Currency
The currency of Cambodia is the riel. At the time of writing US$1 = 4000 riel (June 2003) though with an average inflation rate of four percent, it is advisable to check again before traveling. However, for tourists, the real currency of Cambodia is the US dollar. Riel are useful mainly for tipping and small purchases. Since travelers are often given riel as change for purchases made in dollars, most find that they quickly collect enough riel for their needs.

It is also advisable to carry only US dollars, as visitors are not supposed to take riel into or out of country. All foreign currency should be declared on arrival. Keep all exchange slips in case you need to submit these on departure.

There are no ATMs in Cambodia, and the use of credit cards is not widespread. Travelers’ cheques are difficult to exchange outside Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Kompong Cham. Although cash advances on credit cards are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang, associated fees are high.

Health
We strongly recommend having a good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. There is a chronic shortage of trained medical help and hospitals. Therefore, you should avoid treatment in Cambodia. Evacuation to Singapore, Thailand or Malaysia is recommended.

Vaccination
The Royal Government of Cambodia does not require you to have any vaccinations, except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. Please consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations.

Malaria
Although the main tourist areas of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are not malarial, malarial drugs are essential for tourists traveling deeper into provincial Cambodia. The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place: make sure to bring mosquito repellent. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return.

Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.

Food and Water
Avoid all water that has not been thoroughly boiled or sterilized. Drink only bottled water. Supposedly, a plant in Phnom Penh makes all of the city’s ice using sterilized water, but to play it safe, avoid any ice. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you have not peeled yourself.

Security
Since the end of the Pol Pot Regime, Cambodia is now a relatively safe country to travel in (as with any overseas travel, normal travel precautions still apply). Many of the provinces that were once ‘off-limits’ to foreigners are now safe for travel.

Mine & Munitions
During the 1980s Cambodia became the most heavily mined war zone in the world. There were thought to be more than 7 million anti-personnel mines buried around the country. The number of mines has been greatly reduced and tourist areas are mainly mine-free. You should however stick to the paths and hire a local guide in rural areas. Never touch any artillery shells, bombs, rockets, and mines you may come across. In Vietnam and Laos, these are likely to be twenty years old, but in Cambodia, they may have been put there more recently. Avoid walking through jungle areas, even on paths.

Communication
Telephone
International Direct Dialing is available to and from Cambodia. Prepaid telephone cards are available in post offices, hotels and supermarkets for public phones around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The country code for Cambodia is +855; the city code for Phnom Penh is (0) 23, and the city code for Siem Reap is (0) 63.

Mobile Telephone
GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover Phnom Penh and other main cities. Main network operators include Samart (www.hello16-gsm.com), Cambodia Shinawatra (www.camshin.com) and MobilTel (www.mobiltel.com.kh).

Post
Airmail to Europe takes four to five days and to the USA one week to ten days.

Internet
ISPs include CambodiaWeb (www.cambodia-web.net) and Big Pond (www.bigpond.com.kh). Internet cafes are available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Electricity
Electricity: 220V / 50V.
However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns.