Good to know

Internet & wifi

Cambodia’s wifi and internet coverage is good, and even most bus companies offer free wifi on their busses. Usually all restaurants, bars and hotels offer free wifi, even in rural areas.

It is easy to get internet on your cell phone, as many companies issue special ‘tourist’ sim cards, with prices starting from $5US. Sim cards can be purchased at any mobile phone provider in cities and towns. However, if arriving by plane in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, it is the easiest to purchase a sim card right away. There are several mobile phone companies once leaving the terminal offering their products. It is an easy and straight forward process, and the staff will install everything for you. You need your passport to register. Good companies to use are Cellcard, Metphone or Smart.

Getting around

PassApp and Grab are widely used in Cambodia and are highly recommended to use for tuktuk and taxi trips within cities, as all prices are set and no negotiating is necessary (even if you are a good negotiator, fares via PassApp and Grab are always going to be cheaper). Both apps can easily be downloaded onto your phone. Links can be found in the Transport & Immigration section of the Cambodia country page.

Long distance transportation in Cambodia is entirely in private hands, except for the railway service. All major cities are well connected with each other via frequent bus services, while service to cities in rural are less frequent. Travelers have the choice of big busses and minivan service. While big busses are cheaper, minivans travel faster and are usually more comfortable.

Money

Using cash is the most common way to pay in Cambodia, especially in rural areas. However, all hotels, restaurants, tour operators and supermarkets in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, Kep, Shianoukville and Battambang accept credit card payments.

ATM’s are common in Cambodia, with most of them allowing international withdrawals.

Cambodia is a bit unique when it comes to currency, as the country uses both the Khmer Riel and $US. As a rule of thumb, you generally pay in the currency the price is given in, which will usually be dollars unless the amount is small. Change is usually given in Khmer Riel, although you may get a mix of riel and dollars. There are no coins, and amounts smaller than $1 will always be in riel. Larger stores and guesthouses use the official exchange rate, but smaller stores and markets will often stick to $1 = 4000 riel as an exchange, regardless of the official rate. Please note that lower denomination bills are being slowly phased out, so may or may not be available / accepted, particularly in rural areas.

Safety

Cambodia is a safe place for visitors and crime towards tourists is low. However, bag snatching occurs infrequently in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and Shianoukville. Make sure your bags are tightly strapped to your body. If riding a bicycle, don’t leave your bag in the basket, as this is an easy target for bag snatchers. As everywhere, single woman should be cautious at night and avoid dark streets and alleys.

Another danger is crossing roads in Cambodia, as drivers often don’t stop for pedestrians or cyclists. Make sure the road is clear before crossing.

Medical & healthcare

The public health care service in Cambodia is in its early stages of development and infrastructure can be basic, especially in rural areas. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have good quality private hospitals, and it is highly recommended to get to them in a case of an emergency, even if it takes a few hours to get there from a rural area. Small wounds like cuts or burns can be treated in local health centres or at private ‘clinics’. For serious emergencies such as head or internal injuries, try to get to Bangkok or Ho Chi-Minh City.

Compared to regular health care, dental care is excellent in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and there are many high quality dental clinics in both cities.

It is highly recommended to obtain a travel health insurance before going to Cambodia, as there have been reports of hospitals refusing patients without an insurance.

Visas & immigration

All visitors except for residents from ASEAN countries need to obtain a visa before entering Cambodia. The cost is US$30. E-visas can easily be obtained online. Visa on arrival is also available at all international airports and at all land border crossings. For more detailed information, go to the Transport & Immigration links provided on the Cambodia page.

In order to enter Cambodia, visitors also need to show proof of a double Covid-19 vaccination, as well as a negative PCR Test not older than 72 hours when entering.

Tourist information

Travolution360 tries its best to cover as much as possible, but it is always worth to stop and visit a tourist information, as they have spezialized knowledge of the area and can often point out places and events that are not well known to a broader audience. And, of course, engage yourself in conversations with fellow travellers, as the best information is by word of mouth.