GENERAL
Official name of the state
Kingdom of Cambodia.
Capital
Phnom Penh.
Geography
As a country located in Asia according to remzfamily, Cambodia borders Laos and Thailand to the north, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The country consists of around 75% tropical rainforest; the fertile plains are crossed by numerous rivers. There are several high plateaus in the northeast. The capital lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé rivers. The Tonlé is fed by the Tonlé Sap, a large lake in the center of the country. There are numerous islands off the southwest coast.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy, since 1993. 1993 constitution. Parliament (National Assembly) with 123 members. Independent from France since 1953.
Head of state
Norodom Sihamoni, since October 2004.
Head of government
Samdech Hun Sen, since 1998.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz, there are often power outages. Outside of Phnom Penh, electricity is only available in the evenings from approximately 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Time zone
Indochina Time: CET +8
MONEY
Currency
1 Riel = 100 Sen. Currency abbreviations: CR, KHR (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 (rare), 100 and 50 (rare) CR.
Note: The riel is a means of payment in local trade, whereas the US dollar is mainly used in tourism. In the border area with Thailand, the Thai Baht is also used as a common means of payment.
Credit cards
Not accepted everywhere, mostly only in larger hotels and tourist restaurants and shops. Visa and MasterCard are most likely to be accepted. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
ATMs can be found in tourist areas and larger cities. If the Maestro symbol is on the machine, these are also suitable for EC cards with the same.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
- General Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of national and foreign currencies is unrestricted, mandatory declaration from an amount equivalent to US $ 10,000. (Export only up to the amount declared.)
Currency Exchange
The recommendation is an exchange in the country. Euros can be changed at the Cambodian Public Bank, Cambodian Bank, Mekong Bank and at major airports. Small denominations of US dollars are recommended. Only small sums of money should be exchanged, as it is difficult to change the local currency back.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Khmer and is spoken by 95% of the population. French is the language of business and education. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. The younger generation also often speaks English.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Cambodia duty-free:
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 250 g tobacco (from 18 years);
2 l of wine;
350 ml of perfume or eau de toilette.
Medicines to be taken constantly in an amount sufficient for the stay.
Prohibited imports
Weapons.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Shirt and tie are appropriate. Knowledge of English and French is helpful.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 07.00-11.30 and 14.00-17.30.
Economy
Information is available from the embassy in Berlin (see addresses).
Business contacts
Information is available from the embassy in Berlin (see addresses).
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. Many public phones are card phones. Telephone cards are available from post offices, hotels and supermarkets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Cellphone
GSM 900 and 1800. Cellular companies include Samart (GSM 900) (Internet: www.hello016-gsm.com) and Cambodia Shinawatra (GSM 1800) (Internet: www.camshin.com). The reception / transmission area is limited to Phnom Penh and other larger cities. Cell phones can be rented. Roaming contracts exist with Germany and Switzerland, among others.
Internet
The provider is Big Pond (Internet: www.bigpond.com.kh). Internet cafes are common in Phom Penh and Siem Reap.
Post Office
Mail delivery is unreliable. Airmail to Europe takes around 5 days. Post offices in Phnom Penh open Mon-Fri 7 am-5pm
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Antiques, wood carvings, masks, brass figures and jewelry (made of gold or silver with precious stones) are best bought at the markets. The Bijouterie d’Etat also sells jewelry, and the art school sells some of the items on display. In the Central Market there are typical clothes and fabrics. Visitors should note that the export of antiques and precious stones is subject to strict controls.
CULTURE
Religion
Buddhism (95%) is the state religion; Islamic and Christian minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Diplomacy in discussions on political issues is appropriate. Women should wear clothing that covers the body. Photography is generally allowed. People should be asked for permission beforehand. Be careful at the airport: the outdated X-ray machines are harmful to films. Tipping: Small amounts are gladly accepted in hotels and restaurants as well as by tourist guides.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical monsoon climate; Monsoons from May to October. Cool winters in the north, otherwise hardly any temperature differences. Most pleasant, coolest travel time from November / December to January.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +855 Area (sqkm) 181 035 Population 15,708,756 Population density (per sqkm) 87 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 119
