Khmer Language and Culture Program

Hello = suos-tei  (in formal way, Jum Reab Sour)

Thank you = saum arkoun​

VISA INFORMATION

If you are Cambodian-French or Cambodian-American, and your passport shows that you were born in Cambodia, then you will not be charged for your visa.

Otherwise your Business Visa will cost US$35 for your first month. If you plan to stay in Cambodia longer than a month, we strongly recommend that you purchase your Business Visa upon arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport. The process is quick and straightforward. Be certain to have two spare passport photos with you and US$35 cash. Remember that there is no visa needed for those of you who carry a Cambodian passport with them.

For American fellows, please visit:  https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/how-to-get-a-visa.html 

For French Fellows, please visit:  https://www.embassy-paris.com/France/Cambodia-in-Paris

 (Cambodian Government E-Visa). Note You could not apply the Business Visa via online.

• Cost for a Cambodian Business Visa.

Otherwise your Business Visa will cost US$35 for your first month. If you plan to stay in Cambodia longer than a month, we strongly recommend that you purchase your Business Visa upon arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport. The process is quick and straightforward. Be certain to have two spare passport photos with you and $35 cash.

**Remember that there is no visa needed for those of you who carry a Cambodian passport with them.

If you wish, another possible option to apply for your Tourist visa using the online application:  https://www.evisa.gov.kh (Cambodian Government E-Visa). Note You could not apply the Business Visa via online.

• Extension

1. Your Tourist Visa can extend another month then you will be leaving the country (Tourist Visa extend cost around US$50).
2. Your business visas will then be extended within Cambodia for the remaining month of your stay. CKS team will facilitate the whole process for you and collect your passport and money. The extension will cost you about US$ 50.

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You will be asked to fill in the blank in the application business visa application form, “business” section. Please fill in: “Research”.  Please make sure to keep track of the renewal date, and mark it somewhere in your personal calendar, so that you renew your visa on time; otherwise you will be charged a penalty of US$ 10 for each day spent in the country without a valid visa.

Guide books about Cambodia, such as the Lonely Planet, are a good source of information on history, culture and local norms and will give an idea of what types of food and services are available in Siem Reap.

The list below is furnished as a general outline and should not be seen as a hard and fast rule. And remember, all of the things on this list can be found in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh without a problem.

• Clothes, including swimsuit, long pants, long shorts, shirts (t shirts and some button up), sneakers or shoes, some sandals/flip flops, rain poncho
• Towel
• Toiletries and first aid kit, including sunscreen, insect repellent, aspirin, antihistamine, cold and flu tablets, Imodium, sting relief spray, antifungal cream or powder, antiseptic, bandages/band aids, tampons, personal medication
• Laptop computer
• Books
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Extra passport photos
• Travel alarm clock

Cambodians tend to cover up more than one would think and they do tend to dress more on the conservative side of things, usually wearing long trousers and shirts even when very hot. Foreigners can and do get away with more relaxed dress but when doing research in villages, it’s best not to offend.

US dollars are the common currency with smaller change given in the local currency, riel. The exchange rate is approximately 4,100R to 1 US Dollar. You can find Currency Exchange stores in towns.

There are ATMs in Siem Reap that accept international cards; cash, traveller’s checks and credit card cash advances are all possibilities. Many restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards, but not American Express. Notes that are ripped or torn, or even taped, will not be accepted.

Electricity is 220-240 V, power cuts and surges are not uncommon. You may need a voltage converter. For most electric outlets, the two pronged plug can fit (three prong is more problematic). Laptop computers may be dual voltage; look at the a/c adaptor. Plug adapters and voltage converters can be purchased in Siem Reap. Electricity is expensive as well and you are cautioned to take care to turn off lights, computers and especially air conditioning units when not using them.

Please look at the CDC Travel website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm) for indications for immunizations and medications before traveling.

Siem Reap is 11 hours ahead of EST, 14 hours ahead of PST, and 6 hours ahead of Paris, something to keep in mind when calling home. International calling is easiest and most convenient through the various internet cafes in town or through Skype.

CKS has a fast wireless internet connection that you are free to use. Wireless internet connections can also be found for free all over town including: the café shops, restaurants, and hotels and in Phnom Penh, you can find the free Wi-Fi at the public park such as Hun Sen park.  

Mail can be received at the Center for Khmer Studies using the following addresses:

Your name, c/o Center for Khmer Studies, PO Box 9380 – Wat Damnak, Siem Reap, Cambodia

OR

Your name, c/o Center for Khmer Studies, 234 Street 450 Tuol Tumpung II, Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tel: (855) 023 991 937.

Mail can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks to arrive in Siem Reap. You can also send mail from this location.

US taxes will have to be paid on the fellowships for American students. CKS will furnish you with a 1099 at the end of the calendar year. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. However, if you wish to get started with some reading, the History of Cambodia by David Chandler is a good place to start.