Communications
Major hotel provide phone/fax/email services at varying rates.
Outside operators are usually much cheaper and a number of email
cafe's have appeared with prices from $2+ per hour.
Telephones
If listed with an initial "0" then this should be dialed (including the
"0" at the start). This "0" is dropped as it is not
needed when calling from overseas. Overseas calls from Cambodia
require the international 007 dialing code.
Postal Services
Generally felt to be unreliable and visitors are recommended to
use the main post offices at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both cities also have courier agencies
for important documents.
Money
The official currency is the Riel although visitors will not
use it often. Almost everyone accepts US$ for most purchases and
will ask for it. Change of less than US$1 are given in local
currency. Not as confusing as it may sound and you will soon get
used to it. Thai Baht is accepted in most visited area's and
border towns though elsewhere it may not be so useful. Generally
better rates are given for US$ than other currencies. Be warned
that any tears or faded notes render foreign currencies worthless.
Not so with the Riel Money changers operate by the larger markets
and give better rates than the banks for cash only. Travellers
cheques are changed at banks and official kiosks only.
Credit Cards
Visa and JCB are most accepted with MasterCard and AMEX making
inroads. Don't plan to use your cards except for larger hotels,
restaurants and bars as well as the occasional specialist store.
Money Transfers
MoneyGram and western Union arrange quick transfers to most
major countries. Their distinct logos are displayed outside banks
acting as their agents.
Electricity
220-240 volts with two pin plugs which are compatible with
those used in Thailand. Bring an adaptor with you as they many not
be able to find.
Photography
Film is widely available in areas where visitors travel but
check the dates of expiry carefully before you buy. Digital camera
owners will find it hard to buy replacement flash cards, DV film
cassettes, batteries or most specialist items so make sure that
enough is packed for the entire trip. The country is very
photogenic (see our gallery for some of the pics we took
ourselves) so make sure you are prepared.
Travel
Departure Tax
$10 from Siem Reap airport, Phnom Pehn $20. Land crossing vary
between $4-$20.
Visa's
Can be issued upon arrival, bring two passport sized
photographs. The visa fee is $20
Safety
Dangers in Cambodia have been greatly exaggerated and the most
visited areas are safe. Common sense is required in the case of
single females travelling alone, see our women's and kids section
for guidelines. Travel in the countryside at night is still not
recommended and avoid straying off the beaten path as there may
still be landmines around. Avoid flashing money or wearing a lot
of jewellery. Pick-pockets are no more common than other Asian
capitals and beggars not nearly as prevalent as they were a few
years ago. When in populated areas and those with many visitors
there is little risk.
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) travel agents since 1987 
Cambodia 
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