E-visa

Most visitors to Cambodia require a visa to enter the country. E-visas can be obtained prior to travel through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please allow for a processing time of three business days. E-visas are valid for entry only via selected border crossings and immigration points; please check the details prior to arrival.

Visa-on-arrival

Alternatively, travellers from most countries can apply for a visa-on-arrival at the international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The visa-on-arrival is valid for 30 days. Travellers are advised to check eligibility prior to travel.

E-arrival card

The form is available online via the Cambodia e-arrival website or via a mobile app (on Google Play or the AppStore).

After completing the form, the traveller should save, print or take a screenshot of the QR code and present it to immigration on arrival in Cambodia.

For travellers who are not able to complete the e-arrival card in advance, paper forms will still be available on arrival until the end of 2024.

Required documents

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• E-arrival card QR code;
• For visa-on-arrival, the visa fee is payable in cash at the airport;
• For e-visa, a printed copy of the visa certificate is required on arrival.

Time zone

Language

Official language: Khmer

Many people in the major tourist destinations speak some level of English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothing is recommended for Cambodia’s tropical climate;
• Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);
• Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
• A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
• Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: sleeveless shirts; sportswear; tights/leggings; shorts; short skirts; flip flops/sandals without a heel strap; swimwear/beachwear; and shirts with offensive text or images;
• Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple or private home;
• An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
• Reusable water bottle;
• Sun hat and sunscreen;
• Insect repellent;
• Universal plug adaptor.

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

• Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
• Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
• Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
• A respectful way of greeting is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as the sampeah).

Don’t

• Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
• Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
• Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
• Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
• Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
• Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
• Don’t bring e-cigarettes or vapours into the country as these items have been banned;
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing. As Cambodia is a conservative Buddhist country, make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
• Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Currency

Official currency of Cambodia: Cambodian riel (KHR)

US dollars are commonly accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels throughout the country. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash to pay drivers and vendors who may not carry large amounts of change.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available. Several ATMs also dispense US dollars. Cash can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus. Please note that ripped, torn, or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 8 am to 3 pm;
• Saturday: 8 am to noon.

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Cambodia’s major cities.

Taxis

Taxis can be hired in Phnom Penh only. They are not all metered so the price may have to be fixed in advance. Various transportation apps are available in Cambodia to pre-book taxi services

Motodops

These motorcycle taxis are an efficient and inexpensive way to get around; travellers should ensure that their insurance policies provide coverage for this mode of transport.

Tuk-tuks

Also known as remorks, these motorised vehicles have a cabin for passengers attached to the rear, making this a fun and popular way to get around. This traditional form of transportation can also be pre-booked via mobile apps.

Bajaj

These unibody three wheelers slowly make their way through various Cambodian streets and can be booked via various mobile apps.

Religion

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia with nearly 95 per cent of the population followers of this faith. Islam is practiced by a small percentage of the population, mainly the Cham people resident in the province situated north-east of Phnom Penh. Christianity and Hinduism account for less than one per cent.

Food

Common local dishes:

• Amok – Fish and coconut milk steamed in a banana leaf;
• Prahok – A fermented fish paste that nourishes the nation;
• Beef lok-lak – A local dish served with a Kampot pepper sauce.

Shopping

Street stalls occupy the main streets of the major tourism destinations, selling everything from food, drinks to t-shirts and souvenirs for sale. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

• Krama, the traditional Cambodian scarf;
• Silks and hand-crafted textiles;
• Woodcarvings;
• Lacquerware;
• Rattan weavings.

Vaccinations

There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as:

• Typhoid;
• Cholera;
• Hepatitis A and B;
• Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
• Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Avoid drinking tap water in Cambodia. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. To minimise plastic waste, refill stations for filling up reusable water bottles can be found in the main tourist areas. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.

Safety

• Never leave items unattended;
• Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
• Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
• Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.

Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Phnom Penh Police +855-97-778-0002
• Phnom Penh Emergency Medical Services +855-23-724-891
• Phnom Penh Fire service +855-12-786-693
• Phnom Penh International Airport +855-23-862-800
• Siem Reap Police +855-12-402-424
• Siem Reap Emergency Medical Services +855-17-928-655
• Siem Reap Fire service +855-12-784-464
• Siem Reap Airport +855-63-761-261
• Sihanoukville Airport +855-12-333-524