How I can get a visa to Cambodia?

There is very easy now-a-day as you can obtain Cambodia visa upon your arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The visa fee is just USD 20 per person to be paid directly to the immigration officer upon arrival but remember to bring along 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your passport. Beside the Phnom Penh Airport International and Siem Reap Airport, there are additionally few of border gateways where travellers can apply for an entry-visa upon their arrival such as Poi Pet and Cham Yeam Cambodian-Thai Border-Gateways and Bavet and Phnom Den Cambodian-Vietnamese Border).

What money should I take?

Travelers checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of the local currency the "Riels". Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Phnom Penh and Siem Reap banks but there are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged-funds can be available within 48-72 hours if you are in capital city.

What are temperature and climate in Cambodia?

Cambodia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons – Hot/Dry from March to May, Rainy/Monsoon from June to October and small Winter/Cool from November through February. The average annual temperature is 280C – 320C, this ranges in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The temperature during the small winter is 140C - 160C at provinces throughout the country but in Phnom Penh is about 160C – 200C. In the early April, it is found that there are some rain showers through the beginning of May. The end of May and the beginning of June the full monsoon starts till the end of October.

What is the time difference?

Cambodia is twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney.

What attire should I bring on my vacation to Cambodia?

The climate of Cambodia is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire.

Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image? is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centres. International class hotels also have their individual in-house medical Doctor to service their guests.

What are the medical services available in Cambodia?

Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit but there are increasing instances of theft, especially in HCMC where pickpockets and snatch thieves on motorbikes are the worst menace. The best tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewelery, glasses, etc.) at home, and don’t even wear flash costume jewelry.

Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you value lying around unattended. I would also not advise taking cyclos late at night, especially in HCMC. Tour guides will advise you what is “do and don’t” case by case.

Do I require medical insurance before travelling to Cambodia?

It is a good idea for you to have medical insurance before you travel to Cambodia as Cambodia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. If you do fall ill, pharmacies in Hanoi and HCMC stock a decent range of imported medicines (check they are not past their “use-by” date). Both these cities also now have good, international-class medical facilities. Elsewhere, local hospitals will be able to treat minor ailments, but for anything more serious head back to Hanoi or HCMC.