Electricity220 volts, 50Hz. Travellers should be aware that power
cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is
generally only available in the evenings. LanguageKhmer is the official language. French is also spoken,
but English is fast becoming popular with the younger
generation. TippingTips are not expected, but are welcomed in restaurants and
hotels. Hotels often add a 10% service charge to the bill, but
small amounts for personal services are appreciated, as salaries in
the country are low. Tour guides should be tipped. Safety InformationCambodia remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in
the world. When hiking or visiting rural areas, travel with a local
guide and never stray off the main paths. It is not advisable to
travel anywhere at night. Caution should be taken in the capital,
Phnom Penh, especially at night, as street crime is a problem,
including around popular tourist nightspots in Phnom Penh. After
dark there is also a risk of violent crime in Siem Reap and
Sihanoukville. Visitors should be aware that bag snatching is
becoming an increasing problem on tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis and
while walking in the main towns. Due to the large numbers of
tourists involved in road accidents on motorcycles, police in Siem
Reap have banned rental outlets from hiring motorcycles to
tourists. There is some risk from terrorism due to continuing
terrorist activity in South East Asia, and travellers are advised
to be vigilant in public places and areas frequented by
foreigners. Local CustomsPermission should be sought before taking pictures of people,
particularly monks. Avoid touching someone on the head as it is
considered the most sacred part of a person's body. Women should
wear modest clothing, preferably a long skirt or loose-fitting
trousers. When visiting religious sites, shoes should be removed,
and shorts avoided. A traditional greeting in Cambodia is a bow,
bringing together the hands at chest level (similar to hand
position for prayer). With foreigners Cambodians sometimes convert
to the handshake. The simple rule is to respond with the same
greeting you were given. BusinessDeveloping a personal relationship in Cambodia is important
before any business can be discussed, which might include long
dinners and plenty of socialising. Never cause a Khmer to 'lose
face', but use tact and an indirect approach to business. On
introductions, the most senior in the group will be introduced
first, and visitors are advised to do likewise so that the hosts
understand the hierarchy of the group; the highest-ranking person
on both sides should greet each other first and perform the
introductions. A light handshake is appropriate on introduction,
after which business cards can be exchanged using both hands; it is
considered impolite to put the card away without making a show of
studying it for a short while. In Cambodia people are addressed
with the honorific title 'Lok' for a man and 'Lok Srey' for a woman
followed with the first name or both the first and surname. Dress
is conservative, but formal business suits will be out of place in
the tropical heat; lightweight suits can be worn for formal
meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday,
with a long lunch from about 12pm till 2pm. CommunicationsThe international access code for Cambodia is +855. The outgoing
code is 001 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for
the United Kingdom). Phnom Penh's area code is (0)23; the code for
Siem Reap is (0)63. Domestic and international calls can be made at
post offices or telecom offices in most towns. Mobile phone
operators cover Phnom Penh and other major cities. The country uses
GSM networks, so US phones are not compatible. Mobile phones can be
rented at Pochentong International Airport on arrival. Internet
phones are available in some Internet cafes and provide a cheaper
alternative for international calls. Internet cafes provide a fast
and inexpensive service in Phnom Penh,
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