Budget) are represented in Fiji. It is less expensive to book before you leave the US, but you can rent from hotel tour desks. It is advisable not to go with local companies as the condition of the vehicles cannot be verified. Most companies offer automatic transmission cars with AC and road-side assistance. But without a mobile phone that may not be practical. If you get a flat locals will usually come to your rescue. Stick to the posted speed limit despite what the locals are doing. Taking a page from our own highways, the police have radar traps. You have to be 25 years of age to rent and your valid state license is sufficient. Petrol is expensive (above $5 an equivalent gallon) and driving is on the left side of the road. It’s not daunting and is the best way to get out and explore the country.