CAMBODIA TRAVEL READINESS INFORMATION

Emergency Information

Local Office Representatives Cambodia

Mr. Balu Menon

WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES INDIA (P) LTD

Phone: +91 981 099 4589 (available on both call and WhatsApp)

Email: balu@worldwideadventuresindia.com

 

Emergency Contact Information

Ms. Dawn Davis, Director

Citizen Ambassador Program

Cell: +1-509-251-9532

Email: ddavis@culturalvistas.org

 

Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is the secondary language and visitors should have no trouble finding someone who speaks it.

Currency

The U.S. dollar is widely used in Cambodian cities. The Euro is also exchangeable, but not as popular. In Phnom Penh and Angkor most goods and services are paid for in U.S. dollars.

The exchange rate in Cambodia roughly is $1 to 4,000 KHR (Cambodian Riel).  Please check the conversion rate before departure.  Currency Exchange Rates

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are accepted in major hotels, (Including the delegation hotel) restaurants, and shops in the urban areas. ATMs are available, including at the hotel, and offer a safe and convenient way to obtain cash.

If you bring US currency with you, bring clean bank notes, as dirty ones might be refused. Exchange locations are selective about the quality of the bills and will not accept any with writing, tears, rips, or numerous creases. Larger notes often get a better exchange rate than smaller ones.

Electricity in Cambodia

In Cambodia the standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. You cannot use your electric appliances in Cambodia without a voltage converter because the standard voltage in Cambodia (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V). You can seriously damage your appliances.

We recommend carrying a series of plug adapter as  Cambodia utilizes three electrical plug types:

  • Plug type A ( used in the United States) is the plug which has two flat parallel pins.
  • plug type C is the plug which has two round pins.
  • plug type G is the plug with three rectangular pins, in a triangular pattern.

Cultural Awareness Tips

(Please see the Cultural Briefing Information)

  • Pick up a copy of the English-language newspaper “The Cambodia Daily” for current information on politics and life in Cambodia.
  • Don’t be surprised if the streets of Phnom Penh flood during the rainy season. The city’s drainage system hasn’t been improved much since the colonial era.
  • Please observe the “No Touch” signs at Angkor Wat. Many tourists ignore the signs, and some of the temples are starting to feel the stress of too many human hands.
  • Don’t be shocked by the number of amputees in Cambodia. Land mines have taken a terrible toll on Cambodians, who have one of the highest per capita rates of amputation in the world.
  • Don’t export antiques without government approval.

Packing

Bring lightweight clothes that can be layered. The hot season requires summer-weight clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. In the rainy season, you’ll need waterproof jackets, hats, and plenty of changes of socks. Sandals are culturally and physically appropriate most of the year, and very manageable for quick removal of shoes when entering temples and homes.

Dress appropriately, not only for the prevailing weather, but also to avoid offending the locals’ conservative dress code. Even on a warm day, you should not expose your legs, shoulders, or arms in temples and sacred dwellings. Some locations may refuse admittance if your garb is considered inappropriate. (Cambodia Cultural Briefing Information about appropriate attire for both professional and cultural activities)

The essentials- Before you leave your country, we recommend you make sure you have the following:

  • Passport
  • Covid Vaccination Certificate
  • Air tickets (or E-tickets)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license    
  • Expense money
  • Insurance policy- if you have purchased independent travel insurance
  • Personal Medications

Luggage

  • Suitcases, both hard and soft sided (wheeled versions are OK), with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).
  • Daypack for camera gear, water bottle, and personal items needed during the day. 
  • (optional) Small roll-up duffel to carry home purchases.

Name badges

Your name badges will be distributed at the first meeting of the delegation by your Delegation Leader or Delegation Manager. Please wear your name badge throughout the program, so you are easily identified as a member of the delegation.

Rooming List 

The Rooming list will be included in your final Information, sent at approximately 30 days prior to your delegation convene date.  Take a few moments to make sure you are assigned as per your request.  Please advise me immediately of necessary changes.

Luggage tags

Airline regulations require identification tags on your luggage.  Most airline provide these at their check-in counters at the time, if you do not have one.

 You will receive Citizen Ambassador Program Luggage tags to identify your luggage throughout the program.  

Gratuities 

Most of the tips associated with this program for bus drivers, porters, restaurant staff and hotel luggage service have been included in your program cost. Their tips will be paid from the program office.

Tips for your Delegation Manager HAVE NOT been included, as the Delegation Manager is critical to the success of the program and will be the individual with whom you interact the most.  Your Delegation leader will coordinate the tip for the national guide, collecting from each of you to make up this gratuity.  I suggest $8-12 dollars a day, per person.  

If any of the others, including bus drivers and hotel staff have impressed you, providing additional gratuities to specific individuals whom you would like to recognize their excellent service addition gratuity is always appreciated. 

Phnom Penh International Airport

The domestic and international terminals at Phnom Penh Airport are very compact making it simple for travelers to navigate.  Restrooms are available in the arrivals area.

