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Useful Information for Volunteers

Cambodia (Siem Reap) Important: Please keep copies of your passport, airline tickets, insurance policy, Visa, letter of appointment by SIF and any other documents which you would carry as a precaution against lost and stolen items. Make a copy of these documents and leave them with your family members and country manager in Singapore as well as a separate copy from the originals.

Important contact numbers and addresses

Emergency Numbers 1

Ambulance: 119 (from 023 phones) 023-724891 Police Hotline: 117 (from 023 phones) Tourist Police: 097-7780002 Child Abuse/Exploitation Police Hotline: 023-720555 Fire: 118 (from 023 phones) 012-786693

Singapore Embassy in Phnom Penh2

Address: 129 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Telephone: +855-23-221-875

Facsimile: +855-23-210-862 (Chancery) +855-23-214-578 (Consular Section) Email: singemb_pnh@sgmfa.gov.sg

1 Phnom Penh Cambodia - http://www.canbypublications.com/phnompenh/ppemerg.htm

2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Singapore - http://www.mfa.gov.sg/phnompenh/

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Hours of Work:

Chancery 08:00 - 12:30 hrs and 14:00 - 17:00 hrs

Visa Section 08:30 - 12:00 hrs (Application)

14:30 - 16:30 hrs (Collection)

The Embassy is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Cambodian Public Holidays and Singapore National

Day (9 August). Singaporeans who need urgent consular assistance after office hours can call the

Embassy at +855-23-220-914 or the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs +65-6379-8000.

Airport Information

Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport is the second largest airport in Cambodia and is located in Siem

Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat. It is located about 8 km from the Siem Reap city. Airlines that operate

from the Siem Reap International Airport are Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air,

China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar, Korean Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air,

Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.

All visitors require visas except nationals of Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam. Tourist

visas are single entry and are US$20. You will need to bring a passport sized photograph with you, although if

you do not have a photograph the immigration officials will photocopy your passport for a fee of US$2. They

are valid for a one-month stay, but can be extended for a further month in Cambodia. However, they are

expensive at around US$45. Children under 14 years of age do need visas but they are issued free. The

minimum length of stay is 24 hours and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. An

onward ticket is very rarely asked for. Business visas are single entry and are US$25. They can be extended

for single entry for 1 month or 3 months and multiple entry visas for 6 months or 1 year.

Departures

International departure tax for adults is US$25 per person, for children under 12 years old it is US$13 per

person and for children under 2 years old it is free. Domestic departure tax for both adults and children

under 12 years old is US$6. There is no charge for children under 2 years old.

Passport/visa requirements: In order to visit Cambodia, a visa is required for most nationalities. A passport with at least six month validity is required. Philippine and Malaysian nationals do not require tourist visas for a stay up to 21 and 30 days respectively. Singaporean nationality is also exempt from the usual visa requirement. E-Visa: The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs now offers 'e-visa' - visas available online through the Ministry's website. Scan of passport and passport size photo required. Payment is by credit card.

US$25 for a 30 day visa (three month validity.)

Processing time: 3 days. Issued by email and print from from your computer.

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The Ministry recently announced that e-visa entry points now include Siem Reap International Airport, Phnom Penh International Airport, the Bavet/Moc Bai border crossing, the Poipet/Aranyaprathet border crossing and the Koh Kong/Had Lek border crossing. To order an E-visa see the following website: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/e-visa/vindex.aspx

Country Background

Brief History

Siem Reap City is the capital of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.

Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. It is the gateway city for nearby Angkor Wat.

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap now serves the most tourist passengers to Cambodia. Most tourists come to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Wat, Angkorr Thom, (about 6 km north of the city), and other Angkor ruins. While those are still the main attractions, there are plenty of other things to experience, such as a dinner with an Apsara Dance performance, a trip to fishing villages and bird sanctuary, a visit to a craft workshop and silk farm, or a bicycle tour around the rice paddies in the countryside

Capital – Phnom Penh

Land Area – 181,035 sq km (land: 176,515 sq km, water: 4,520 sq km)

Type of Government – multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Nationality of people – Cambodian

Major ethnic groups – Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Major religions – Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (1998 census)

Major languages – Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

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Money 3

Denominations

The currency of Cambodia is the Riel,

although US Dollars is used at most places

frequented by tourists and can be used

interchangeably for Riel just about

everywhere else. While the Riel is

theoretically convertible, it isn't commonly

traded. Prices at hotels, restaurants and

tourist sights are usually in US Dollars.

