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Exploring Cambodia Holidays

Travel Essentials

Here’s a list of the ultimate travel essentials for Cambodia; everything from visas and currency to dress codes and tipping can be found below. Once you book your holiday you will get the Fleewinter guide for Cambodia, with all of our top tips and favourite finds in it.

Currency
The main currency in Cambodia is the US Dollar. Yes, the local currency is still the Cambodian Riel, but this is only really seen in relatively small amounts. ATMs tend to dispense US Dollars and prices for most purchases will be in the American currency, while shops give small change in Riels (The approximate exchange rate is £1 = 6,500 Riel).

There is no point in trying to obtain Riel in the UK, just take Dollars or withdraw money from ATM machines in Cambodia. You will find ATMs in all key towns and cities that accept international VISA and Mastercard cards – including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang. If you are travelling to more rural areas we recommend you take enough cash with you.

Vaccinations, Visas and Passports
Ensure you visit your GP six weeks before travel for general advice on travel risks, vaccinations and malaria. Make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a good accident policy and that you know your blood group. For more information visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk & www.malariahotspots.co.uk.

Visas & Passports: Visa on Arrival service is available on international flights arriving in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, as well as most land crossings with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Visas cost about $25 and one passport sized photo is required.

Insurance
A policy to cover theft, loss and medical issues is a must. You may also wish to check out cover for activities such as diving, white water rafting, cycling and abseiling etc.. It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents – passport, travel, insurance policy etc., and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals.

Driving License
International or Cambodian driving licenses are mandatory for all drivers of motor vehicle. Despite this, you may still find many companies willing to rent you a car with just your British license. We do not recommend doing this in Cambodia – it is a grey area legally, the roads are very busy and the driving conditions are extremely different to back home. If you do choose to rent a scooter your passport is likely to be kept as a form of security and driving licenses are often not even asked for.

Language
Cambodia’s national language is Khmer and unlike the other languages of the region is not a tonal language. As in other former French colonies the educated older generation often speaks very good French while the younger generation prefers English. Outside the major centers of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap most people speak only Khmer, but you will always be able to find somebody who speaks English wherever you go.

Most drivers will have basic English but some have none – we will always send an English-speaking guide on excursions but not on transfers unless requested.

Time Difference
Cambodia is six hours ahead of GMT in British Summer Time and seven hours ahead of the UK during the winter.

Telephone, post and wi-fi
To dial the UK from Cambodia you must dial 0044 and then drop the first 0 of the number . The Cambodian country code is 00855. Airmail to Europe can take up to a week but the wi-fi here is abundant in the cities and major towns. However, it can be hit and miss in more remote areas.

Electricity
Cambodia uses 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3-pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor. Power outages are quite common but most hotels have their own generator.

Public Holidays
Cambodia celebrates a mix of Buddhist,Chinese and international holidays as well as national events. During these times banks and embassies are often closed so it is worth planning ahead.

The main festival periods are the King’s birthday (May 13th – 15th), Khmer New Year (mid-April),Pchum Ben and the Ploughing Ceremony (mid-September) and Boun Om Touk boat racing (Water festival) (early November).Many restaurants and businesses close during these periods,however tourist attractions are still open and there is very little disruption to travel plans.

Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but in a country where wages are incredibly low it is highly appreciated. We recommend personally handing the tip to the staff who have helped you or leaving it on the table to avoid it going to the proprietor.

Culture, Customs and Crimes
Culture, Customs and Crimes: Cambodia is a fairly liberal country, however Khmers traditionally dress quite conservatively (long sleeved tops and skirts below the knee) or trousers, especially in the rural areas. We recommend that you follow suit when visiting these areas and the temples of Angkor, out of respect.

Female Travellers
Should feel at ease in Cambodia, but in order to avoid unwanted attention in rural areas are advised to dress modestly as possible.

Siem Reap
This lively, bustling town has the ancient kingdom of Angkor on its doorstep, making it the perfect place to base your temple adventures. A point of pilgrimage, pride and inspiration for Cambodians, the Hindu temples of Angkor should not be missed.
Phnom Penh
Although often by-passed by many tourists, Phnom Penh offers a fascinating insight into the past, present and future of Cambodia. Tuk-tuk across the busy streets, get to grips with the country's harrowing history of genocide at the Killing Fields or watch the sunset from a riverside bar; there's something for everyone. What's more, we've discovered a handful of fabulous little boutique hotels.
Kampot & Kep
Escape the crowds and enjoy the rural beauty of the south-west. Kampot is famed for its rich, spicy pepper, restful river and jungle terrain while Kep offers the best sunset spots over the ocean in all of Cambodia. Not to mention the delicious crab on offer. This is the place to relax in Cambodia and we've found the best places for you to do just that.
Battambang
Arguably the most charming of Cambodia's larger urban centres, Battambang has a small-town friendly vibe with the bustle of a city. It is home to some of the best preserved French architecture in Cambodia, glorious rice paddies and provincial villages that offer a real insight into Cambodian life.
Sihanoukville
Cambodia’s prime beach destination - Sihanoukville is surrounded by sandy beaches and tropical islands. We know how to steer you away from the crowds here and have discovered a handful of northern beaches with the perfect chill out vibe.
Koh Kong
If you are looking for a jungle escape with thundering waterfalls surrounded by luscious greenery then look no further than Koh Kong. It’s a gem of a find. Off the tourist trail enough to make you feel like you have discovered a slice of hidden Cambodia. We recommend staying on a floating tent or hut over the river (surprisingly more luxurious than it sounds). Trust us on this one...
Kratie
One of the nicest spots to enjoy the natural beauty of the mighty Mekong River is at Kratie, which offers stunning sunsets and is home to the rare fresh-water Irrawaddy dolphins that can be seen all year round. The nearby island of Koh Trong is an ideal place to relax for a day and north of Kratie you can find peaceful fishing communities and rural scenery that is ideal for cycling or trekking.
Ratanakiri Province
This diverse region of natural beauty in the north-east is harder to get to but all the more beautiful for it. Here you will find virtually untouched forested mountains, ethnic minority groups with their own languages and traditions, volcanic lakes and thundering waterfalls. The main activity on offer here is trekking and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen in their natural habitats, including gibbons and elephants.

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