Arriving passengers (following the signage) proceed to the ground where you will find the immigration, baggage claim, and customs on the ground floor. This is where you may obtain a visa-on-arrival.  If you have not obtained your Visa in advance, please proceed through this process. 

To enter Cambodia, tourists are no longer required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or testing. 

At all points of entry into Cambodia, travelers will continue to be subjected to temperature screening. 

Visas

You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. We highly recommend obtaining your visa in advance of your travel to Cambodia.  The Cambodia e-Visa must be submitted at least 4 days in advance of your arrival in Cambodia.  

If applying for the E-vias, please:

  • Select the T- tourist visa, as your delegation is in country only a short period of time.
  • Requires 3 days  to process.
  • This is a single entry Visa.
  • The cost is $30USD plus $6 USD processing fee.
  • Valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
  • Good for a 30 day stay  in Cambodia.

Please note- if you are participating on the extension and must return to Cambodia to connect to your international flight, you will require a multiple entry visa.

Customs and Security Checks

You will be asked to complete a Customs declaration form for arrival into Cambodia.  Most airlines will provide this form shortly before landing.  The form is also available in the arrivals area. Please keep the customs declaration form given to you upon arrival, in a safe place. You will be asked to present the form upon your departure from the country.

While some canned or sealed food is allowed through customs, no fresh produce, meat, plants, or dairy products will be allowed.  Remember to keep all your receipts for any items you purchase. You may need these to show customs when you re-enter the United States. Without receipts for your purchases, additional duty charges may be assessed by the customs agent. The value of the items purchased, without receipts, is set at the discretion of the customs agent. 

Do not try to take antiques out of the country.

Medical Resources and Covid-19 Precaution Requirements

Health and safety

It is recommended that all passengers travelling have personal insurance to assist with any medical and other costs. Please do not forget to take a copy of your insurance policy with you.

When travelling in markets and public areas, take care of your belongings and leave valuables back at the hotel. It is wise not to accept gifts of food or drink from any strangers. Take care with your passport, credit cards and money – a money belt to fit beneath your clothes is highly recommended. Avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places, including pedestrian underpasses.

Medical services

Please understand that your local guides and Delegation Manager do not necessarily possess first aid training. People with serious medical concerns must take this into account while choosing any destination. We recommend that you bring an ample supply of personal medications with you in your carry-on luggage.

Citizen Ambassador Program Vaccine Requirement

As a condition of participation in the Citizen Ambassador program and to ensure the health of your fellow delegation members and your meeting hosts, you are required to be fully vaccinated and have received boosters as appropriate.

 If you have a medical waiver, from a healthcare professional, please provided a copy to the Citizen Ambassador Program Team.

Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for comprehensive and up-to-date country entry requirements as well as information for onward travel.

In Case of Illness

If it is necessary to miss a meeting or other planned activity due to illness, inform your delegation leader. In case of severe illness, you will be taken to a hospital where Western medicine is available. All medical treatments must be paid for at the time of service, so a travelers insurance policy is a good idea. It is extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible, to have medication shipped internationally.

General Health Tips

  • Get plenty of rest before departure.
  • If you are prone to upper respiratory infections, carry cough, cold, and sore throat remedies, and aspirin. To avoid delays at customs, always use the original containers for over the counter and prescription drugs.
  • Common travelers’ ills can be treated with antacids, aspirin, and preparations such as KaopectateTM or ImodiumTM. If you suffer from motion sickness, take along a preventive remedy.
  • Ask your doctor for a broad-spectrum antibiotic that you can take with you, just in case.
  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra pair.
  • Drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
  • Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the outset of your program. Avoid eating food from roadside stalls as well as unpeeled fruits and fresh salads in small hotels. If you absolutely must eat food at a doubtful location, make sure it is served hot.
  • Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area.
  • If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water and to use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Avoid venturing out in the midday sun.

COVID-19 Requirements for Entry

  • There are NO COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
  • A negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) in not required for entry into Cambodia. 
  • U.S. citizens are NOT required to quarantine. 
  • Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry, and the U.S. government has supported points-of-entry public health screening to help Cambodia implement emergency plans to screen people arriving at various points of entry, such as airports and land-border crossings. 

Prescriptions

Please take the following precautions to avoid complications while traveling:

  • Leave all medication in its original packaging with all prescription details.
  • The prescription must be in your name.
  • Bring extra medication in case of loss or damage.
  • Discuss the issue of time zone changes with your physician to ensure that you are receiving the proper dosage at the proper time of day. You should also discuss alternatives for medications that require refrigeration, as this is not possible while traveling.
  • You will need an original, signed letter from your doctor to bring certain medical devices such as syringes, pumps, or EpiPens® on the airplane.

Personal Safety

Cambodia is generally very safe places to travel. Your personal safety is usually a matter of common-sense awareness of your surroundings. Keep wallets in an inconspicuous location; don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room; take advantage of hotel safes when available; and always lock your door when in your hotel room.

Do not go with anyone soliciting business or services away from the delegation or public places. Do not take expensive jewellery or other valuables. The surest way to protect these items from loss or theft is to leave them at home.