Welcome to Cambodia
National Geographic and Geographic Expeditions are very pleased to welcome you on your upcoming Committee for Research and Exploration Field Inspection. In these pages you will find information that will help you to prepare for your CRE Field Inspection and will hopefully answer most of your questions about Cambodia.

Cambodia Visa
Your should have already submitted your passport and visa application to National Geographic staff in order to obtain your Cambodia Visa. In the event that we have not already processed your Cambodia visa, you can either obtain your Cambodia visa online (three weeks before the trip), or upon arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh/Siem Reap.

Immigration
Once your visa is secured and your passport is returned, proceed to the immigration line where your passport will be stamped. After passing through Immigration, proceed to the luggage carousel. Collect your bags and continue through Custom. The Geographic Expeditions Representative will be waiting for you outside Custom.

Customs upon arrival
You will generally be required to fill out a Custom Declaration form, along with an Arrival/Departure Card, prior to arrival. If you are arriving from Thailand, these forms will be given to you in the departure lounge. If you arrive from Vietnam you may or may not receive the forms on the inbound flight. Both forms are available in the arrival Hall in Siem Reap.

Custom upon Departure
The export of archeological remains and of antiques is prohibited, and penalties are stiff. If you buy a reproduction of an antiques or ancient sculpture, be sure to get a certificate from seller to show that it is not the genuine article.

Business Hours
Officially shops are open Monday through Friday from 08:30 am to 11:30 am and 02:00 pm to 5:30 pm. However most people start a little later and go home a little earlier. On Sunday hours are, 08:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bank are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 am until 03:00 pm.

Climate and Weather
Cambodia’s climate can be divided into three seasons. The northeast monsoon from November to March marks the dry, cooler season. The southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain, high temperatures and high humidity. The periods between the monsoons are considered transitional with no definite weather pattern. The rains begin in May and are most intense in August and September. April is generally the hottest month with temperatures around 95 degree Fahrenheit, December and January are generally coldest with temperatures around 75 degrees.

Clothing
A separate packing list has been provided in the CRE Field Inspection Handbook. Dress is casual, but neat and modest. We do not advise tight, revealing clothing or very short shirts. Lightweight, crease resistant, drip dry clothing is recommended. Modest dress for both men and women is a must in temples and pagodas. Bring a hat, as the sun is strong. Sneaker or walking shoes are a must for Angkor.

Communication with your home

Mail
Stamps and mailboxes are located in many hotels. Mail takes 7 to 14 days to reach your home.

Telephone and Fax
International phone calls can be made from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There are now Internet cafes all over the country and many hotels have a business center where you can send/receive email.

Emergency Contact Information
Within the pages of this CRE Inspection Handbook is a hotel/contact list, showing where you will be staying during your trip. This is for you to share with your family or friends in case anyone should need to contact you. If you are out of contact, the best way to reach you will be through the Geographic Expeditions USA staff, who can easily expedite a message.

If you need a room changed or help with something while in Cambodia, your Geographic Expeditions Trip Manager is the person to ask.

Traditional Greeting
The traditional form of greeting in many parts of SE Asia, especially Cambodia, is to press your hands together in front of your body and bow slightly. Nowadays, the western handshake predominates, but older people and Buddhist nuns and monks may still use the traditional form. It is proper to respond in kind.

Electricity
The electricity supply is generally 220 volt, 50 hertz with 2- pin round prong, European plugs. You will need a dual – voltage appliance or voltage adaptor for your electrical equipment. Be sure to check the voltage, adapt your appliance to 220 volt prevent damage to your electricity equipment. Your hotel in Siem Reap will have a hairdryer in the bathroom.

Festivals
January/February           Tet, The Vietnamese and Chinese New Year is celebrated by Cambodia’s
                                    Vietnamese and Chinese minorities

April(mid-month)            Chaul Chhnam, A 3 – day celebration of Khmer New Year
April/May                       Visaka Bochea. celebrates the birth, Enlightenment and of the Buddha

May                               Chrat Preah Angkal (Royal Phloughing Ceremony). The ceremonial
                                     beginning of the sowing season.
September (late)            Pchum Ben. When offerings are made to one’s ancestors

October/November          Festival of Reversing Current, or Water and Moon Festival
                                     Commemorates the moment when the Tonle Sap River reverses its
                                     Mekong- swollen flow and empties the Tonle Sap back into the Mekong
                                     Canoe races occur at this time in PhnomPenh.

Food
Khmer cuisine is not dissimilar from Thai. In Phnom Penh, and to a lesser extent, Siem Reap, there is also a wide variety of Thai, French and Chinese restaurants. Soups (Samlor), freshwater fish, especially grilled, (trey aing) and salads are common dishes on Khmer menus. Rice is of course the staple and common flavorings are coriander, lemongrass, and a fish paste called Tuk Trey.
Most hotels have local and Western-style buffets Bottled mineral water, beer, wines and spirits
are available everywhere.

Health Matters
Please review the health matters detailed in your initial trip preparation packet and make sure you have had all the shots you and have a good supply of all the prescription drugs you now take or may need should you become unwell. Don’t forget to start taking your malaria prophylaxis the correct amount of time before you leave! Please be sure to consult your physician for his/her recommendation regarding usage. Our track record for people staying healthy on trips ( as long as they follow the health and water precautions!) is excellent. If trip participants do get sick, it usually minor – either a cold or short bout of travelers diarrhea. Be especially well prepared for these/

Drink Only Bottled Water, Soda, Beer, Coffee or Tea
Do not drink any unbottled water, even if it is said to be boiled and filtered. It’s best not to have ice your drinks unless you are absolutely sure the ice was made with bottled water. (In your hotel bars, the ice should be fine. If in doubt ASK). Do not brush your teeth with tap water or open your mouth in the shower. As a general rule, be mindful of anything you put in your mouth (i.e. licking stamps may even be a culprit).