Overview
Cambodia is an easy destination for travelers of all experience levels. This guide consolidates essential practical information to help you navigate transportation, manage your money, stay healthy, and budget effectively.
Quick Reference
- Currency: USD widely used, Riel (KHR) for small change
- Power: 230V, Type A/C/G outlets
- Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 119, Fire 118
- Time Zone: UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
Transportation
Getting around Cambodia is straightforward with multiple transport options for every budget. The country has improved its infrastructure significantly in recent years.
Long-distance Bus$8-18
Giant Ibis, Mekong Express offer comfortable buses with WiFi, snacks, and air conditioning between major cities.
- Book online or at guesthouses
- Giant Ibis is most reliable
- Night buses available for long routes
Domestic Flights$50-120
Cambodia Angkor Air connects Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Quick but limited schedules.
- Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best rates
- 20kg baggage allowance
- Airport tax included in ticket
Island Ferries$15-30
Speed ferries to Koh Rong islands depart from Sihanoukville. Journey takes 45-60 minutes.
- Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia are reliable
- Book online during peak season
- Rough seas May-October
Tuk-Tuks$2-10
Ubiquitous three-wheeled vehicles for short trips. Negotiate fare before departure.
- Agree on price first
- $1-2 for short city trips
- Half-day hire $15-25
Local Transport Tips
- PassApp: Cambodia's Uber equivalent. Download for fair-priced rides in cities.
- Motorbike rental: $5-10/day, requires valid license. Wear helmet always.
- Bicycle rental: $1-3/day, great for temple exploring in Siem Reap.
- Private drivers: Hire for full day trips ($50-80) through hotels.
Accommodation
Cambodia offers excellent value across all accommodation categories. Booking platforms like Booking.com and Agoda work well, though walk-ins can score better deals in low season.
| Type | Price/Night | Includes | Best Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Hostels | $4-10/night | Dorm bed, shared bathroom, WiFi, sometimes breakfast | Siem Reap Pub Street, Phnom Penh BKK1, Kampot riverside |
| Guesthouses | $10-25/night | Private room, AC, ensuite bathroom, WiFi | All tourist areas |
| Boutique Hotels | $30-80/night | Pool, restaurant, breakfast, concierge services | Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, coastal areas |
| Luxury Resorts | $100-500+/night | Full amenities, spa, fine dining, tours | Angkor area, Koh Rong, Phnom Penh riverside |
Peak Season
Money & Banking
Currency Basics
- US Dollars: Primary currency for tourists. Accepted everywhere.
- Cambodian Riel: Used for small change. 4,000 KHR ≈ $1 USD.
- Quality matters: Bring clean, unmarked bills. Torn or marked notes often rejected.
- Small bills essential: Carry plenty of $1, $5, $10 bills.
ATMs & Cards
- ATM fees: $4-6 per withdrawal from local machines.
- Withdrawal limits: $400-500 per transaction typically.
- Card acceptance: Major hotels and tourist restaurants take Visa/Mastercard. Limited Amex acceptance.
- Cash is king: Markets, street food, local transport, and smaller businesses are cash-only.
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended. Consider Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis for longer stays.
Malaria
Low risk in main tourist areas. Consider antimalarials for remote jungle areas (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri).
Water
Drink only bottled or filtered water. Ice in tourist restaurants is generally safe.
Sun Protection
SPF 30+ sunscreen essential. Wear hats and light long sleeves during temple visits.
Medical Facilities
- Phnom Penh: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sen Sok International Hospital
- Siem Reap: Royal Angkor International Hospital
- Serious conditions: May require evacuation to Bangkok for treatment
- Pharmacies: Well-stocked in cities, but bring essential medications
Travel Insurance Essential
Internet & Phone
Mobile & SIM Cards
- Major carriers: Cellcard, Smart, Metfone
- Tourist SIM: $2-5 at airport, includes 5-10GB data
- Monthly plans: $5-15 for 30-50GB data
- Coverage: Excellent 4G in cities, good along main routes
WiFi Availability
- Free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
- Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, slower in rural areas
- Co-working spaces in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Limited connectivity on islands and in remote areas
Climate & Packing
Seasons
Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
- • Nov-Feb: Cool, pleasant (25-30°C)
- • Mar-Apr: Hot season (35-40°C)
- • Peak tourist season
- • Higher prices, advance booking needed
Wet Season (May-Oct)
- • Afternoon thunderstorms (1-2 hours)
- • Lush green landscapes
- • Fewer tourists, lower prices
- • Some roads impassable
Packing Essentials
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics; modest attire for temples
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, slip-ons for temples
- Protection: Sunscreen SPF 30+, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Rain gear: Compact umbrella or rain jacket (especially May-Oct)
- Electronics: Power adapter (Type A/C/G), portable charger
- Health: Prescription meds, basic first-aid, hand sanitizer
Daily Budgets
Cambodia offers excellent value for money. Here's what to expect at different budget levels:
Backpacker$25-40/day
Dorm beds ($5-8)
Street food, local restaurants ($8-12)
Buses, shared tuk-tuks ($3-5)
Free temples, beaches ($5-10)
Mid-Range$50-100/day
Private rooms, boutique hotels ($25-50)
Mix of local and Western ($15-25)
Private tuk-tuks, occasional flights ($10-20)
Guided tours, entrance fees ($15-30)
Comfort$100-200/day
Quality hotels with pools ($60-120)
Fine dining, cooking classes ($30-50)
Private drivers, all flights ($20-40)
Premium experiences ($30-50)
Luxury$200+/day
Luxury resorts ($150+)
High-end restaurants ($50+)
Private car with driver ($40+)
Private guides, exclusive access ($50+)
Frequently Asked Questions
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