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HOLIDAYS TIPS & ADVICE CAMBODIA   CULTURE Political System : Multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993. Religion : Theravada Buddhism is the religion of virtually all of the ethnic Khmer, who constitute about 90 percent or more of the Cambodian population.  Overall Theravada Buddhist 95% and other 5%. Social Norms : Every culture trains its children to become good members of society in order to insure harmony, peace, and stability.  Cambodian parents teach their children how to sleep, walk, stand, sit, and speak.  For the parents, the values below capture the essence of a well-mannered Cambodian. How to Sleep You must wake up before sunrise or you are lazy. Sleeping places in the home are determined according to status.  (Cambodian families often live in one or two rooms, and everyone sleeps on the same bed, a large slatted wooden platform about eight- or ten-feet square.  The parents sleep at the "head" end and the youngest children sleep at the "foot.") How to Walk Tell people where you are going and when you are coming back.  (This is important to show respect to others and to keep them from being embarrassed if someone asks and they don't know where you are.) If someone of higher status is passing you, bend lower (from the waist) than that person. Don't make sounds with your skirt when you walk. Don't wear shoes or hats when you enter a house or temple. Close doors softly when you go through them. When you meet someone on the street, ask where they are going. How to Stand Stand with your arms crossed at the waist.  (Arms at the side means you are signaling that you are strong.  Hands on the hips or arms behind your back or across the chest means you are rich, powerful, threatening, or disrespectful of other people.) How to Sit Sit with your legs straight down. (Crossing legs shows disrespect.) Never put your feet on a table or show the soles of your feet to others. Men can sit on the floor in the lotus position while eating. Women must sit on the floor with legs aside. How to Speak You must speak softly and gently. Show feelings only at home. Children have no right to speak unless spoken to. A guest is polite and doesn't talk unless spoken to. Let others talk more than you. There should be limited talking at meals.  Speak only if spoken to. If you speak with anger or emotion or express feelings, you will not be respected.  You are behaving like an immature and uneducated child. Patience is a virtue.  (Parents make a comparison between a gasoline fire which ignites quickly and burns to nothing, and a charcoal fire which is difficult to start but cannot easily be extinguished and becomes more intense.) Do not make aggressive movements or gestures--such as making a fist, pounding the table, or throwing something--while speaking. Moderated feelings are best, i.e., those that are neither very happy or very angry or sad. Giving criticism or discussing an individual's problems must not be done in public.  (That person will lose face, want revenge, and will be unable to accept your idea.)  If you must give criticism, do so in private and indirectly.  Talk around the issue, ask for information about the issue, and then let the individual reach her own conclusion in her own time and way. How to Eat Men can eat a lot but must not eat fast. Women can eat only a small amount. Take food only when asked or directed to. Use the communal spoon.  Not using it indicates you are insincere or not part of the group. People of high rank do not expect to have to get their own food (especially at a buffet).  They are often seated in a private or special place and served by others to show status and respect. All guests must be served water or another drink even if they come for only a short visit.  Give a drink rather than ask what they want which is impolite.  If asked, they are obligated to choose the least expensive drink. If guests come during a meal, they must be invited to eat. How to Greet Offer a traditional greeting with hands in front of face, palms together, in prayer-like fashion. Men can shake hands with men. Men should not shake hands with Khmer women unless they offer their hand. Men should not hug, kiss, or touch the body of a Khmer woman while greeting her.  (She will lose respect and feel embarrassed.) Men should not look women directly in the eye.  (They may become confused, feel uncomfortable, nervous, shy, and not respected.) Men should not give "strong" visual attention to other men. How to Dress Formality is very important for respect in the office and at important occasions, when teaching, or when being welcomed as a guest. Men wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and shoes. No T-shirts and sandals. Women should avoid skirts above the knees and sleeveless or low-cut blouses. Shorts are not appropriate in public or when a guest. The goal in dressing is to blend in with others, not to stand out. Men's hair should be short.   CURRENCY Local Currency : The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 notes.  However, in the major towns and cities, US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination notes as change may be difficult.  