Passport, visa and customs
Visas are required for travel to Cambodia. The passport must be valid for at least six months after entry. Tourist visas are best suited for those staying in the country for 30 days or less. It can be obtained upon arrival at the airport at a cost of USD 30. On the plane to Cambodia, you get the entry and customs form to be filled in. The entry form is handed in at the passport control and the customs form to the customs control. Bring two color photos 4×6 cm before the visa application on arrival.
Vaccinations and health
You should review your basic vaccination protection and consult a doctor or vaccination center for advice at least one month before departure. You should have comprehensive travel insurance that includes any ambulance to Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Remember to bring documentation on current travel / health insurance. Do not drink tap water, brush your teeth in bottled water and avoid ice in chilled drinks. Use mosquito repellent.
Weather and clothes
Cambodia has a tropical climate with abundant rainfall during the rainy season which lasts from April to October. Most tourists choose to go to Cambodia during the dry season, from November to March, when the humidity is lower and it is slightly less warm. The sun is very strong in Cambodia and sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen are recommended. In many of the temple areas, the dress code is quite strict and requires that the knees and shoulders be covered, otherwise you may be denied entry.
Transport and communications
During Phoenix tours in Cambodia, air-conditioned buses with free access to bottled water are used. In the larger cities, taxis are the safest and most convenient means of transport. Most cars are of a newer model and have air conditioning. The prices are usually very affordable. In Cambodia, as in neighboring Thailand, there are open tuk-tuk vehicles used as taxis. Settle on the price before the trip. Most roads in the country are still in rather poor condition, especially in rural areas. Caution should be exercised in traffic that has a higher intensity than in Sweden. In the most important cities there is internet. The larger hotels usually have wifi, at least in the lobby area. Calling from hotels can be very expensive. Note that it can cost a lot to receive calls from Sweden on your mobile.
Food and drinks
Cambodian cuisine is somewhat similar to Thai but less spicy. In the cities, there are many restaurants with Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes on the menus, especially in Siem Reap and other tourist-dense resorts where you will also find a fairly rich selection of Western restaurants.
Shopping
Cambodia is known for its exquisite wood carvings with religious motifs, fine metal work in classic Khmer design and beautiful silk fabrics. Use some caution when buying gemstones and gold items as there are counterfeits.
Other information
Local time: 6 hours before Swedish winter time and 5 hours before Swedish summer time.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Adapters are not usually needed.
Baggage: It sometimes happens that checked baggage gets lost. Therefore, pack valuables and important medicines with a certificate from your doctor in your hand luggage. Passports and cash etc. should always be kept in a safe place. Bag and pocket thefts occur.
Tips: The service fee is usually included in the bill, but a little extra tip is usually much appreciated.
Language: Khmer. Some Cambodians in the more touristy areas of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap speak English.
Travel insurance: You can buy a travel insurance through Phoenix Travel when you book your trip or order one at: http://www.erv.se/ First check what your home insurance covers.
