Cambodia Travel FAQ

Most nationalities require a visa to visit Cambodia. You can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders, apply online for an e-Visa, or visit a Cambodian embassy. Tourist visas cost $30 USD and are valid for 30 days. Some ASEAN countries have visa exemptions for short stays.

Apply at evisa.gov.kh (the official site). Fill out the form, upload a passport photo, pay $30 USD, and receive your e-Visa via email within 3 business days. Print the approval letter and present it at immigration. The e-Visa is valid for entry at major airports and select land borders.

Yes, tourist visas can be extended once for 30 additional days at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The extension costs approximately $45 USD. Business visas can be extended for longer periods (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year) with appropriate documentation.

Tourist visas (T-class) are for holiday visits and cannot be used for work. Business visas (E-class) allow you to work legally if combined with a work permit. Business visas are easier to extend for longer stays and can be converted to long-term residence permits.

E-Visas are accepted at Cham Yeam (Koh Kong/Thailand), Poi Pet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Tropaeng Kreal (Laos). Other borders require visa on arrival only. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.

Budget travelers can manage on $25-40/day including basic guesthouse, local food, and transport. Mid-range travelers typically spend $60-100/day for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and guided tours. Luxury travelers should budget $150-300+/day for upscale resorts and premium experiences.

US Dollars are widely accepted and preferred for larger purchases. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used for small transactions. ATMs dispense USD. Bring clean, undamaged USD bills (torn or marked bills are often rejected). Banks and money changers quote about 4,000-4,100 KHR per 1 USD (mid-market around 4,060 in October 2026), and many shops use 4,000 riel to the dollar for change.

Major credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, usually with a 2-3% surcharge. However, Cambodia is primarily a cash economy. Always carry USD cash, especially outside major cities. ATMs are available in all towns.

Tipping is not traditional but appreciated. For restaurants, 10% is generous if service isn't included. Tour guides typically receive $5-10/day, drivers $2-5. Hotel staff appreciate $1-2 per service. Always tip in cash, preferably in USD or Riel.

Cambodia is generally cheaper than Thailand but slightly more expensive than Vietnam. Accommodation and food offer excellent value. Temple passes (Angkor Wat) are a significant expense at $37-72 depending on duration. Overall, it's one of Southeast Asia's more affordable destinations.

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Main concerns are petty theft (bag snatching), traffic accidents, and scams. Use common sense, avoid displaying valuables, and be cautious at night. Tourist police are available in major destinations.

Yes, many women travel solo in Cambodia without issues. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, especially at temples), avoid isolated areas at night, and use reputable transport. Khmer culture is generally respectful toward women. Join group tours to meet other travelers.

Landmines remain in some rural and border areas, but all tourist destinations are completely safe. Never venture off marked paths in rural areas, especially near the Thai border. Stick to established trails, roads, and tourist sites. Temple complexes are thoroughly cleared.

For serious emergencies, head to international clinics in Phnom Penh (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital) or Siem Reap (Royal Angkor International Hospital). For critical conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard practice. Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers evacuation.

Official airport taxis are available at fixed rates (around $10-15 to city centers). Ride-hailing apps (Grab, PassApp) work at airports. Many hotels offer free or paid airport transfers. Avoid unlicensed touts. Pre-booking transport is recommended for late arrivals.

Giant Ibis and Mekong Express offer comfortable bus services between major cities. Shared minivans are faster but less comfortable. Internal flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Private taxis are available for flexible itineraries. Night buses save accommodation costs.

Yes, motorbike rental is widely available ($5-15/day). A valid motorcycle license is technically required but rarely checked. However, most travel insurance doesn't cover motorbike accidents without proper licensing. Helmets are mandatory but often not enforced. Traffic can be chaotic.

Tuk-tuks are the iconic local transport. Always negotiate the price before getting in. Short trips in town cost $1-3, half-day temple tours $15-20. Download PassApp or Grab for transparent pricing. Many drivers offer excellent day-tour services at competitive rates.

