Travel advice for Cambodia

Travel advice for Cambodia
This Travel Notes in accordance with the current assessment of the EDA. They are regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
Observe also the adjacent country independent travel information and the focus topics; they are part of this travel advice.

basic assessment

The security situation can change very quickly in Cambodia.
After the parliamentary elections of 28, July 2013 came to social and political tensions. Demonstrations, strikes, and violent confrontations dominated the street scene.
Since the political agreement between the ruling party and the opposition in early August 2014, tensions have calmed at least superficially. Since the end of October 2015, the mood is tense again. Renewed unrest and violent conflicts can not be ruled out.
View before and during the journey in the media on the current situation. Avoid demonstrations, political events and generally larger gatherings of any kind. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Specific regional risks

When describing danger zones is approximate; Risks can not limit it to precisely delineated areas.
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries emerged in the world of the civil war. The most affected provinces are located along the Thai border (the province of Siem Reap). In the eastern border areas, there are still unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War. Therefore, limit yourself to the usual tourist destinations and keep them referring to frequently used roads. Follow, even for individual visits to the temples of Angkor Wat the proposed itineraries.
Border area with Thailand: In the temples of Preah Vihear (in the eponymous Cambodian province), Ta Kwai and Ta Muen (in the Thai province of Surin) occurred between 2008 and 2011. repeated exchanges of fire and arrests. The International Court of Justice confirmed in November 2013 that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia. Since then, the border conflict has eased somewhat but is not yet solved. Partly gunfight continues to come before. The areas around the Preah Vihear temple, Ta Kwai, and Ta Muen are sealed military on the Thai side. Leave when traveling in the entire border zone increased caution exercised, and check with your travel agent or the local authorities about the current security situation.

crime

The crime is relatively high due to the general poverty. Against local businesses and individuals repeated smaller attacks a criminal nature have been committed. Tourists are always victims of thefts, especially in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and in tourist areas frequented. It comes sporadically to armed robbery. .Note Among others the following precautions:
Check with the travel agent, hotel or business partners on the local circumstances, in particular if there are quarters which should be avoided.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, etc.) and only a little money on himself.
Depositing your documents in the hotel safe, but always wear a photocopy of the passport to be.
Avoid after dark and in the cities on walks and rides with motorcycle and bicycle taxis. Use during the day preferably auto taxis or " tuk-tuks" (motorcycle rickshaws), with an anti-theft protection (Power Grid) are equipped. Entreissdiebstähle is widespread.
Do not make any referrals at by unknown persons. Again and again, be victims of travelers Falschspieler bands that invite tourists some pretext to his home in order to coerce there to cash games. Since gambling is outside of the few state-approved casinos prohibited the injured make even punishable.

Women are advised to be dress conservatively to avoid harassment.

Transport and Infrastructure

• The risk of accidents on the roads is very high. With the exception of the route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (Kampong Saom) and the other main roads, the streets are mostly unpaved and in poor condition. Poorly maintained vehicles and the unpredictable behavior of many road users make big additional risks  Especially for these reasons it is not recommended nocturnal overland trips; on the route to Sihanoukville, there are always fatal traffic accidents.
• The road between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh ( "Road Number 6") is currently under construction. Langestrasse pieces are inadequately secured and hardly secured. There are this route preferable alternative routes or flights.
• The boats on the Tonle Sap River are poorly maintained, and the security measures are deficient. Boat trips are therefore not recommended.
• Special legal regulations
• Insults the royal family are punishable. Offenses against the Narcotics Act are punishable even with minimal amounts and in any kind of drugs with long prison terms. Prison conditions are precarious: inadequate hygienic conditions and medical care etc.
• Cultural characteristics
• Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country. Adjust clothing and behavior to local customs and religious sentiments. Inform yourself. In guidebooks, your travel agent or on-site about the rules of conduct and the detailed rules
• Nature-Related Risks
• During the rainy season (May / June to October / November), may occur floods especially in the Mekong valley. It must then be expected infrastructure damage and disabilities. Even the travel may be temporarily reduced. Mékong River Commission
• Stay in touch with your tour operator, consider the weather forecasts and warnings and instructions of local authorities. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• If during your stay happen a natural disaster, sign up as soon as possible with your family and follow the instructions of the authorities.
• Medical supplies
• A basic medical care is guaranteed only in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Hospitals require a financial guarantee before they treat patients (credit card or advance payment). In certain hospitals can only be purchased with cash. People with a negative Rhesus factor can be obtained only with difficulty a blood transfusion may. Serious illnesses and injuries have to be treated abroad (Thailand or Europe). Private dressing material and disposable syringes can be useful.
• When certain drugs are dependent, your kit should contain a sufficient supply. Beware, however: In many countries, rules for the transportation of narcotics containing medicines (eg methadone) and substances which are treated mental illnesses are. Inquire optionally before departure directly to the competent foreign mission (Embassy or Consulate) and consult the heading travel links where you will find, among other things more information on this topic and in general to travel medicine. About the spread of disease and possible protective measures inform doctors and vaccination centers.