What to Bring: Clothing

If your trip to Cambodia includes stops at the beaches and mountainous areas, you will need clothes for all temperatures. A swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are not too revealing, long trousers; some light-weight, long-sleeved tops, and a light jacket that is wind- and rain-resistant will get you though most trips. It you plan to visit northern Cambodia in the nter you’ll need a warm coat. Mountainous areas can get chilly; choose clothes you can layer. If trekking is on your agen da, you will need sturdy tootwear plus lots of socks, Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas or people’s houses, s you’ll save time taking ott and putting on your shoes.
The city of Phnom Penh offers upscale bars and restaurants, so be sure to pack some clothes and shoes for a nice evening out. Leave your flashy jewelry at home.

Toiletries & Medecation

While imported beauty products are readily available in major cities, you’d be wise to pack staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent, as well as, pre scription medication. Many medicines are available in Cambodia without prescriptions, but they may be out-ot-date or ot poor quality.

Travel Documents

You should bring a money belt to safely carry your travel doc uments and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a look. Bring photocopies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-size photos, U you’re applying Jar on-arrival visas. When flying into or within Cambodia, you will probably be given baggage claim tags (they will be stuck to the back of your tick et). Keep these, as you will need to show them when leaving the airport.

Books

Reading materials may be hard to tind, especially in less touristy areas, so bring some good books. While cheap, coun terfeit CDs are tempting, remember that you may face trouble when you bring these illegal copies home.

Film

Film is sold in the bigger tourist centers, although it may be out- of-date or sun-damaged. Stock up in Bangkok, or bring it trom home. For peace of mind, skip the cut-price, back-alley photo shops and get your precious pictures developed some place you trust.

Good Manners

In Southeast Asia, revealing clothing is unacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine-as long as they aren’t too short. People tend to dress as well as they can afford to — Asian people are often astonished by some travelers’ choice of dirty and tattered clothing. When visiting pagodas, temples or the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, shorts and tank tops are unacceptable. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. Footwear and socks must be removed in pagodas. Shoes are usually removed upon enter ing private homes, too. In terms of behavior, public displays of affection between men and women are considered shocking. On the other hand, it’s perfectly normal for a pair of men or a pair of women to link arms or hold hands. Upon meeting someone new, people may simply nod to each other or may shake hands. Using both hands to shake someone’s hand is a warm gesture of respect. Beckoning someone by crooking your finger is very rude. The correct way to call someone over is to extend your hand with the palm down and flap your lingers towards your wrist. To ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one hand in front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write on your palm with the other hand. The malority of men in Southeast Asia smoke. While flights are non-smoking, very low restaurants or bars offer non-smoking seating.

Safety Tips

In general, Cambodia is very sale for travelers. Violent attacks are rare, although theft is a problem. When possible, secure your valuables in the hotel safe. Remember to record your traveler’s check numbers and credit card info, just in case.

Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that’s easily reached (like an outer zip-up compartment on a backpack). Be especially vigilant in markets and other crowded places like ports and bus stations.

Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are more of a problem in Phnom Penh. Some thieves approach on motorcycles, grab your belongings and race off before you’ve realized what’s happened. If you ride in a cyclo (pedicab) do not hold your bag in your lap. Sit on it! Wearing valuable jewelry (especially netk laces that can be easily grabbed) is not advisabre. Use common sense and don’t walk alone after dark. There have been many reports of muggings in Phnom Penh late at night. If confronted by a mugger, do not resist. Siem Reap is much safer. You’re always better off skipping cyclos or motor bEke taxis at night; ask your hotel or restaurant to call reputable taxi firm.

Traffic is chaotic, especially in Phnom Penh. If you choose to ride a motorcycle or bike, wear a helmet. When crossing the street on foot, move at a slow but steady pace. Fight the urge to weave and run! Walk slowly and traffic will flow around you. Most nationaflties are eligible to receive a one-month visa on arrival at Phnorn Per International Airport or Siem Reap Airport. The cost is $20. Bring payment in US dollars and one passport photo.

Angkor Wat Pass

You will need a passport photo for your entry-pass to Angkor Wat. Passes to the temples cost $20 for one day, $40 for two
— three days and $60 for four days and up.

Language Allowance

Cambodian Airlines: 20kg

Airport Taxes

$25 for international flights and $6 for domestic.

Currencies

Cambodia currency is Riel, exchanged at a rate ot about 4,000 to a US Dollar. US Dollars are welcomed everywhere. Credit cards and travelers chocks are widely accepted in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Credit card advances br MasterCard, JCB and Visa are avail able at the Cambodian Commercial Bank on the corner ot Pochentong and Monivong Streets in Fhnom Fenh. ATMs are avaj in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap only.

Electricity

Electricity in Phnom Penh and most of Cambodia is 220V, 50Hz electricity. Electric power sockets generally bit two round pins. Three-pin plug adaptors are sold in markets in Phnom Penh.

Telecom

Cambodia: 855

Mobile Phones

Cambodia uses a GSM mobile phone network. You can place international phone calls and send faxes at post offices or at most hotels, although hotels often charge extra fees.

Internet

Internet access is available in most hotels through out major cities and at internet cafes.

Tipping

We sugguest tipping drivers about US$5 - US$ 10 per day and guides about US$10 - US$15 per day.

Shopping & Shipping

If you go shopping throughout Cambodia, bargaining is neccessary. It is also recommended to check prices of the same items in the neighborhood before reaching a deal. If you choose to ship items home, we highly recommend that you buy shipping insurance and check the policy details. As shops are not responsible for damages incurred en route, it's better to be safe than sorry.