Cambodia Travel Essentials
Visa rules, ATM strategy, transport cheat sheets, SIM cards, safety tips, packing lists, and the cultural etiquette that turns a good trip into a great one.
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I've made every mistake in this guide at least once — from running out of cash in a rural town to getting in a tuk-tuk without agreeing on a price first. After multiple trips across Cambodia, I've figured out the practical side of traveling here so you don't have to learn the hard way. This is the cheat sheet I wish someone had handed me on my first trip.
— Scott
Visa & Entry Requirements
5 tips30-Day Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities (including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports. Cost: $30 USD, paid in cash (bring exact change). You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, one passport photo, and a completed arrival form. It takes about 5–10 minutes.
E-Visa Option
Apply online at evisa.gov.kh before your trip — $36 USD (includes a $6 processing fee). Takes 3 business days. Print the approval letter and show it at immigration. Faster at the airport since you skip the visa-on-arrival queue, but only valid for entry at Phnom Penh airport, Siem Reap airport, and select land borders.
Land Border Crossings
Visa on arrival is available at major land borders: Poipet (from Thailand), Bavet (from Vietnam), and others. The Poipet crossing from Bangkok is the most popular but also the most chaotic — watch out for unofficial "helpers" trying to charge extra fees. The official fee is $30 USD, period. Bring your own passport photos.
Extending Your Stay
Extensions are handled at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh (near the airport). A 30-day extension costs $45 USD. You can also get extensions through travel agents in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for a small service fee ($10–15 extra). Process takes 1–3 business days.
Documents to Carry
Always lock your passport in your hotel safe when exploring — carry a photocopy on your phone. Hotels need your passport at check-in. For domestic bus travel, you don't need your passport, but keep it handy for any police checkpoints. Always have your visa page photographed on your phone as backup.
Money & ATMs
6 tipsUSD Is the Second Currency
Cambodia runs on a dual-currency system — US dollars and Cambodian riel (KHR). Dollars are accepted everywhere for anything over $1. You'll get riel as change for amounts under $1 (4,000 riel = $1). Carry clean, undamaged US bills — Cambodians will reject torn, marked, or heavily creased notes. Seriously, check every bill before you leave home.
ATM Strategy
ATMs dispense US dollars (most) or riel. ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank ATMs are the most reliable. Withdrawal fees are $4–5 per transaction. Maximum withdrawal is typically $400–500 per transaction. I use a Fidelity Cash Management card that reimburses ATM fees — saves $20+ per trip.
Split Your Cards
ALWAYS bring two or three ATM cards and credit cards. Only carry one of each when you go out — keep backups in your hotel safe. If you lose your only card, your trip gets very complicated very fast.
Cash Is King
Outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, most places are cash-only — restaurants, tuk-tuks, markets, guesthouses. Even in tourist areas, many smaller businesses don't accept cards. Always carry $50–100 in small bills ($1s and $5s). Street food and tuk-tuk drivers can't break a $50.
Daily Budget Ranges
Backpacker: $20–35/day — hostels, street food, shared transport. Mid-range: $50–100/day — boutique hotels, restaurants, private tuk-tuk. Luxury: $150+/day — resorts, fine dining, private tours. Cambodia is one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia.
Tipping Norms
Tipping isn't traditionally Cambodian but is appreciated in tourist areas. $1–2 for restaurant service, $2–5 for tour guides, round up for tuk-tuk drivers. At upscale restaurants, check if a service charge is already included.
Getting Around
6 tipsIntercity Buses
Giant Ibis is the gold standard — comfortable, punctual, WiFi, USB charging, and English-speaking staff. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $15–18, 6 hours. Phnom Penh to Kampot: $10, 3–4 hours. Mekong Express is the other premium option. Book on their websites or at your hotel. Avoid the cheapest minivan operators — they drive recklessly.
Tuk-Tuks
The primary way to get around Cambodian cities and towns. A motorized rickshaw (remork) attached to a motorcycle. Short rides in Phnom Penh: $1–3. Full-day temple tour in Siem Reap: $15–25. Always agree on the price before getting in. For multi-day temple exploring, arrange a dedicated tuk-tuk driver through your hotel — they'll wait for you at each stop.
Grab & PassApp
Grab and PassApp (Cambodia's local ride-hailing app) both work in Phnom Penh. Download both before your trip. Metered fares, no haggling, air-conditioned cars. PassApp is often cheaper than Grab for short rides. Neither works reliably outside Phnom Penh.
