Cambodia travel info

General information for the traveller new to Cambodia.

Visas
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry and a tourist visa is required by all nationalities whether entering Cambodia by land or air. It is possible for all nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival if entering the country at either of the international airports (3 passport-sized photographs are required). If arriving overland, a visa should be obtained prior to entry. It would be advisable to check the current situation with the Cambodian Consulate or Embassy before travelling.

Customs
Cash amounting to more than US$10,000 in foreign currency must be declared upon arrival and the import/export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency up to the equivalent value of the amount imported may be taken out of Cambodia.

Alcohol - 1 opened bottle of spirits
Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe.

Time
Cambodian Time: GMT + 7

Currency
Cambodian Riel (CRI) - Check current exchange rates
1 Riel = 100 sen.
Notes issued: CRI100, 000, CRI50, 000, CRI20, 000, CRI10, 000, CRI5, 000, CRI2,000, CRI1000, CRI500, CRI200, CRI100

US dollars are widely used, however other foreign currencies are not generally accepted

Language
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia whilst French, English, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese are also spoken to varying degrees. English is widely spoken around the main tourist areas of Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat and Cambodians are enthusiastic about learning and practising English.

Tipping
Tipping is optional in most situations, although it is appreciated in hotels and restaurants. Tip porters, hotel staff and taxi drivers between CR2,000 and CR4,000.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 3.00 pm

Telephone
The international dialling code for Cambodia is 855
When making international telephone calls from Cambodia, first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number

Local Telephone Codes

Phnom Penh 023

Siem Reap 063

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz
Flat and round two-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item.
Power cuts are quite frequent but many hotels and businesses have their own generators.

Water
Tap water is not considered safe for drinking and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country.

Health
Be aware that the standard of health care is exceptionally low in Cambodia and there is also an acute shortage of medical staff. Make sure that your health insurance is comprehensive and covers evacuation. Think seriously about being inoculated against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Also consider a pre-exposure rabies vaccination and anti-malarials. It is essential that you check the current situation with regard to all potential health hazards and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

Phnom Penh - Pochentong
Siem Reap

International Airport Departure Tax
US$20 at Phnom Penh
US$8 at Siem Reap

Domestic Airports
All international airports mentioned above plus the following:

Battambang
Koh Kong
Sihanoukville
Stung Trung
Banlung
Sen Monorom

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
From US$4 to US$10 depending on airport

Etiquette/Dress Code
As with most of South East Asia, modest dress is recommended; avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts and shorts. Dress especially respectably when visiting temples and take your cues for appropriate behaviour from fellow Cambodian visitors.

Diplomatic Missions
A number of countries have representative offices in Cambodia.

Useful Sources of Information
Further information on Cambodian culture and tourist attractions: