cambodia Travel Guide

Visa and entry

A visa (and passport) is required by nationals from Britain, Australia, Canada, USA and EU countries. No  need to provide a proof-of-return air ticket. Visas are usually issued by your nearest Cambodian Embassy or consulate in your country or online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mfaic.gov.kh

Most visitors to Cambodia require a one-month tourist visa, although some visitors enter on a one-month business visa. The effective date will be on the entry date (mentioned in the approval letter). You are not allowed to enter Cambodia before the authorized date of entry. Most nationalities are eligible for a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh airport or Siem Reap airport, and at land borders. This can incur an administration charge of up to US $4. Don’t forget to bring payment in US dollars and one passport photo. Please be aware that sometimes there can be long queues at the airport when obtaining a visa on arrival, but lines move fairly quickly.

For more information, please visit your local consulate here.

Health information

You will need a certificate proof of your yellow fever vaccination: You will need as proof of the same will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the last 6 days prior to entering Southeast Asia. Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have a limited number of internationally run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care. Medical care outside these two cities is almost non-existent. 

Local pharmacies provide a limited prescription supplies but the quality might not be entirely reliable. It is advised to carry along an adequate supply of medications for the duration of your stay in Cambodia. For serious illnesses/injuries, Bangkok is the ideal place to seek treatment.

We highly encourage you to purchase travel insurance for your trip.

Currency, cash and cards

Cambodia’s official currency is the Riel (KHR). While USD, GBP and Euro, and some other currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia, USD is your best option for favorable rates.

Please note that Riel is a non-convertible currency, meaning once you have left Cambodia, it is useful only as wallpaper. Banks outside Cambodia will not accept or exchange it. International access ATMs dispensing US Dollars can be found in most major tourist centers across the country.

In remote areas people only use riel or small dollar change. Cash in other major currencies can be changed at banks or markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Banks offer a meager rate for any non-dollar transaction, so it is advised to use money-changers for this kind of transaction. Cash advances on credit cards are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. Canadia Bank and Union Commercial Bank offer free cash advances, but most other banks advertise a minimum charge of US $ 5. ATM machines dispense US dollars and large withdrawals of up to US $ 2,000 are possible.

Cambodia Acleda Bank now offers travelers check cashing at many branches, bringing financial freedom to far-flung provinces as well. It is best to have checks in US Dollars, though it is also possible to change euros at this Bank and most of the other major currencies at branches of Canadia Bank. Generally, you would pay about 2% commission to change traveler’s checks. 

Language and communication

Khmer or Cambodian is the language of the Khmer people and the official language of Cambodia. It is the second most widely spoken Austro-Asiatic language (after Vietnamese). French and Vietnamese are still spoken by members of the older generation, but the use of English is rapidly becoming widespread throughout the country.

Cambodia’s country code is +855. There is an extensive mobile system. This might be a more prudent option for you when compared to the limited landline system. All phone numbers are six digits with a three-digit prefix that differ for each province. Proper domestic and international calling and fax services are available in post offices and hotels in Phnom Penh and other major cities.

If you wish to purchase a local SIM, please ask your Enchanting Travels Trip Coordinator or your guide for assistance. You will usually need to produce some proof of ID, such as a passport. Top up vouchers are available at local stores.