However, businesses in Cambodia don't

keep US coins on hand, so small change will

usually be given in Riel, at a common

exchange rate of 4,000 Riel to one US Dollar.

Exchange Tips

There are currency exchanges throughout the major tourist destinations, but changing money is more or

less unnecessary if you're carrying US notes in small denominations. Automated Teller Machines (ATM)

are now quite common. You'll find them in most tourist areas as well as airports. With a very few

exceptions, they dispense US Dollars, not Riel. Those that do dispense both will give you the option of

what you want

Though Cambodian riel is the official currency, US dollars are currently the de facto tender in Cambodia. Most businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, airlines, markets and souvenir shops set their prices in US dollars. Change of less than one dollar is given in riel. Always carry some small riel for minor purchases. 500 and 1000 riel note are the most common and useful denominations. Money changers cluster around the markets and tend to give a slightly better exchange rate than the banks. When accepting money, inspect the bills. Banking Services ATMs ATMs with international access are available across Siem Reap. All ATMs dispense in US dollars. ANZ Royal Bank ATMs accept Maestro, Cirrus, Visa Plus, Visa and MasterCard. UCB Bank ATMs accept Visa Plus and Visa. SBC Bank ATMs accept Maestro, Visa and MasterCard. Canadia Bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard.

3 Asia for Visitors - http://asiaforvisitors.com/cambodia/general/currency.html

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Credit Cards Visa and JCB cards are the most widely accepted credit cards in Cambodia. MasterCard and AMEX are coming into wider use. Many places charge commission on credit card payment. Travelers Checks Travelers checks are accepted at most upscale hotels, shops and restaurants, some mid-range place and a growing number of other businesses. The most commonly accepted credit card is Visa, MasterCard and JCB. AMEX is becoming more widely accepted. Most businesses charge a 2%-4% fee to accept credit cards. Cash Transfers 'Instant' cash transfers can be done through MoneyGram or Western Union. Ordinary telegraphic transfers are available at all major banks. Banks

A number of upmarket hotels offer money-changing services, although this is usually reserved for their guests. Many travel agents can also change travelers cheques and offer credit-card advances for a 5% commission or higher.

ANZ Royal Bank Full banking services and ATMs with international access. 1) Main Branch - 566-570, Tep Vong Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia 2) Agency - Old Market area 3) Caltex Station on Road No 6 4) Siem Reap International Airport Tel: +(855) (0)23-726900 Cambodia Asia Bank Currency exchange, t/c exchange, Western Union services, Visa/MC 1) Corner of Sivatha Road and Route #6, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-964741 2) On Sivutha near the Old Market area, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-965315 3) At Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-963152 www.cab.com.kh

Cambodia Commercial Bank (CCB) Currency and t/c exchange. Visa/MC/JCB 1) 130 Sivatha Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel/Fax: +(855) (0)63-380154 2) #348, Sivatha, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-965315 3) At Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-963152. M-F 9:00-16:00. Cambodia Mekong Bank Public Limited (MekongBank) Currency / t/c exchange. Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX On Sivatha Blvd., Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-964417 Fax: +(855) (0)63-964420 MekongBank Currency / t/c exchange. Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX On Sivatha Blvd., Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-964417 Fax: +(855) (0)63-964420

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SBC Bank Currency exchange, ATM, t/c exchange, Western Union services, Visa/MC 1) #18A Sivatha, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel/Fax: +(855) (0)63-963838 2) #54 SivathaTel: +(855) (0)63-965263 www.sbc-bank.com

Union Commercial Bank (UCB) Currency exchange, ATM, t/c exchange, ‘No commission’ Visa card cash advance. 1) Old Market area, Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: +(855) (0)63-963703 Fax: +(855) (0)63-963705

Communications

Internet

There are probably over 200 internet cafes in Siem Reap where you can use internet facilities and also make domestic and international phone calls. Internet rates are normally US$0.50 to US$1.00 per hour. International phone calls via the internet are nearly all under US$1.00 per minute to all countries.

