Last updated: 18 May 2012

Visiting

Business hours

Office hours are usually from 8.00am-12.00 noon and 2.00pm-5.00pm, Monday to Saturday with a lunch-time siesta in between.

Bank hours vary, but are generally open from 8.30am-3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Government offices are open from 8.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
January 7 – Victory Day
March 8 – International Women's Day
April 14-16 – Traditional Khmer New Year
May 1 – Labour Day
May 3 – Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony
May 15 – King Sihamoni's Birthday
June 18 – Former Queen Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday
October 29 – Coronation Day
October 31 – Former King Sihanouk's Birthday
November 9 – Independence Day
December 10 – UN Human Rights Day

Climate

Cambodia has a tropical monsoonal climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season usually begins in April/May and lasts until late October, bringing strong winds, high humidity and heavy rains. During this time, almost all of the annual rainfall occurs, mostly in the form of afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

In the dry season from November to March/April, there are generally cloudless days, morning fogs and smoke haze. Relative humidity exceeds 80 per cent in the wet season and rarely drops below 70 per cent in the dry season.

In Phnom Penh, temperatures are high throughout the year, ranging from average maximums in the high 20s during the coolest month, January, to about 33-34°C during April/May, the hottest months, when temperatures can approach 38°C on occasions. During the wet season, electrical storms can flood the streets of the city within minutes. This during the cooler season from November to February.

For weather details in Cambodia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The basic monetary unit in Cambodia is the Cambodian riel, with notes being in 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 riel denominations. Trade is generally carried out in US dollars (preferred) or Thai baht near the Cambodia/Thai border.

Time zones and time differences

Cambodia is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Phnom Penh, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Cambodia's country code is 855.

For calls to Cambodia from Australia dial: 0011 + 855 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Cambodia to Australia dial: 001 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Electricity and water

Cambodia's power supply is 230 volts, 50Hz. The twin round-pin plugs are the most common.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Cambodia

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.

The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.