Pub Street area is ideal for nightlife and restaurants. Old Market area offers local charm and boutique hotels. Wat Bo is quieter with good mid-range options. Charles de Gaulle has luxury resorts. The Airport Road area has budget guesthouses. All areas provide easy temple access.

During peak season (November-February) and major holidays (Khmer New Year, Water Festival), booking 2-4 weeks ahead is essential for popular hotels. Low season offers last-minute deals. Budget guesthouses rarely need advance booking except during festivals.

Most hotels include free WiFi, air conditioning, and breakfast. Many offer free airport pickup and swimming pools. Boutique hotels often include bicycles for guests. Always confirm what's included when booking. Power outages are rare in tourist areas.

Cover your shoulders and knees at all temples. No sleeveless tops or short shorts. Some temples provide sarongs for rent. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Dress respectfully even at Angkor Wat ruins. Hats should be removed inside temple structures.

You can photograph monks from a respectful distance, but ask permission for close-up shots. Never touch a monk (especially women). Don't point your feet toward monks or Buddha images. Early morning alms-giving is a beautiful photo opportunity if done respectfully.

The traditional greeting is the "sampeah" - placing palms together at chest level with a slight bow. Say "Chumreap suor" (formal) or "Susadei" (casual) for hello. Handshakes are common in business settings. The higher the hands, the more respect shown.

Never touch someone's head (it's sacred). Don't point feet toward people or Buddha images. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Don't raise your voice or show anger publicly (causes loss of face). Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.

Yes, street food is generally safe if you follow basic precautions. Choose busy stalls with high turnover. Ensure food is cooked fresh and served hot. Avoid raw vegetables and cut fruit unless you peel it yourself. Drink bottled water only.

Try Amok (coconut curry steamed in banana leaf), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with pepper sauce), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice breakfast), and Kdam Chaa (fried crab with Kampot pepper). Don't miss fresh fish from Tonle Sap.

Yes, vegetarian options are available, though less common than in Western countries. Buddhist restaurants (marked "Jay") serve vegetarian food. Many dishes can be made vegetarian on request (say "Sach meat ot"). Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have dedicated vegetarian restaurants.

No, never drink tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water is cheap and widely available (2,000-3,000 riel / $0.50-0.75). Ice in tourist establishments is usually safe (made from purified water). When in doubt, stick to sealed bottles and hot drinks.

Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Consider: Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas for extended periods), Rabies (if planning animal contact or remote travel). Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for forest/border areas but not for main tourist routes.

Absolutely essential. Get comprehensive coverage including medical treatment and emergency evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Local hospitals have limited capabilities for serious conditions. Many policies exclude motorbike accidents unless you have a proper license.

Yes, especially during rainy season. Dengue fever is present throughout Cambodia with no vaccine available. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, and choose accommodation with screens or AC. Malaria is rare in tourist areas but present in remote forests.

November to February offers the best weather: cool, dry, and comfortable. March-April are very hot. May-October is the rainy season with afternoon showers but fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. Each season has its advantages.

Minimum 5-7 days for highlights (Siem Reap/Angkor 3 days, Phnom Penh 2 days). Ideally 10-14 days to add beaches/islands or off-the-beaten-path destinations. Three weeks allows a comprehensive exploration including Mondulkiri, Battambang, and Kampot.

Cambodia uses types A, C, and G outlets (220V, 50Hz). Bring a universal adapter. Most modern hotels accommodate multiple plug types. Power is generally reliable in cities and tourist areas, though occasional outages occur.

Cambodia uses Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7. There is no daylight saving time. It's the same time zone as Thailand and Vietnam. It's 12-15 hours ahead of US time zones and 6-7 hours ahead of European time.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Basic Khmer phrases are appreciated and create positive interactions. "Arkun" (thank you) and "Chumreap suor" (hello) go a long way. Younger Cambodians often speak good English; older generations may not.

Yes, Cambodia is family-friendly. Cambodians adore children and will shower them with attention. Angkor Wat fascinates kids, beaches are excellent, and wildlife experiences abound. Consider the heat, plan rest breaks, and ensure children are up-to-date on vaccinations.