Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?

‘E-VISAS’

E-visas are now available for most nationalities through the official website: www.evisa.gov.kh

Please note there have been reports of fraudulent e-visa websites that mimic the official site.

‘VISA ON ARRIVAL’

Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at airports or land border crossings for approx. US$30 (cost subject to change). You will need a passport photo for your visa.

‘OTHER VISAS’

If you are not eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival you may need to submit an application through your local consulate. Allow up to 3 weeks for processing.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Cambodia?

You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Cambodia and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diphtheria and Polio are recommended.

Can I drink the tap water in Cambodia?

Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. It’s recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants, or purified water. Avoid having ice in your drink as it might have been made with tap water.

What is currency in Cambodia?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodia Riel, but USD is also widely accepted and sometimes preferred in larger stores and supermarkets.

Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia at various bureau de changes in major cities and towns. However, foreign currency is also widely accepted and often desired more so it can give the shopper more buying power. ATMs can be found in all larger towns and cities and some five star hotels. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM’s. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.

Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they’re often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.

What do foods and drinks cost in Cambodia?

Street snack = USD 0.50–1
Bottle of local beer = USD 1.50
Simple meal at a local restaurant = USD 5–10
Dinner at a nice restaurant = USD 25–50

What’s the food like in Cambodia?

Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is similar to Thai cuisine though with fewer spices, but no less flavoursome! It also tends to be healthier than other Southeast Asian cuisine. The staple food is rice, which is served with almost every meal and noodles are also popular. A typical meal usually consists of a soup, a main dish (often curry, stir fry or salad) and dessert. Prahok (fermented fish paste) is used to flavour many dishes and coriander, mint leaves and lemongrass are popular herbs. Another popular dish is Amok, a curry made with fish, spices and coconut milk.

Is tipping customary in Cambodia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Sri Lanka, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

What’re the toilets like in Cambodia?

Squat toilets are the most common in Cambodia, but western-style toilets can be found in the tour hotels and in tourist areas. Be prepared to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets, and always carry your own toilet paper and soap as they are usually not provided.

Is WiFi widely available in Cambodia?

In the main tourist areas (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville) WiFi is usually available in the majority of hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. In more rural parts of the country, travellers are unlikely to find a connection and if they do it is sure to be very slow.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Cambodia?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Cambodia’s urban areas, but may not be available in rural areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

Is it not appropriate for me to wear shorts in Cambodia?

When entering temples in Cambodia, it is important to remember to take your shoes off beforehand. Women wearing trousers or a short skirt will usually be required to put a long skirt on over the top. These are available to borrow at most temples.

What sort of sockets are used in Cambodia and what is the voltage?

Electricity in Cambodia runs on 230 volts at 50Hz. In general, type A, C and G plugs will fit into most Cambodia power outlets. In general, they use a European plug with two circular metal pins but in some rare cases it is also possible to find a flat two pronged socket as used in North America or a 3-pin India-style socket, so it is best to take a universal adaptor and cover your bases.

Weather overview

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: the rainy season from May to November when the countryside is lush and green, and the dry season from late November to April when there are long days of glorious sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant and warm throughout the year, apart from in the north when winters (December to March) are generally colder.