Domestic Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air flies between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (45 minutes, $60–120 one-way). This is the only significant domestic route. The 6-hour bus ride is cheaper and scenic, but the flight saves a full day. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for best prices.
Boats & Ferries
The Phnom Penh to Siem Reap speedboat via Tonle Sap lake runs during high-water season (Aug–Mar). It's scenic but long (5–6 hours) and uncomfortable. The Kampot to Koh Rong route goes via Sihanoukville by bus, then speed ferry to the island ($15–20, 45 min). Ferries to Koh Rong leave from Sihanoukville port.
Scooter Rental
Available in most tourist areas for $5–10/day. An international driving permit (IDP) is technically required but rarely checked. Helmets are mandatory. Roads in Cambodia can be unpredictable — potholes, dust, animals, and oncoming traffic in your lane are all common. Only rent if you're an experienced rider. Never hand over your passport as deposit — offer a photocopy or a cash deposit instead.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
4 tipsGet a Local SIM
A local SIM card is the best option in Cambodia — cheap and easy. Cellcard (best coverage), Smart (best value), and Metfone (widest rural coverage) are the three providers. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport for $2–5 with 10–30 GB of data. SIM registration requires your passport.
eSIM Option
If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a Cambodian eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly before you arrive — $5–15 for 5–15 GB. Convenient if you want data from the moment you land without visiting a kiosk. Check your phone compatibility first.
Data Coverage
4G/LTE works in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and major towns. Coverage gets spotty in rural areas, especially Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, and remote Cardamom Mountains. Cellcard has the best overall coverage; Metfone is stronger in rural areas. Data packages: $1–5 for 2–15 GB.
WiFi Reliability
Hotel and cafe WiFi is decent in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (10–30 Mbps). Kampot and Battambang are slower but usable. Remote areas and islands (Koh Rong) can have limited connectivity. Your local SIM data is the reliable backup — always have it ready.
Safety & Health
6 tipsTravel Insurance
Non-negotiable. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation — the best hospitals are in Phnom Penh, and a medevac from a remote province can cost $5,000+. I use SafetyWing for every trip — affordable, covers nomads and short-trippers alike, and you can sign up after you've left home. Peace of mind every time.
Tap Water
Don't drink tap water anywhere in Cambodia. Bottled water costs $0.25–0.50 and is available everywhere. Ice in restaurants and bars in tourist areas is commercially produced and safe. Street stalls — use your judgment.
Hospitals & Clinics
Phnom Penh has the best medical facilities: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Calmette Hospital for serious issues. Royal Angkor International Hospital in Siem Reap handles most tourist medical needs. For anything serious, medical evacuation to Bangkok (1 hour by air) is the standard protocol — another reason for good travel insurance.
Dengue & Mosquitoes
Dengue is present year-round, especially during rainy season (May–Oct). Use mosquito repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves at dusk, and choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning. Malaria risk exists in remote forest areas (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri) but not in tourist areas.
Landmines
Cambodia has a legacy of landmines and unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict. Stick to marked paths in rural areas, especially around Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin. Never walk into unmarked fields or forest areas. Tourist areas (Angkor, cities, beaches) are completely safe. This is a rural concern only, but an important one.
General Safety
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Bag-snatching by motorbike is the main risk in Phnom Penh — hold bags on the building side, not the road side. Don't walk alone in dark areas at night. Keep valuables in a hotel safe. Scams targeting tourists exist in Siem Reap (overpriced tours, fake orphanages) — book through reputable operators.
Packing Essentials
19 tipsSunscreen
Bring your own good sunscreen — quality brands are expensive and hard to find locally. I use this reef-safe SPF 50+; you will burn faster than you expect. Essential for temple exploring when you're outside all day with minimal shade.
Mosquito Repellent
Bring DEET-based repellent (40% concentration or higher). Local brands are available but international brands work better. Essential for evenings, especially near water and in the countryside. Dengue is real — don't skip this.
Temple-Appropriate Clothing
Angkor Wat and all Cambodian temples require covered shoulders and knees. This is strictly enforced — you will be turned away. Pack lightweight long pants or a sarong and shirts that cover your shoulders. A lightweight long-sleeve shirt doubles as sun protection during all-day temple tours.
Power & Voltage
Cambodia uses Type A, Type C, and Type G plugs at 230V. The plug situation is chaotic — bring a universal travel adapter with USB ports. Your phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage and will work fine. Don't bring appliances rated for 110V only.
