CURRENCY
The local currency is the Riel (KHR). The US dollar is widely used in Cambodia. Credit cards are not generally accepted. We recommend you bring small denominations and new, clean unmarked US bills with you. Use the currency converter to help you quickly calculate your exchange amount.

CLIMATE
The climate is tropical with three seasons. The most pleasant season is the dry season from November to February when temperatures are cooler. The hot season lasts from March to May with average temperatures in the high 90s. The monsoon season, which is both hot and humid, is from June to October. The wettest months are August and September. Note: Siem Reap is generally cooler than Phnom Penh.

Monthly Maximum Temperatures (F°)

HEALTH
No vaccinations are officially required to visit Cambodia. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that visitors have up–to–date inoculations for polio, meningitis, hepatitis A&B, tuberculosis, TABT (typhoid, paratyphoid A&B and tetanus), cholera, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis. In addition, we suggest you contact your personal physician or clinic specializing in international travel. Of course, travelers should bring any prescription medications (in the original containers) currently required. Travelers should pack a small medical kit which includes sunscreen, insect repellent, diarrhea medication, ibuprofen or aspirin and antibacterial ointments. For those who wear eyeglasses, it is recommended that an extra pair be taken, as the quality of local replacement services varies. It is strongly suggested that you have a dental check-up before departure. Medical care facilities are available but are limited and can be expensive for emergency care. For more information, visit the CDC web site.

WHAT TO BRING
Lightweight packing is generally the best policy. Most basic necessities can be obtained through your hotel. However, some hotels may or may not provide hair dryers, so you might want to bring your own. In that case, you will also want to bring a converter and multiple prongs as shapes of outlets will vary even within the same city. Laundry and dry cleaning service is excellent and available at most hotels. Other sundries include camera, plenty of film, batteries, flashlight, money pouch, and bug repellent.

FOOD
Khmer food is predominately seafood and is typically spicy. In Phnom Penh there are numerous international restaurants offering Italian, French, Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. Outside of Phnom Penh, the selection of food and restaurants is usually limited to Khmer and Thai. All fruits and vegetables should be cooked or peeled. Drinking tap water or ice is NOT recommended. Bottled water is available (remember to check the seal).

MAJOR HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
Traditional Cambodian festivals are set according to the Khmer lunar calendar. The biggest festival is the Cambodian New Year in mid-April. Other national holidays include Liberation Day (January 7), Genocide Day (May 9), Visak Bochea (Buddha’s birthday) in April, the King’s Birthday (October 31), and the Water Festival (late October or early November).

LOCAL TIME
GMT +7 hours or +12 hours for EST (subtract 1 hour for daylight savings)

ELECTRICITY
220v, 50Hz

US STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY
Although major crime has not been a problem for US travelers, the potential for crime remains. Visitors should not risk travel by road or rail other than in the immediate vicinities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and should not travel alone or in remote areas of the city, especially after dark. Visit the US State Department website for the most current travel advisory.

RECOMMENDED READING
We recommend titles at Longitude Books, www.longitudebooks.com.