Most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills.  Due to the economic problems in the region, the currency has slipped from 2500 Riels to 3700-3900 per one US dollars (at the time of this writing), meaning Cambodia is an even better value for money tourist destination than before.  Popular local and international currencies can be exchanged openly and freely and there is no black market.  Major credit and charge cards are only accepted in a few places so travelers cheques or cash are recommended. Below we have included a list of banks in Cambodia and their contacting address. ? Cambodian Commercial Bank No.26 Monivong Street Tel : (855) (23) 426145 ? Cambodia Mekong Bank No.1, Street 114 Tel : (855) (23) 430518 ? Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia No.24-26 Norodom Tel : (855) (23) 724466 Currently Foreign Trade Bank is the only bank that accepts Visa cards ? Standard Charters Bank No.89, Norodom Tel : (855) (23) 216685 Exchange Condition : For travellers to Cambodia carrying US Dollars, in small as well as large denominations, there is no need to exchange currency at any time.  You automatically acquire possession of Riel when paying in US Dollars and receiving the change below one Dollar in Riel. For a marginally better rate, Dollars can be exchange into Riel at sidewalk money changers. Currencies other than US Dollars can be exchanged at the banks.  It is recommended to bring a sufficient amount of US Dollars for the entire duration of your stay. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday (except on holidays) 7.30 am to 2.30 pm.  Some banks also open on Saturdays from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm.   EMERGENCY PassionAsia.com Call Center Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, except Holidays Phone : (66) 02 582 1001 - 1005 Fax : (66) 02 582 1010 Holidays or Emergency Case Cell: THAWATVONGSE (66) 01 832 8914 Passion Net Company Jasmine International Tower, 11th Floor, 200 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkred, Nontaburi 11120 THAILAND Embassy : ? Australian Embassy No. 11 R.V. Senei Vanavuth Oum, Phnompenh Tel : (855) (23) 213470, 213413 Fax : (855) (23) 213465, 213467 ? Canadian Embassy No. 48 St. 172 Sangkat Phsa Thmei Tel : (855) (23) 723182, (015) 915825 Fax : (855) (23) 211389 ? France Embassy No. 1 Monivong Boulevard Tel : (855) (23) 430020-23 Fax : (855) (23) 430037-8 ? Germany Embassy No.76-78 Street 214 Tel : (855) (23) 216381, (012) 806385 Fax : (855) (23) 427746, 426216 ? Japanese Embassy No.75 Moha Vithei Preah Norodom, Sangkat Phsar Thmey 3, Khan Don Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel : (855) (23) 217161-4 Fax : (855) (23) 216162 ? United Kingdom Embassy No. 27-29 Street 275 Tel : (855) (23) 802990, 427124, 428295 Fax : (855) (23) 427125, 427390 ? United States of America No. 27 Street 240 Tel : (855) (23) 216436,216438, 216807 Fax : (855) (23) 216437, 216811 Insurance : Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage   All visitors to Cambodia should have up to date inoculations as recommended by their doctors.  Visitors should take preventive measures against mosquitoes as in any tropical country, especially at dusk.  Health insurance, especially medical evacuation cover is recommended as international standard healthcare is minimal, especially in rural areas. Tourist Police : Police Tel : 117 Fire Brigade Tel : 118   HEALTH & SECURITY CONCERN Cautions : Medical facilities and services in Cambodia are not up to international standards.  Although Cambodia is not a Malaria risk-free country, your health will not be at risk if a proper precaution is undertaken.  Consult your doctor is our best advice.  Generally, the anti-malarial pills like Chloroquine and Mefloquine are recommended, however, if you were going to the remote area, then Doxycycline may be a better choice.  Proper clothing and insect repellent can help a lot from insect disturbance. Land mines and unexploded ordnance can be found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, but especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces.  At no time should travelers walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide.  Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous.  Travelers who observe anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance should not touch it.  They should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at telephone (855) (23) 368 841/981 083 or 084. Drinking : Bottled water is widely available. Check that the seal is not broken.  Try to avoid having ice in your drinks unless it is from boiled water. First-Aid Kit : Most travelers should pack a personal medical kit.  The contents of the kit will vary depending upon the duration of the trip, the range of potential exposures, the age and health of the travelers, and the availability of medical care.  The following should be considered for inclusion in the kit: First aid supplies Bandages Gauze and gauze rolls Adhesive or paper tape Ace bandage Scissors Pocket knife Tweezers Thermometer Tincture of iodine Hospital, Clinics & Pharmacies : The standard of medical care is basic.  Private clinics offer better medical treatment than many government ones.  If you are on medication, do bring your own supply.  