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Even in dry season (Nov–Apr), sudden showers happen. A lightweight packable rain jacket is essential. During wet season (May–Oct), afternoon downpours are a daily certainty. Cheap ponchos are available everywhere for $1 if you get caught out.
Footwear
You need comfortable walking shoes for temples — Keen Newport sandals or closed-toe Crocs work well. Temple floors can be rough and hot stone. Flip-flops are fine for the hotel and beach. For Mondulkiri treks, bring proper hiking shoes.
First Aid & Hydration
Pack a small first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, Imodium, and pain relievers. Bring electrolyte tablets for dehydration — the heat drains you faster than you think, especially during full-day temple visits. Bottled water is cheap ($0.25) — drink constantly.
Day Bag & Organization
Use packing cubes to stay organized. For daily temple exploring, a crossbody sling bag keeps essentials accessible — phone, cash, water, sunscreen, and hat all within reach. Keep it on the building side in Phnom Penh to deter motorbike snatchers.
GoPro Dome Port
Tonle Sap lake kayaking, the floating villages of Kampong Phluk, and Koh Rong's reefs benefit enormously from underwater capability. A TELESIN dome port for GoPro 9–13 captures the classic half-above/half-below split shot cleanly — the shot of a submerged village stilts meeting the water line is one of the most striking images you can take in Cambodia.
Bag Rain Cover (Wet Season)
Wet season (June–October) means daily afternoon downpours that arrive fast and drench everything. An Osprey ultralight rain cover packs to the size of a tennis ball and wraps your entire pack in seconds. Don't be the person wrapping their bag in a plastic garbage bag at Angkor while everyone else keeps moving.
Camera Rain Cover
A camera rain cover keeps your DSLR or mirrorless shooting through sudden tropical downpours. At Angkor, you're an hour or more from shelter — the monsoon arrives without warning and you don't want to be rushing for cover with an uncovered camera.
Convertible Pants (Temple Rules)
Angkor Wat and all Cambodian temples strictly require covered knees and shoulders — you will be turned away without them. Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants zip off at the knee for the walk back to your tuk-tuk in 38°C heat. The complex covers 400 square kilometers — you need pants that function both as temple-appropriate gear and breathable walking wear.
Walking Shoes (Angkor)
Angkor's temple complex covers 400 square kilometers and a serious visit involves 15,000–20,000 steps. New Balance 840v5 walking shoes provide the cushioning you need for full-day temple walks on uneven stone — comfortable walking shoes determine whether Angkor is magical or painful. The ancient flagstone is uneven and temple stairs are steep; flip-flops are not the right tool.
Activated Charcoal (Stomach)
NaturaLife activated charcoal capsules absorb toxins and help with food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea — common in Cambodia where street food is excellent but occasionally leads to a miserable temple day. Take two capsules immediately at the first sign of stomach trouble. They've saved multiple trips.
Sleep Aid & Jet Lag
Cambodia is UTC+7, a 12–15 hour time difference from North America — you'll be fully inverted for the first two nights. OLLY Sleep melatonin gummies are the easiest way to reset your clock: take them at local bedtime and you'll shift within 48 hours instead of spending the first half of your trip unable to sleep at night.
GaN Charger
Cambodia uses Type A, C, and G plugs at 230V — a chaotic mix even within the same hotel room. One Anker 735 GaN 65W charger with a universal adapter handles everything: laptop, phone, camera, GoPro, and earbuds in a single plug that's smaller than a deck of cards. Dual-voltage means it works anywhere.
BAGSMART Electronics Organizer
A BAGSMART electronics organizer keeps SD cards, cables, adapters, and chargers organized in one flat case — when you're moving between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot, and the islands, not having to unpack your entire bag to find a cable is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
Apple AirTags
An Apple AirTag 4-pack tracks your checked bag, camera bag, day bag, and document wallet across the Giant Ibis routes and domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The domestic baggage handling is fine, but knowing exactly where your bags are removes one more variable from an already information-dense trip.
Cycling Shorts (Angkor by Bike)
Cycling between Angkor temples is one of the best ways to explore the complex — quieter than a tuk-tuk, you can stop anywhere, and the jungle paths between ruins are beautiful at dawn. A full day on a basic rental bike is much better with Baleaf 3D padded bike shorts under your convertible pants. The padding makes 25+ kilometers of dirt roads across Angkor manageable instead of brutal.
