Cambodia travel tips

Cambodia Visa

Visa Exemption

Passport holders from the following countries are not required to obtain a visa (Visa Exemption) when entering Cambodia for tourism purposes: Brunei, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Unlike other countries, Cambodia visa can be applied for and issued upon arrival at airports for entering by air, whether in Phnom Penh or in Siem Reap or by land at the borders (Poit Pet, Chau Doc, Moc Bai). Travelers must bring along one passport–size photograph and their passport. Application form is distributed by the Government Immigration upon arrival. The fee is around US$30 for a one-month visa payable in USD cash upon issuance on arrival.

Beside that, you can also apply the Cambodia E-Visa before flying/entering the country by the below link:

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

In our experience, you should apply and receive Cambodia E-Visa before flying to the country instead of getting a VOA. The reason is that applying and receiving Cambodia E-Visa by yourself is quick and simple. Moreover, with E-Visa available, when you arrive at the airport in Cambodia, you will be able to enter the country quickly and you don’t need to wait too much time at the airport to apply for a Cambodia VOA.

When you start to apply or after receiving your E-Visa, kindly take time to double check and make sure all the information in the E-Visa are exactly with the information in your passport and in your international flight (Ex: full names, number of passport, date of expiry, date of birth, gender, period of entry Cambodia, name of airport/Land Port when entering Cambodia, etc.)

Do’s & Don’ts in Cambodia

A little Khmer goes a long way

Here are a few that are super easy to learn and you can use them every day:

Hello => Sou Sdey ; Thank you => Ah Kun ; Sorry => Sohm Tou

Clothes

You must dress properly before entering any temple, pants or skirts long enough to go below the knees and t-shirts will work. However, deep necklines and t-shirts with religious prints are to be avoided.

Don’t drink homemade or unlabeled alcohol

It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol. Get medical help if you have symptoms of methanol poisoning, including fatigue, headaches, nausea and vision problems.

Do take permission before photos

Don’t photograph people, including monks, without permission. Don’t take photos near sensitive sites, such as military areas, transport hubs or government buildings.

Bargain hard

Haggling prices is an uncomfortable and seemingly disrespectful activity for many westerners, but it’s expected here and especially when you are shopping on the streets. When negotiating prices, allow the other party to save face by giving just a little on the final price. Alternatively, you can return to buy from them again later.

Avoid drinking tap water

Drinking tap water is not advised due to its lack of infrastructure and the addition of chlorine. Many locals use tap water for bathing and laundry but not drinking water because it is not totally hygienic and safe for the human body. The purchase of bottled water in local groceries and stores will be the best solution.

Transport by Tuk-Tuk

They are cheap and convenient, but make sure to negotiate the price before getting in. Another option is to rent a motorbike, which is a great way to explore the countryside. However, be aware of the traffic and road conditions, and always wear a good helmet.

Take care of your belongings when walking on the streets

Always keep your luggage/belongings close to you and your smartphones in your hand or pocket. There could be some street criminals who are quick to snatch a phone or bag that is carelessly put.

Currency

Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.

Avoid feeding or giving money to the beggars

Don’t buy food or anything else for someone who comes to you asking for help, especially someone that comes to you holding a baby and asking to be fed or to feed the baby. The things they ask you to buy usually cost quite a lot. So, be careful and don’t fall prey to such scams. Also, don’t give money to kids as it will promote such deeds and devalue education as an alternative in the form of begging will be provided.