Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

Consult our guide to start organizing your trip to Cambodia to take full advantage of the wonders that the country has to offer you and make it a successful trip, without unpleasant surprises. Formalities, vaccines, health, electricity, money, tips... We tell you everything!

Visa for Cambodia

To enter Cambodia, you must have a visa and a passport valid for 6 months after the planned date of exit from the territory.

The tourist visa, valid for one month ($36, plus an identity photo), is issued on arrival at the international airports of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville/Kompong Som, and at the various land border crossings between the Cambodia and Laos, Thailand or Vietnam.

You can also obtain the visa from the Cambodian consulate in your country of origin or on the website of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, evisa.gov.kh.

Money

While the national currency is the riel, the US dollar is accepted throughout the country. Use the national currency for all small everyday expenses. On the other hand, for all major expenses, it is customary to pay in dollars. We advise you to bring dollars before going to Cambodia.

Exchange rate: $1 = approximately 4000 riel

However, you can always come with euros to Cambodia and change them on-site at banks or exchange offices to obtain dollars. In all major cities, you will find ATMs where you can withdraw dollars. Consider withdrawing large amounts, as the commissions are quite high.

You can use your payment card in most hotels, luxury restaurants, luxury boutiques, etc. Keep in mind that an additional commission (around 3%) will be charged to you.

Budget

Cambodia is a very cheap country. Here are some examples to give you an idea.

Tip

Tipping is not obligatory but it testifies to the quality of the service and your satisfaction, especially in high-end establishments, for the taxi, your guide, and your driver. Because wages are very low in Cambodia, tips are a good supplement for the people who receive them.

Hotel

In recent years, the hotel offering in Cambodia has considerably expanded and improved, especially in tourist sites. You will find a wide range of hotels in Cambodia that will meet all your comfort requirements and your budget. Generally, the price/quality ratio is very good. In low season, from May to November, you can benefit from very advantageous rates. Note that Siem Reap and Phnom Penh offer a great range of charming accommodations. Also, note that you can sleep with locals who will give your stay in Cambodia a very special flavor.

Luggage and clothing

Don't overload your suitcase. It is very easy, inexpensive, and very quick to have your laundry washed at your hotel. Furthermore, you can buy some clothes on-site at a very reasonable price.
Cambodia being a tropical country, we advise you to bring light cotton clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and, for hikers, shoes suitable for the walking terrain.

Health

We strongly advise you to be vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Malaria measures are not necessary for major tourist destinations, but recommended if traveling to remote areas. It is better to consult your doctor before leaving for Cambodia.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to wear long clothing and use insecticides or DEET-based repellents (Five by Five type) on uncovered parts of the body.

Be careful not to drink tap water. On the other hand, as a general rule, you can consume drinks with ice cubes which are made from sterilized water.

Also, pay attention to the choice of local restaurants. Take care to choose restaurants with acceptable hygiene.

We advise you to take a small essential pharmacy with you because there are a lot of counterfeit medicines in Cambodia.

Finally, consider taking out travel insurance. In the event of a serious health problem, it will be preferable to take the first plane to Bangkok which has the best hospitals in the region, or to repatriate you to your country of origin.

Security

Violence against foreigners is extremely rare, but be vigilant and use common sense to avoid arousing the desire of thieves. Don't wear jewelry too flashy.

Due to the possible presence of mines and undisabled explosive devices, never leave marked trails in remote areas of Cambodia.

Transportation

The road network in Cambodia is constantly evolving and improving. The main roads are asphalted and in good condition while the rest of the road network consists of gravel or dirt roads. Many bus companies offering good comfort serve the main cities of the country. To save time, you can take the plane to make the Phnom Penh – Siem Reap connection. The boat is also possible on the Tonlé Sap to make the trips from Phnom Penh – Siem Reap or Battambang – Siem Reap.

Practical life

Regarding the time difference, there are 12 hours more than in the USA. When it is noon in Washington DC, it is midnight in Phnom Penh.

For electricity, power sockets (outlets) of types A, C, and G are used in Cambodia. Plugs A and B are available in the United States. In Cambodia, power plug adapters are required for socket types A, C, and G, your electric gadgets' plugs will not fit without them.

Internet and Wi-Fi are available free of charge in almost all hotels and most restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can also buy a SIM card on site which can be recharged using prepaid cards. It will allow you to connect to the Internet in 2G, 3G, or even 4G, depending on the rate chosen and the part of the country where you are traveling.

Regarding the telephone, if you wish to call from USA to Cambodia: 011 + 855 + city code (without the “0”) + correspondent number. From Cambodia to the USA: 001 (or 007, cheaper) + 1 + correspondent number (9 digits: do not dial the initial 0).

Wish you a good preparation and happy holidays!

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