General Information
Location and Area
Geographically speaking, Cambodia is divided into six major regions: The western and northwestern mountains rich in topical forest, wildlife and fruit trees; the northwestern plateau abounding with tropical forest, wildlife, waterfalls, diamonds and magic; the central plain known as a large area of flat land for cultivating mainly rice, corns and bean; for favoring fish and mangrove, there's the western and southwestern coastal plain popular with tourists who sunbathe on the sandy beaches, and who consume seafood; the western and northeastern valleys suitable for the development of hydro-electric power; and the peninsula suitable for tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.
Population
Total population is more than 14 million. Ninety per cent of residents are Khmer, and the remnants of these are Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Phnong, Kuoy, Stieng, Tamil... etc. Chinese influence is very strong, particularly in the business sector.
Capital
The Phnom Penh Capital, which has an area of 290 square kilometers, is seriously considered the major center of administration, commerce, communication, culture, economy, education, industry, policy and tourism. It is also home to legal immigrants from
Cities: Sihanouk Ville, Pailin and Keb, Siem Reap and Poi Pet.
Climate
The average temperature is 27-28oc. It varies up to region from 20-27oc during the wet season and from 28-35oc during the dry season. The climate is comprised of two main seasons affected by the tropical monsoon- the wet season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The coolest period lasts from December to January.
The monsoon season may carry some heavy rains but these quite often occur during the late afternoon and overnight in between August to October and unlikely to spoil your enjoyment.
Religions
Theravada Buddhism is the official prevailing religion in
Languages
Khmer is the official language in
Local time: 7 hours ahead of (Greenwich Mean Time)
Major Industries
Clothing, fishing, footwear, rice milling, rubber, shipping, textiles, timber and tobacco
Major Trading Partners
Major trading partner are
Currency
The Cambodian currency is Riel that can fluctuate a little if it is compared with a dollar. Riel denominations are 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200; and 100 banknotes, which are printed in both Khmer and English, increase in size according to value and are in different colors. Coins are no longer using in
Foreign currencies can be easily changed at airports, hotels or markets, but American dollars are widely accepted in
However, US Dollar is common used. There is no need to change from USD to Riel.
Telephones, Faxes & Internet
International phone calls can be made quite easily from lower to upper level hotels. Rates for calling out of the country are normally considerably higher than for calling in. In
Most hotels and travel agencies will offer complete facsimile, e-mail, WiFi internet access services. The ministry of Post and Telecommunication can offer phone and fax services all day.
In response to globalization,
Passports
All visitors entering
Visas
Special condition will be given for all Cambodian Open delegates from the government (Press, golfers, invited guests and VIP).
All nationalities need to apply for a travel visa, except from the following countries:
Otherwise, a visa on arrival, valid for a thirty-day stay, is specifically granted at
The Royal Government of Cambodia has recently approved e-visa. All you have to do is complete the online application form available at the website (evisa.mfaic.gov.kh), pay by credit card, and include a recent passport size photo in JPEG/PNG format. The visa will be approved within three business days, allowing you to breeze by that lengthy line and get a jump-start on your holiday.
The e-visa, valid for a thirty-day stay, is available only for a typical tourist visa for a single entry. It is currently not available for nationalities from
Tourists getting such a visa online can enter
Airport tax
The Airport Tax now is included in the ticket fee.
Opening Hours:
Government offices
Monday to Friday : 07:30 - 11:30
14:00 - 17:00
Business Offices
Monday to Friday : 07:30 - 12:00
14:00 - 17:30
Saturday : 07:30 - 12:00
Banks
Monday to Friday : 08:00 - 15:00
08:00 - 12:00
Shops and Markets
Open everyday from: 07:00 - 17:00
Emergency Services
Police: 117
Fire : 118
Ambulance : 119