Cambodia, important visitor information

Capital
Phnom Penh

Language
Khmer is the official language but French and English are also used.

Currency
The local currency is the riel, but the US dollar and the Thai Baht has become acceptable in many places in Cambodia.

Time Zone
GMT +7

Government
Democratic Constitutional Monarchy

Climate
Cambodia's climate is generally tropical. There are two distinct seasons - the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. Rainy Season is from June to October. Cool Dry Season is from November to February and hot Dry Season is from March to May.

Clothing
Clothing is casual except for formal occasions. It is quite common to see a Krama used by both men and women. A Krama is a long, narrow checkered cloth usually seen folded around the head to serve as protection from the sun or cold and even to ward off mosquitoes.

Health
Bottled water is preferred as tap water is not safe to drink. No vaccinations are officially required for entry but are highly recommended for personal protection. Important medications must be brought as there is no assurance of availability in Cambodia.

Food
Khmer cuisine is similar to that of Thailand and Laos but not as spicy. Cambodia is well known for its Prahok, a strong fermented fish paste used in several traditional dishes.

Foreign Embassies
Countries who have embassies in Cambodia are:

Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, Russia, Singapore, Malta, Korea, China, Vietnam, United Kingdom and the USA.