The Basics
Time:
GMT +7.
Electricity:
220 volts, 50Hz. Travellers should be aware that power cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is generally only available in the evenings.
Language:
Khmer is the official language. French is also spoken, but English is fast becoming popular with the younger generation.
Health:
There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Cambodia and travellers are advised to seek the latest medical advice on vaccinations and precautions especially regarding typhoid, cholera, malaria, hepatitis B and polio, at least three weeks before travelling. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas except Phnom Penh, around Lake Tonle Sap and the Angkor temple complex. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in heavily populated areas. There have been outbreaks of bird flu with four deaths in Cambodia, and although the risk of contracting the disease is slight, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, wild and caged birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. Diarrhoea is the number one ailment afflicting travellers. Visitors should assume that the water is not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages with ice. Medical facilities are poor, except for a few expensive private hospitals in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.
Tipping:
Tips are not expected, but are welcomed in restaurants and hotels. Hotels often add a 10% service charge to the bill, but small amounts for personal services are appreciated as salaries in the country are low. Tour guides should be tipped.
Customs:
Permission should be sought before snapping pictures of people, particularly monks. Avoid touching someone on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of a person's body. Women should wear modest clothing, preferably a long skirt or loose-fitting trousers. When visiting religious sites, shoes should be removed, and shorts avoided.
Business:
Developing a personal relationship in Cambodia is important before any business can be discussed, which might include long dinners and plenty of socialising. Never cause a Khmer to 'lose face', but use tact and an indirect approach to business. On introductions, the most senior in the group will be introduced first, and visitors are advised to do likewise so that the hosts understand the hierarchy of the group; the highest-ranking person on both sides should greet each other first and perform the introductions. A light handshake is appropriate on introduction, after which business cards can be exchanged using both hands; it is considered impolite to put the card away without making a show of studying it for a short while. Dress is conservative, but formal business suits will be out of place in the tropical heat; lightweight suits can be worn for formal meetings. Business hours are generally 7.30am to 5pm, with a long lunch from about 11.30am Monday to Friday.
Communications:
The international access code for Cambodia is +855. The outgoing code is 001 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Phnom Penh's area code is (0)23; the code for Siem Reap is (0)63. Domestic and international calls can be made at post offices or telecom offices in most towns. Three mobile phone operators cover Phnom Penh and other major cities. The country uses GSM networks, so US phones are not compatible. Mobile phones can be rented at Pochentong International Airport on arrival. Internet phones are available in Siem Reap and provide a cheaper alternative for international calls. Internet cafes provide a fast and inexpensive service in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other main towns.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Cambodia are allowed to enter the country with a reasonable amount of tobacco products and spirits under control of custom agents. Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on the import or export of drugs, firearms, antiquities and ivory.
