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Climate:
The average temperature is 27 c. There
are two seasons - the monsoon season from May to October, and dry season
from November to April. December to January is the coolest period.
Religion:
The official religion is Theravada Buddhism.
Ninety percent of Khmers are of this religion. The country also has
minority religions such as Muslims and Christians.
Language:
The official language is Khmer. It is
part of the Mon-Khmer family. English has gained popularity, and older
education people speak French.
Local
Time:
7 Hours ahead of GMT
Currency:
The Riel. Denominations are Riel 100,000;
50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100. Foreign
currencies can be easily changed at most hotels, airports or at markets.
Telephones:
In Phnom Penh, phone card are available
throughout the city. There are also several mobile phone systems.
- Country Code: 855
- Phnom Penh Code (IDD): 23
Visa:
A Visa on arrival valid for a thirty-day
stay is issued at the Pochentong International airport and Siem Reap
Airport and international border checkpoints for the charge of US$20
and US$25 for business visa. Visas are also issued at Royal Cambodian
Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries. Visa can extand at the
Immigration Department in Phnom Penh City.
 Domestic
Transport:
There are many Kinds of transport in Phnom
Penh, the favoured mode of transport is still by taxi, car rental, bus,
motorbike. The Cyclo (maximum US$3 per hour) provides visitors with
a way to view the city at a leisurely place. Rail transport is available.
Travel by rail is only possible to Bottambang Province and Sihanouk
ville. There are eight provincial airports throughout the country. River
travel is becoming popular, along the Tonle Sap River, Tonle Basak,
and of course the Mekong River. Travel to some parts of Cambodia, tourists
are advised to contact the Ministry of Tourism, City provincial Tourism
offices or at the information counter in Pochentong and Siem Reap Airports.
On Arrival:
Visitors entering Cambodia through Pochentong
International Airport, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airport, if previous
booking has been made, arrangements will most likely have been made
for an air port pick-up. If travelers are making their own way into
the city, a taxi(non-metered ) will take only 10-15 minutes, the cost
should be around US$7. For Siem Reap is around US$5.
Food:
Rice and fish, together with a tempting
array of herbs, sauces and spices are typical Khmer cuisine. Curries
and soups with-beef, pork, poultry and seafood - can be bought from
any street vendor at a normal charge. There is no problem in Phnom Penh.
All the world's main cuisine are to be found here in more than 100 restaurants
such as European, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese.
Opening
Hours:
- Government offices-Business hours are
from 07:30hrs to 11:30hrs and resume from 14:00hrs to 17:00hrs, Monday
to Fridays.
- General offices-privately run concerns
are usually open for business from 07:30hrs to 20:00hrs every day. Banks-open
from 08:00hrs to 15:00hrs Monday 12:00hrs. Closed on Sunday and public
holidays. Markets-open from early morning to late evening and do not
close on Sundays or public holidays.
Music:
The music of performed on traditional
instrument plays an important part in the lives of the people, and accompanies
all of the dances, rituals and ceremonies.
Accommodation:
More than 100 supervised hotels handle
the yearly influx of nearly half million visitors. Prices for accommodation
are moderate, but those seeking luxury will find five star deluxe hotels
in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Tour
Guides:
Professional government licensed tourist
guides are available to help visitors on visiting.
These experienced multilingual guides accompany organized bus tours
or car can be hired on individual basis as a driver with the option
of transportation supplied either by the guides or by the visitors.
Visitors are welcomed by more than 100 travel agencies and offered guides
speaking English, French, Japanese, German, Spanish, Chinese, Thai,
Korean and Vietnamese.
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