Telephone

Dialing Home

To call to Siem Reap from Singapore, dial Cambodia’s country code (855) followed by Siem Reap area code

(63) lastly the 6 digits telephone numbers for fixed/land/mobile line.

E.g. Dial 855 63 344 533

To call home to Singapore using a Singapore SIM card, dial Singapore’s country code (65) followed by the 8

digits mobile or fixed number.

Dialing domestically (within Cambodia/Siem Reap) via a local SIM/call card

You may notice that Cambodian telephone numbers begin with a ‘0’ (e.g. 023-000000, 016-000000, etc.)

When dialing domestically, it is usually necessary to dial the entire number including the ‘0’ at the beginning.

When dialing from outside Cambodia to a Cambodian telephone number, you must use the country code but

exclude the ‘0’ at the beginning (e.g., 855-23-000000, 855-16-000000, etc). When dialing from Cambodia to a

number outside of Cambodia, you must precede the number with ‘007’ or '001' (for example 007-662-251-

0000)

SIM Cards

Tourist SIM cards are now available from around US$2 each and they last for 2 weeks. Officially you need to be a Cambodian national with an ID card or you need to live and work in Cambodia to be able to buy a SIM card for your mobile phone for longer than 2 weeks.

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Postal Services

Post Office, Siem Reap

The main post office in Siem Reap is on the West side of the river on Pokambor Avenue which faces Siem

Reap river and it maybe easier to find FCC Hotel then it is about 400m from there following the river. You can

send postcards, letters and parcels abroad and the service is pretty good. You can also make domestic or

international phone calls and their also have a fax machine if you need to fax something back home.

The post office is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 11:00pm and also 7:30am to 5:30pm on

Sundays.There a number of parcel service companies that have opened up in Siem Reap, but the one that

most people will know is DHL Express, which is facing the river near the Old Market.

If you want to ship your souvenirs home, there are several international package/parcel services in town that

can assist. Shipping is not inexpensive, ranging from $50-$100/kg for small parcels to as little as $10/kg for

very large parcels, but almost any size can be accommodated. Ask about special rates. Shipping services can

also assist with customs clearance and export papers if necessary.

DHL

Located in Phsar Kandal on Sivatha Blvd. Tel: 012-799432, 063-964949

TNT Express Worldwide

Located near the Old Market next to the Ta Phrom Hotel. Tel: 063-963758; Fax: 063-963195Customer service

hotline: 023-430922.

Health Advisory Childhood diseases - polio, measles, mumps, rubella, etc - If you are going to be working with children such as doing volunteer work at and orphanage or teaching, it may be advisable to update your childhood disease vaccinations. Other diseases of concern AIDS/HIV - A bodily fluid borne disease. Prevalent in Cambodia, particularly amongst commercial sex workers. Avoid blood products except in emergencies. Practice safe sex. Dengue Fever - A mosquito borne disease. Prevalent in some parts of Cambodia, particularly at certain times of year. No vaccination or prophylactic available. Practice good mosquito bite prevention habits. Worms - A food borne parasite. Eat at reputable restaurants. Practice good hygiene. Beware of street food. Beware of undercooked meat. Giardia, Salmonella - Food/water borne diseases. Eat at reputable restaurants. Practice good hygiene. Beware of street food.

Water

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Outside of Phnom Penh (and perhaps Siem Reap) you should assume that tap water is not potable. Khmer

brand water in blue plastic bottles sell for 1000 riels or less (although prices are often marked up for tourists,

to 50 cents or a dollar).

Practical information Climate

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season runs from May to November. The most

pleasant season is the dry season, from November/December to April. In the north, winters can be colder,

while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. There is often seasonal flooding

in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August, and travel may be disrupted at these

times.

Safety

Tourists also report snatch and grab robberies in which their bag, camera or necklace is snatched by a passing motorcyclist. When walking down the street, keep your camera/bag on your inside shoulder. Most tuk-tuk drivers will advise you to keep your camera and bags in front of you in the middle of the tuk-tuk, not near outside where it can be grabbed. Outside of Phnom Penh, violent criminal activity directed against foreign tourists is almost unheard of. There have been some bag snatchings and a few night-time robberies and assaults in Sihanoukville and now Siem Reap but, at least at this point in time, these are exceptions rather than the rule. Generally speaking, provincial capitals such as Siem Reap, Battambang and others are generally safe.

