TRAVEL GUIDE 2017

CAMBODIA

1 Do I need a visa? All visitors to Cambodia require a visa except passport holders of Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and Myanmar. All other passport holders (except those from Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria) can apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.kh. You can get also a visa on arrival at most ports of entry at a cost of US$20 (bring two passport photos).

How long will it take me to get there? It’s 2 hours to Phnom Penh from Singapore. Cambodia is 7 hours

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ahead of GMT and one hour behind Singapore.

3 What’s the money situation? Cambodian currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR). US dollars are widely used in Cambodia, though it’s useful to have some Cambodian currency for small purchases. Small change is also returned in riel. ATM withdrawals using Visa or MasterCard are available in the major cities. Credit cards are accepted in many upmarket hotels, boutiques and restaurants. When’s the best time to visit? You can visit Cambodia any time of the year; the average temperature is around 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. Cambodia has four seasons: • November to February, cool and dry 4

• March to May, hot and dry • June to August, hot and wet • September to October, cool and wet

What’s the lingo? The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. English and French

FACT FILE

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are also spoken. Here are some phrases to get you started: Hello Chum reap sour What is your name? Naek chmuah ey? My name is __ Knyom chmuah __ How much? Nih th’lay pohnmaan? Thank you Aw kohn Yes Baht ( for males ) / jaah ( for females ) I don’t understand Khnom men yol teh

• The

Cambodian flag is the only flag in the world to feature a building. • Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. • The flow of the Tonlé Sap river changes direction twice a year.

6 Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals? For a formal greeting, place your hands together close to your chest and face; dip your head at the same time in a slight bow. What’s a must-try dish? Fish amok , a fish mousse with fresh coconut milk, and kroeung , a type of Khmer curry paste. Try their fried insects too, if you dare – grasshoppers, bamboo worms and more. 7

• Tarantula

kebabs are a popular delicacy in Cambodia.

What should I buy as a souvenir? Khmer silk, woven mats, candles and soaps, rice paper and

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Mekong quilts.

Shutterstock.com | Efired

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