Car hire in Cambodia - Safety and Security

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Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In the aftermath of the October 2002 terrorist bombings in Bali , Indonesia , the possibility exists that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian nations. The Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners. Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorist groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches.

While the political situation in Cambodia is relatively calm, American citizens should be aware that Cambodian political activities have turned violent in the past and the possibility for politically motivated violence remains. Grenade attacks and bombings have been used as a form of retribution to settle business and personal disputes. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces to exercise extreme caution outside the provincial towns during the day and everywhere at night. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing. Individuals should avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, and especially along the waterfront. Some of the beaches are secluded, and post has received reports in the past of women being attacked along the Sihanoukville waterfront during the evening hours. These security precautions should also be taken when visiting the Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) area.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance can be found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, but especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces. At no time should travelers walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous. Travelers who observe anything resembling a mine or unexploded ordnance should not touch it. They should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 023-368-841/981-083 or 084.

The town of Siem Reap and the vicinity of the Angkor Wat temple complex remain officially open to tourists. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to travel there by air and to limit their movements to the city of Siem Reap and the main Angkor Wat temple complexes. However, those who do choose to travel by vehicle are advised that the road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is in very poor condition.

Local ferry boats seldom meet safety standards, are often over-crowded and may not be equipped with life jackets/life preservers.

For the latest information, Americans travelling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

The Overseas Citizen Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use the toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328