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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To visit Cambodia for tourism or business, travellers are required to obtain a visa. South African citizens can apply online for a Cambodian e-Visa. As part of essential Cambodia Travel Information.
Note that the e-Visa is valid at specific entry points:
Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport and Preah Sihanouk International Airport.
Crossing borders: Poi Pet, Chamyeam border checkpoints with Thailand, Bavet border with Vietnam and Tropaeng Kreal Border Post with Laos.
E-visa is valid to leave Cambodia at any exit point.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons, wet and dry. The wet season brings heavy rains and high humidity, while the dry season is sunnier and more comfortable. Temperatures remain warm year-round, making it a great destination for beach and cultural tourism.
- Spring (March to May): Late Spring is the pre-monsoon season, with temperatures rising significantly, often reaching around 35°C in April. Humidity increases steadily, making the afternoons feel hot. This is the hottest time of the year, though mornings and evenings remain more pleasant.
- Summer (June to October): This is the southwest monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity. Showers are often intense but short, leaving the countryside lush and green. Travel is still possible, but certain rural areas may be harder to access due to flooding.
- Autumn (November): The post-monsoon period begins, with rain tapering off and humidity starting to drop. The landscape remains vibrant and green, and the weather gradually becomes cooler.
- Winter (December to February): The dry season arrives with cooler, more comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Humidity is low, and skies are clear making it the perfect time for sightseeing and temple exploration. January and February are particularly pleasant.
- Best Time to Travel: November to February offers the best weather for exploring Angkor Wat and other cultural sites. Visiting during the rainy season means fewer crowds and lush scenery but one must expect higher humidity.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Cambodia |
| Capital City: | Phnom Penh |
| International Airports: | – Phnom Penh International Airport – Kampong Chhnang Airport – Siem Reap International Airport |
| Area: | 181,035 km² |
| Population: | 17,638,801 |
| Time Zone: | (UTC)+7:00 |
| Religion: | Predominantly Theravada Buddhist 1% Christian Remaining population follows Islam, atheism, or animism. |
| Language: | Official language: Cambodian (Khmer) French and English are also widely spoken. |
| Currency: | Riel (KHR) American dollars are commonly used in major cities. |
| Exchange Rate: | Consult your local bank as rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Accepted primarily in major hotels. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Easily Accessible |
| Dialling Code: | +855 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Voltage: 220V AC/DC Socket sizes vary; carry adapters. |
| Water: | Drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Government Offices: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 11:30 & 14:00 – 17:00 Business Offices: Monday to Saturday, 08:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 17:00 Shops: Daily, 08:00 – 20:00 Markets: Daily, 06:00 – 17:00 |
| Banking Hours: | Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 15:00 |
| Photography Restrictions: | Photography is generally permitted; however, it is courteous to ask permission when taking pictures of people. |
| Tipping: | Not generally expected but appreciated. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No specific vaccinations are required for visits to major cities or tourist areas. Cambodia Travel Information advises that anti-malaria prophylaxis may be useful for visits to swampy areas near the Laos border. Avoid consuming ice and raw street food. Food and ice at hotels are safe. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Dress conservatively, in line with local customs. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Traditional greetings involve a bow with hands brought together at chest level, like a prayer gesture. – Showing greater respect involves a lower bow and higher hands. – Cambodians have adopted the Western handshake with foreigners, but women may still use the traditional greeting. Respond with the greeting you are given. |
FESTIVALS
- Victory Day: January 7
- Meak Bochea: Dates vary according to the lunar calendar; check for specific dates
- Khmer New Year: April 13-14
- Visakha Bochea: May 7
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony: May (exact date varies)
- The King’s Birthday: May 14
- Day of Remembrance: May 20
- Pchum Ben: October 8-10
- Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom: October 15
- Paris Peace Agreement Day: October 23
- Bon Om Touk (Water Festival): October (specific dates vary)
MAP
“The most beautiful thing in Cambodia isn’t the country – it’s the Cambodian people.”
– Rithy Panh