This guide should give you a general introduction to Cambodia. Here you will find some useful information if you are planning to move to Cambodia or have just arrived in the country.
About Cambodia
Phnom Penh is an exciting culture shock where ancient Khmer tradition, French colonialism and modern technology collide. The rising skyline overlooks temples, classic architecture and the King’s Royal Palace. The bustling markets are perfect for bargain-hunters whilst a growing list of attractions provide plenty of excitement for more adventurous visitors. After a day of exploration, watch the city come to life as a nation obsessed with flavour presents its endless range of cocktail bars, fine dining and entertainment establishments.
Cambodia Weather and Climate
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia in the tropical zone, just 10-13 degrees north of the equator. Cambodia is warm to hot all year around and the climate is dominated by the annual monsoon cycle with its alternating wet and dry seasons.
The monsoon cycle is driven by the cycle air pressure changes over central Asia. As the pressure drops during the summer months (June through October), moist air is drawn landward from the ocean bringing the southwest monsoon rains to Cambodia and much of Southeast Asia. Come the winter months (November through May), the air pressure over Central Asia rises, driving cool dry air back across Southeast Asia and bringing on a largely rainless dry season to Cambodia. The mean daily temperature also rises and falls with the winter and summer months, but not exactly in time with the wet and dry season.
Cambodian Language - Khmer
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. It is both the national language and language of administration. The Cambodian language is derived from the Mon-Khmer (Austrol-Asiatic) language. Khmer, consisting of 33 consonants, 23 vowels and 12 independent vowels, possesses one of the largest sets pf alphabets.
Legal documents are all prepared in Khmer. In some cases, they are translated into English. However, in the event of a dispute, the Khmer version prevails.
English is the second language, widely spoken and understood whilst French is the third language, mostly understood by Cambodia’s older generation.
There is also a large Chinese-Khmer population in Phnom Penh and an increasing number of Cambodians can communicate in Mandarin.
Cambodia Population
The population of Cambodia is relatively small compared with neighbouring countries which, in part, can be attributed to the mass genocide during the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970’s. It is only since the 1990’s that political stability returned to the country which has underpinned strong economic growth and improving standards of living. Current population estimates are in the region of 15 million for Cambodia and 3 million for Phnom Penh. The vast majority (97.6%) of the Phnom Penh population was recorded as Ethnic Khmer, followed by Cham (1.9%), Vietnamese (0.4%) and Chinese (0.1%) as at 2013. Although in reality, there is a large Cambodian-Chinese population.
Media in Cambodia
Newspapers in Cambodia
A wide selection of daily newspapers is available in different languages. The Khmer Times and Phnom Penh Post are the main English-language newspapers. Other English-language newspapers and portals include The Cambodian Journal, The Phnom Penh Week and The Southeast Asia Weekly.
Local Cambodian TV Channels
Local TV channels include TV 3 (Television 3), TV Channel 5, TVK (National Television of Cambodia), Cambodian TV Station Channel 9 (CTV 9), Apsara TV, Cambodian Television Network (CTN), TV5 (TV Sinq), BayonTV, SEA TV, CNC TV, Heng Meas TV, CTV 8 and Bayan News TV (BTV News).
Most hotels and serviced apartments are also equipped with Cable TV by various suppliers.
Cambodia Currency – US Dollars and Cambodian Riel
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), the nation’s central bank, is in charge of Cambodia’s currency and is the monetary and supervisory authority. The NBC is the sole issuer of the Khmer Riel. Khmer Riel is the official currency of Cambodia and is issued in bank notes and bills of 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000, denominations.
As a widely dollarised economy, the US Dollar is the main trading currency and typically trades at around 4,000 riel to the US Dollar. Both the Khmer Riel and US Dollar remain legal tender.
If you require specific currency conversions the following websites are helpful: https://www.xe.com/ and https://www.x-rates.com/
Cambodia Time Zone
Cambodia is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Cambodia has the same time zone as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia. Often called “Indochina Time (ICT)”.
Religion in Cambodia
Cambodia embraces all religions You will find a variety of places of worship including Buddhist temples, Muslim mosques and Christian Churches. Buddhism remains the largest religious sect with over 95% of the population practicing the religion.
Tipping in Cambodia
Small gratuities are common. Some restaurants may add a 10% service charge on the bill; further tips are at your discretion.
Cambodian Government
The Kingdom of Cambodia is a Constitutional Monarchy, with the government headed by a democratically elected Prime Minister and a National Assembly composed of 122 representatives holding legislative power, all elected for a term of five years. King Norodom Sihamoni has been the Head of State and reigning monarch since 1993. The current Prime Minister of Cambodia is His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, serving since 1985.
Clothing / Attire for Cambodia
The weather in Cambodia generally falls under two categories: the wet season from June to October and the dry season from November to April. Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended for the dry season, when the weather is hot and humid. Visitors may wish to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for hiking, trekking or outdoor activities. A hat and sunglasses will be useful for when walking around under the sun.
During the rainy season, visitors may want to bring a light rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased cheaply in Cambodia) or a sturdy umbrella. A light jacket or cardigan will come in handy during the months of December and February, when temperatures are at their coolest. When visiting outdoor temples, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes and hats are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds. Visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts and keep their shoulders covered.
Please contact our professional team of real estate agents at +855 23 966 878 or enquiry@kh.knightfrank.com if you need any advice on relocation and real estate in Cambodia.