Below are some useful answers to some common questions concerning travel in Cambodia that should prove helpful to you as you plan your trip. Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
Boats
Again there is a large choice of boats, depending on where you are in the country.
Planes
Cambodian Airlines is the national carrier and the only commercial airline servicing all domestic routes within the country. Currently, it's fleet includes newly leased Airbuses, ATRs, and Fokker aircraft. Long distance routes are often flown by contracted foreign pilots, mostly British, Australian and French. Expect delays or even cancellations during the rainy season due to bad weather. A departure tax is charged for both domestic 6 US$ and outbound international travel 25 US$.
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4. Who is my guide?
We currently have 35 guides that have all been carefully selected and trained. They are open-minded, well-educated, and enthusiastic people who can provide the visitor with first-hand knowledge of Cambodian culture and history. They are also curious about foreign cultures and will be keen to know something of your own homeland! Our guides speak English, French, German, Chinese and Vietnamese.
We have guides in both the major tourist centers of the country (Phnom Penh and Angkor). They have a specialized knowledge of their respective cities and surroundings. Upon arrival at the airport a local guide will meet you and be your escort for the duration of your stay in that particular city. However, you also have the option of hiring a "national" guide who will accompany you through your entire journey.
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5. Is it safe to travel in Cambodia?
Traveling in Cambodia is now very safe. Women and independent travelers have found it relatively hassle-free and easy to travel throughout the country. Incidents of petty theft and bag snatching are more widespread in Phnom Penh. Elsewhere in the country these events are almost unheard of. Visitors are advised to avoid wearing extravagant jewelry or carrying a large amount of money when walking in the streets. The vast majority of hotels have either a safety deposit box at the reception desk or in the rooms, or both. Just to be on the safe side when traveling anywhere in the country you should exercise common sense. The other concern often voiced is that of unexploded landmines. This should present no problems in the main tourist areas but if you venture further into rural areas do make sure you seek local advice and heed any warnings that are given.
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6. Do I need health insurance?
It is compulsory that our customers have some form of medical insurance to participate in our tour programs. Although there is an international medical clinic in Phnom Penh, the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure. The costs for emergency medical evacuation can start from US$50,000.
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7. What are the communication facilities like?
International phone calls can be made from all major cities and towns. The cost of international phone calls has been reduced but at this time the price is still rather expensive. Phone Cards should be used for International telephone calls. Phone cards come in denominations of US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 and US$100. Rates are lower on the weekend, when discounts can be up to 20-30% off standard rate. For collect calls a home country direct service has been set up for some countries. Home country direct calls allow you to either reverse the charges or have the call charged to a Telstra or AT& T Telecard.
Post is now routed by air through Bangkok, which makes Cambodia a much more reliable place from which to send mail and parcels. Telephone connections with the outside world have also improved immensely, though they are not cheap. Most hotels in Phnom Penh do not charge for local calls. Numbers starting with 011, 012, 015, 017 or 018 are mobile phone numbers. There is no directory inquiry service. Some hotels have telephone directories for Phnom Penh.
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