Language & Cultural Etiquette
6 tipsBasic Khmer Phrases
"Awkun" (thank you), "Sua s'dai" (hello), "Sok sabay?" (how are you?), "T'lai ponman?" (how much?), "Chnam" (delicious), "Srahm" (water), "Bong-kuhn" (toilet). Even a few words of Khmer earn huge smiles and goodwill from locals.
The Sampeah Greeting
The sampeah — pressing your palms together in front of your chest with a slight bow — is the traditional Cambodian greeting. The higher the hands, the more respect shown. You don't need to do it to everyone, but returning a sampeah when offered is polite and appreciated. Use it when greeting elders, monks, and in formal situations.
Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Don't point your feet at Buddha statues — sit with feet tucked behind you. Don't touch monks (especially important for women — never touch or hand anything directly to a monk). Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Don't climb on ruins or sit on sacred structures for photos.
Interacting with Monks
Monks are deeply respected in Cambodian society. It's fine to photograph monks (ask first). Women should not touch monks or hand them objects directly — place items on a cloth or table for them to pick up. Morning alms rounds happen around 6am — you can observe respectfully but don't interfere.
Cambodian Hospitality
Cambodians are genuinely warm and welcoming. Don't be surprised if locals invite you to share a meal or go out of their way to help with directions. Accepting food or invitations (even briefly) is polite and builds connections. A smile goes a long way everywhere in Cambodia.
English & Communication
English is widely spoken in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and tourist areas — especially by younger Cambodians. Older generations and rural areas speak limited English. French is spoken by some older Cambodians. Download a Khmer phrase app or Google Translate with offline Khmer for rural travel. WhatsApp is the standard messaging app for hotels and tour operators.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I personally use on my Cambodia trips. Full disclosure.
Gear We Recommend
🎒 Gear We Recommend for Cambodia
Dengue is endemic in Cambodia. Angkor's moats and jungle surroundings are prime mosquito territory at dusk. DEET works — natural alternatives don't in tropical heat and humidity.
Angkor Wat guards turn people away daily. Linen breathes in 35°C heat and covers shoulders and knees. One linen set handles every Angkor temple visit without compromise.
Cambodian tap water is unsafe everywhere. Plastic bottling is Cambodia's most visible environmental problem. Purify and refill from any tap instead.
Angkor Wat at sunrise, cycling between temples, tuk-tuk tours — a lightweight 15L daypack carries water, sunscreen, and temple clothes without bulk in the heat.
Angkor is hot and exposed. Temple-hopping on a bicycle or tuk-tuk for 6 hours in Cambodian sun will burn you fast. Reef-safe is gentler on skin and the environment around Tonle Sap.
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Start Planning →Frequently Asked Questions
Most nationalities can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports for $30 USD (cash only). You need a passport valid for 6+ months and one passport photo. You can also apply online via evisa.gov.kh ($36 USD) before your trip. Extensions of 30 days cost $45 at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Bag-snatching by motorbike is the main risk in Phnom Penh — hold bags on the building side when walking. Avoid walking alone in dark areas at night. Stick to marked paths in rural areas due to landmine legacy. Tourist areas (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot, beaches) are well-traveled and safe with normal precautions.
Budget travelers: $20-35/day covers hostels, street food, and shared transport. Mid-range: $50-100/day for boutique hotels, restaurants, and private tours. Luxury: $150+/day for resorts and fine dining. US dollars are accepted everywhere — bring clean, undamaged bills. ATMs dispense USD in most cities. Cash is king outside major tourist areas.
Cambodia uses a dual-currency system: US dollars and Cambodian riel (KHR). Dollars are used for most transactions over $1. You'll receive riel as change for amounts under $1 (4,000 KHR = $1 USD). Bring clean, undamaged US bills — torn or marked notes are often rejected. ATMs dispense US dollars in most cities.
Between cities: Giant Ibis or Mekong Express buses (comfortable, $10-18 per route). Within cities: tuk-tuks ($1-3 short rides), Grab/PassApp in Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 6-hour bus ($15-18) or 45-minute flight ($60-120). To islands: speedboat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong ($15-20). Scooter rental: $5-10/day for experienced riders.
A local SIM card is recommended — cheap and easy to get. Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone are the three providers. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport for $2-5 with 10-30 GB of data. 4G coverage is good in cities and tourist areas. Remote provinces (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri) have spotty coverage. eSIM options like Airalo also work.