The reason is that very few pharmacies in town are licensed, resulting in very little quality control (check expiry dates and stick to known brands). Also, some forms of medication are not freely available. These are a list of some major hospitals and medical centers in Cambodia in case of emergency need. ? Access Medical Services No.4 Street 432 Sang-kat Bong Trak Phnompenh Tel : (855) (15) 913358, 913831-405 ? AEA-SOS International Medical Center No. 161 Street 51 Sangkat Boeung Peng Tel : (855) (23) 216911 Fax : (855) (23) 215811 ? Calmette Hospital Monivong Street Tel : (855) (23) 914093 Fax : (855) (18) 810785 ? European Medical Clinic Hongkong Center Sisowath Boulevard Tel : (855) (23) 916413 Fax : (855) (23) 364656 ? Raffles Medical Center Sofitel Cambodiana No. 313 Sisowath Boulevard Office No.7, Ground Floor Tel : (855) (23) 426288 ext.650   GOODS Bargaining : Visitors should remember to be relaxed during the bargaining ritual, and to enjoy themselves.  If they are not frustrated when they are not understood very well they will come away with a cheap and interesting souvenir. The markets are bursting with bargains, check out Phnom Penh's many markets - Psah Tuol Tompong (Russian Market), Psah Kandal (Central Market), Psah Thmay (New Market), Psah Chah (Old Market) and Psah Orassey, Psah Olympic (Olympic Market).  Psah Kabko is a meat market. Market - open from early morning to late evening (6am to 5pm 7 days a week).  They do not close on Sundays or public holidays. Jewery : Arts and Crafts can be found in intricate stone and woodcarvings, Cambodia hand woven silk, and their silversmiths expertise dates from the 11th century. Cambodia is widely recognized as being associated with beautiful carvings though many of the artisans were executed during the Pol Pot regime.  Cambodia is home to some of the most exquisite religious sculptures in the world, many of which command extraordinary prices on the world market.  Woven silk products are highly popular as are basketry, gold and silverware, and all kinds of jewelry made from precious stones including the famous Pailin rubies.  Also to be found are traditional musical instruments, paintings, and ornate stone rubbings taken from the temples. Shopping : Religious artifacts and precious stones that you have bought in Cambodia will require an export permit.  There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency taken into the country, but it should be declared upon arrival. There are a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia.  The country was once well-known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving.  After decades of neglect, many of these arts are being revived.  Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, paper mach? masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues.  The traditional clothing for both men and women is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops.  Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems.  The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture.  Bargaining is essential for all souvenir shopping, it travelers are to obtain reasonable prices.  Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.  Shops open from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week Tipping : Most hotels add on a service charge.   WEATHER Dress : Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended and long-sleeved items should be included for protection from mosquitoes and the sun.  During the rainy season an umbrella is more convenient than a rain coast.  A jacket may be needed in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning. Temperature : Cambodia can be visited throughout the year.  The climate is tropical and distinguishes three major seasons.  The most pleasant season is the dry season from November to March during which temperatures are cooler (average 20-28°C).  The hot season lasts from March to June (average temperatures 28 - 35°C) and the rainy season from May to early October.  Note also that Siem Reap is in general cooler than Phnom Penh.   USAGE Voltage : 220 volts; wall sockets are for round or square two-pin plugs therefore an adapter may be necessary.  Electricity supply can be erratic.  In Phnom Penh, the area around the Grand Palace gets priority. Note: If you use valuable electrical equipment or a computer (which should also be equipped with a UPS feature to protect it), a voltage regulator is important   International Calls : The cost of IDD calls is extremely high but there are special discounted rates on weekends.  Phonecards are available from the TELSTRA office, post office, supermarkets and restaurants.  It's possible to make collect calls to the US and Australia.  'Home Country Direct Telephone Service' is a service which utilises the MPTC Payphone, for calls to Australia, Singapore, France and USA. ? Operator Assistance International Call enquiries Tel : 1202 Directory assistance Tel : 1203 Service difficulties Tel : 1204 Call establishment Tel : 1205   Domestic Calls : ? National Call enquiries Tel : 1212 Directory assistance Tel : 1213 Service difficulties Tel : 1214 Call establishment Tel : 1215

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