Other non-violent, non-confrontational crime does occur, but should almost go without mentioning. Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel room unattended. Do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beaches in Sihanoukville. Do not leave your bags in a taxi or on a motorcycle or cyclo while you go into a hotel to check in. Be very careful of your belongings if you take a prostitute to your hotel room. Be careful of pickpockets in tourist areas, in crowded discos and clubs, particularly clubs filled with prostitutes, and at the traditional markets such as Phsar Toul Thom Pong and Phsar Kandal in Phnom Penh where the pickpockets are often seemingly friendly children. Time Zone

Cambodia runs at GMT +7 hours, the same time zone as its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Electricity voltage

Electricity in Cambodia is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Cambodia with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

Cambodia Plug Adapters and Outlet Shapes

Outlets in Cambodia generally accept 3 types of plug:

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Flat blade plug

Two round pins

Two parallel flat pins with ground pin

If your appliances plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.

Depending on how much you plan to travel in the future, it may be worthwhile to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.

Public holidays

The Cambodian Calendar Year

Date Name of Event Description

1-Jan New Years Day Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian New Year

7-Jan Victory from Genocide Day

Commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime after their defeat by the Vietnamese in 1979.

moveable, usually in February Meak Bochea

Commemorates the spontaneous gathering of monks to listen to the Buddha's preaching.

8-Mar International Women's Day International day for women.

April 13-15 or 14-16 Cambodian New Year

Chaul Chnam Thmey in Khmer. Considered to be the most important festival on the calendar.

moveable in April or May Visaka Bochea

Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.

1-May Labour Day Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

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moveable in May Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Known in Cambodia as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, this public holiday corresponds to the start of the planting season.

May 13 - May 15 HM the King's Birthday Commemorates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on May 14, 1953.

18-Jun HM the Queen Mother's Birthday

Commemorates the birthday of The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

24-Sep Constitution Day Celebrates the signing of the Cambodian constitution by King Sihanouk.

moveable in September or October Pchum Ben

A Cambodian religious holiday when many Cambodian Buddhists pay their respects to deceased relatives by cooking meals for monks and making offerings to the "ghost" of deceased relatives. It is also known as "Ancestor's Day".

29-Oct Coronation Day Commemorates the coronation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.

31-Oct HM the King Father's Birthday

Commemorates the birthday of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

9-Nov Independence Day Celebrates Cambodia's independence from France in 1953.

moveable in November

Water Festival (Bon Om Thook)

Boat races on the Tonle Sap in Phnom Penh celebrate the time when the water in the river reverses course.

10-Dec Human Rights Day

Commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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Local Transportation

Bus

In Siem Reap the Chong Kov Sou bus station is located near Phsar Leu (the 'Upper Market') a couple of

kilometers west of town center. On arrival, motodups from the station into town run $1-$2 and tuk-tuks

cost about $2.50-$3. For passengers departing Siem Reap, most bus companies offer a free shuttle

service from the hotel/guesthouse to the bus station.

Boat

Thee are eight boat companies currently providing services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and

one boat company operating Phnom Penh to Chau Doc. Since there is limited numbers of passenger

travel, boat companies are taking turn to cruise, one company a day. 7:00AM is the departure time and

half hour shall be arrived prior to the departure. Ticket shall be bought at least one-day advance for the

assured seat but it is also available at location. All boats are equipped with air-conditioner, toilet and

Video TV. Enjoy your ride, experience your journey with rooftop and you will have the benefit of

spectacular scenery and see the true Cambodian villagers.

Boat Companies:

Siem Reap to Battambang – Daily ferry departs Siem Reap for Battambang at 7:30am. $25/person. It's a

picturesque, 4 - 6 hour journey across the Tonle Sap and up the Sangker River in the wet season, but can

be considerably longer (8-11 hours) in the dry season due to low water levels. Ask about current

conditions. The boats in no way meet international safety standards. There is no direct boat between

Battambang and Phnom Penh.

Taxis

Local shared taxi: ~$10 per person. Departs from southwest corner of Central Market in Phnom Penh. 5-

8 hours

Private taxi: US$50 or more for the whole car. 4-5 hours. Negotiate the price with a local taxi or arrange

a private taxi through your hotel or travel agent. Generally speaking, the better the car, the higher the

price.

