Area
	181,035 sq.km    Width=560 km    Length=440 km
	Capital
	The Capital is Phnom Penh , 3 more municipalities: Sihanoukville, Kep and Pailin, and 20 provinces. View all Cambodia map.
	Population
	11.76 million. Population in Phnom Penh is about 1 million.
	Language
	The official language is Khmer. It is part of the Mon-Khmer family. English is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly amongst the young, while the educated older people speak French.
	Religion
	The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is also practised in neighboring Laos, Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.
	Climate
	Tropical monsoon. Rainy season: May-November. Dry season: December-April.
	Currency
	The Khmer Riel fluctuates regularly. At the time of press it was 4,000 Riel to the US dollar, requiring the carrying of large quantities of paper currency. US dollars are widely used, and establishments catering to foreign tourists usually quote prices in US dollars. Denominations are 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100 and 50 Riel. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged at most hotels, airport or at market places.

Visa

A visas on arrival, valid for 30 days, is issued at Pochentong International Airport, Phnom Penh, and at Siem Reap Airport, The visa cost is US$20 for Tourist and US$25 for Business. A photograph is needed. Visas can be extended at the Immigrations Department in Phnom Penh. Visas are also issued at Royal Cambodia Embassies or Consulates in some foreign countries.
 

Airport taxes
 

For international departures: US$20 from Phnom Penh; US$8 from Siem Reap. For domestic flights: US$5 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and US$5 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
 

Customs
 

Every passenger has to complete an immigration form and a separate customs declaration form for submission upon arrival. Any amount of foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia, but the amount of local currency (Cambodia Riel) must not exceed 100,000 riel per person. Tourists and nonresidents carrying more than US$10,000 in cash or its equivalent must declare it - otherwise you may run into problems if you wish to take the same amount out of the country.
 

Tipping

Not obligatory, but is widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills.
 

Airport taxis
 

A taxi (of the non-metered variety) from Siem Reap Airport into town, 8km away, costs US$5 and will take 10-15 minutes. A motorbike costs $1. For visitors entering Cambodia through Pochentong International Airport, Phnom Penh, a taxi into the city will cost US$7 and will take approx. a5 minutes. Most hotels and better guesthouses provide airport pickups for booked guests.
 

Local transportation
 

Cars and mini-uses are readily available for touring the temples at Angkor, or for day trips in and around Phnom Penh. The average cost for a car plus driver is approx. US$20-25 per day.
 

Hotels & guesthouses
 

There are many of each in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. They range from luxurious 5-star hotels to guesthouses charging from US$5 a night. In Siem Reap, there are several small hotels along the road between the airport and the town. These are peaceful, being set among rice fields and palms, but require a taxi ride for each venture outside.
 

Food & restaurants
 

Local Khmer food is inexpensive and often tasty. Rice and fish, together with a tempting array of herbs, sauces and spices are typical fare. Curries and soups with beef, pork, poultry and seafood can be bought from street vendors at a nominal charge. Hygiene at some street stalls may sometimes be questionable, however.
 

Health
 

It's hot, so drink plenty of water, bur never drink tap water. Good quality bottled water available everywhere. Also remember to wear a high-factor sun block when sightseeing and use an insect repellent as protection against mosquitoes. Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. And one should always bring essential medications to Cambodia as there is no guarantee they will be available locally.
 

Nightlife
 

Plenty available, but take your own driver or "motodop" (motorbike taxi driver) for the evening.
 

Telephone
 

There are no coin-operated phones (there are no coins) in Cambodia. Phone cards are available, however, and the cars can be purchased at many outlets. There are also several mobile phone systems.
 

Opening hours
 

Government offices: business hours are from 7.30-11.30am and resume from 2-5pm, Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 8am-3pm Monday to Friday, from 8am-noon Saturday, and closed on Sundays and public holidays. Markets are open from early morning to late evening, including Sundays and public holidays.
 

Photography
 

Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden, and discretion should be used when photographing people, particularly monks.
 

Contacts
Ministry of Tourism
http://www.mot.gov.kh, 3Preah Monivong Blvd., Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel.(855-23) 213911. Fax(855-23) 426107 / 217503. E-mail: marketing@mot.gov.kh