Local Customs

Local Taboos Cambodian society is largely Buddhist and function according to a hierarchy. As such, it is not uncommon for locals to ask foreigners personal questions in order to ascertain their social rank. This is not considered impolite in Cambodia and is simply a way to determine how best to interact with you in a respectful manner. The concept of keeping ‘face’ is also paramount therefore it is important not to

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embarrass, to get angry with or to criticize anyone in public, which could cause them to ‘lose face’. Cambodians greet one another with a som pas; a bow with hands placed together in a prayer-like position at chest level. It is considered appropriate to greet or introduce the highest ranking person in a group first. When entering a Cambodian home, always remove your shoes at the entrance. Most Cambodians sit on mats that are laid on the floor in their homes and visitors should follow suit. Women should carefully place their legs to one side and avoid pointing the soles of their feet at anyone. Men can sit cross-legged. Visitors should avoid contact with the feet and heads of Cambodians. The head, which is considered the most sacred part of the body, should not be touched; while the lowest part of the body, the feet, should not be pointed at anyone. It is also important for women not to touch monks, who must undergo a religious purification ceremony in the event this happens. Both men and women, especially when visiting Buddhist temples where it is necessary to cover both arms and legs should wear conservative dress throughout Cambodia. Visitors need not avoid talking about Cambodia’s turbulent past altogether but any conversation of this nature should be approached with delicacy and abandoned if it appears the local you are talking to does not wish to discuss the topic.

Food 4

The staples are rice and fish. Traditionally, a home meal is served on a mat on

the floor or with the diners seated together on a raised bamboo platform.

Meals are eaten in shifts according to status, with adult males and guests

eating first and food preparers last. Breakfast typically consists of rice porridge

or rice noodles. Lunch and dinner may be a combination of a spiced broth with

fish or meat and vegetables, fish, fresh vegetables eaten with a fish-based

paste, and stir-fried vegetables with chopped meat. A strong-smelling

fermented fish paste called prâhok is the quintessential flavoring of Khmer

food. Fruit is savored, and its display is considered a mark of abundance. It

often is given as a gift. Teuk tnaot, a liquid tapped from sugar palms and drunk

in various degrees of fermentation, generally is not taken with meals.

The tradition of Khmer cuisine in restaurants is undeveloped, and restaurants typically serve what is regarded

as Chinese food. There are no food taboos, although devout Buddhists refrain from alcohol. Monks also

cannot eat after noon and are enjoined to eat whatever they are given without making special requests.

Common phrases in Cambodia

Greetings

Hello Suosday

4 Culture of Cambodia - http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Cambodia.html

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Goodbye Lea heuy

How are you? Sok sabai chea tay?

I'm fine Knhum sok sabai chea tay

Yes

Baat (for man)

Cha (for woman)

No Otay

Thank you Akun

Thank you very much Akun jann

Sorry Sohm toh

Getting to know

Do you speak English? Teu nak niyeay phea sar anglei tay?

What is your name? Chhmua ei?

What is this called in Khmer Nis hauv thameich pheasar khmer?

Speak slowly Nee yeay yeut yeut

My name is ... (Arun) Knum chhmua ... (Arun)

I understand Khnum yol

I don't understand Khnum ot yol

How do you say this in Khmer Thar mech chea pheasar khmer?

Where are you going? Teu nak kampong toev na?

See you tomorrow Saek chuob knea

Shopping

How much for this? Teu nis thlay pun mann?

Expensive Thlaiy

Market Phsar

Directions

Please take me to... Sohn york knhum toev...

Where is Noev ey na

Slow down (you'll need this one!) Banthoy L'boeun

Stop here Chhop tee nis

Turn right Bort sdam

Turn left Born chhveng

Go straight Toev trang

Places

Bank Thorneakea

Pharmacy Or soth s'than

Toilet Bongkun

Hotel Santhakea

Guesthouse Ph'teah som nak

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Embassy S'thantoot

Numbers

1 Muoy

2 Pee

3 Bey

4 Buon

5 Pram

6 Pram-muoy

7 Pram-pee

8 Pram-bey

9 Pram Buon

10 Dorp

Money/Cambodian Currency

50 Haa-sep

100 Muoy-roy

500 Pram-roy

1000 Muoy-pin

5000 Pram-pin

10,000 Muoy-meun