How should I take money to Cambodia?
Bring a combination of debit and credit cards, as well as some USD cash. ATMs are widely available in airports, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and dispense USD. Most hotels change traveller's cheques and cash at reasonable rates. Credit cards can be used in mid-range to upmarket hotels and in a limited number of shops and restaurants in major centres. If you bring traveller's cheques, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

How much money will I need each day for food and other expenses?
Cambodia is more expensive than neighbouring countries. Allow approximately 30 USD per person for day-to-day living, which will buy you lunch and dinner at good local restaurants (your breakfast is always included), as well as refreshments during the day. Transport such as tuk-tuks and cyclos is inexpensive, and should cost you no more than 5 USD a day on average, and often much less. If you are travelling independently, you will need to factor in any entrance fees, which are generally between 1-5 USD. Angkor entrance fees are 20 USD for a day pass or 40 USD for a 3-day pass. High end and Western restaurants will cost more. Prices of alcohol varies

Do I need to tip in Cambodia?
Tipping inspires great service and, while it is not generally expected in Cambodia, it is appreciated. In basic restaurants we suggest rounding your bill up to the nearest 1 USD. In more up-market restaurants 5% to 10% is appropriate. If you are happy with the services provided by your guides and drivers, we suggest a tip of 3-5 USD per person per day for guides and 2 USD per person per day for drivers. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality.

Will I need to bargain for everything I want to buy?
Bargaining for souvenirs has long been the norm in Cambodia, however 'fixed price' boutiques are becoming more common. Even then, you may be able to garner a discount, especially if you buy more than one item. Bargaining should always be good-natured – a smile and friendly attitude are a must. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%. And it's never a good idea to compare prices with someone else – chances are they will have! In most cases you will not need to bargain for basic items such as bottled water, toiletries and food.

Health & safety

What vaccinations will I need to have?
Some of the diseases known to exist in Cambodia include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, dengue, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. Consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up-to-date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.

Are Western toilets available?
All hotels and guesthouses, including home-stays, are equipped with Western toilets. On long bus drives, we endeavour to time stops according to acceptable and hygienic toilet facilities which will, in most cases, include a Western toilet. We recommend that you carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Is Cambodia a safe country?
These days Cambodia is a relatively safe country by world standards. Usual common sense precautions are advisable, especially in Phnom Penh. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and take taxis rather than cyclos. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible. In Phnom Penh in particular, we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street.

I'm travelling alone - is it safe to go out at night?
Our hotels are centrally located in safe neighbourhoods however we do advise against walking alone at night in Phnom Penh. Most hotels we use have a restaurant or can arrange a tuk-tuk or a taxi to take you directly to your destination. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card, to show the driver where you want to go.

Is Cambodia a good place to take children?
Cambodia is very child-friendly. If you are travelling with children aged 5-17, our Family Journeys, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities, might best suit your needs. Some hotels cater well to families with triple share options, or adjoining rooms.

Food & Water

Can I drink the water?
We advise against drinking tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels and is otherwise inexpensive and readily available.

Is there vegetarian food and Western food available?
Vegetarian dishes are not a common feature of Khmer cuisine, however there are a number of vegetarian restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Elsewhere, even vegetable dishes may use fish or meat stock as a base so if you are a strict Vegetarian it's a good idea to ask about the ingredients used. Western food is widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, though is generally more expensive than local cuisine.

I have special dietary requirements/allergies - can these be accommodated?
It is generally possible to accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies, though it is a good idea to have someone prepare a Khmer translation of the details of your needs to show restaurant staff. Even non-seafood dishes may feature prahok, a fish paste, shrimp paste or fish sauce as a base.

What general food and water precautions should I take?
We advise you to use bottled water, even to clean your teeth. Always wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after handling local money. Ensure meats are thoroughly cooked. It is not necessary to avoid salads and herbs out of hand but remember uncooked foods do carry a greater risk. In general, establishments that cater to Western tourists make their own ice on the premises from bottled water. Elsewhere, ice is made from filtered water that is delivered in blocks from local factories. If in doubt as to the origin of ice, it's a good idea to ask.

Getting there and away and around

What is the flight time to Cambodia?
From Australia: Flight times range from 12 Hours (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) to 15 hours (Adelaide, Brisbane)
From New Zealand: 16 hours from Auckland
From UK: 16 hours from London
From USA: Flight times range from 17 hours (Los Angeles) to 20 hours (New York)

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
To enter Cambodia you will need a passport with at least six-months validity and a tourist visa. The Cambodian Government has introduced an electronic tourist visa ("e-visa") facility. This applies to travellers entering Cambodia at Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) and Bavet (Svay Rieng), as well as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports. For further details see our visa information page, speak to one of our experts or contact your local Cambodian consulate or embassy.

Are the domestic flights safe and reliable?
All domestic flights within Cambodia are with Cambodia Angkor Air operated in conjunction with Vietnam Airlines featuring French-made ATR 72 and Airbus A321 aeroplanes. Schedules sometimes change and this can result in alterations to your itinerary.

Is it safe to catch a taxi or cyclo at night?
We generally advise against taking cyclo’s at night, tuk-tuks are a safer mode of transport especially if known by hotel concierge. In Phnom Penh there is a network of safe and reliable taxis. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card, to show the driver where you want to go.

Packing

Should I take a suitcase or a backpack?
We recommend one piece of medium-sized lightweight luggage with wheels and preferably a soft cover. If you are travelling on a train during your stay, bear in mind that you will need to travel with your luggage in your compartment, where space is limited, as there is no separate baggage car.

What is the baggage allowance on domestic flights?
The baggage allowance in economy class with Cambodia Angkor Air on domestic flights is one piece of checked luggage weighing no more than 20kg (44 pounds), plus one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7kg (15 pounds).

What should I pack for a holiday in Cambodia?
Please refer to the following checklist as a guide. You may need to carry your own bags at certain stages during the trip so you should be able to lift them! Laundry service is available in most hotels but can be expensive.

Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets,
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack and/or shoulder bag that can be slung across the body for security
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
A range of comfortable, quick dry, loose fitting clothes
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries (or battery charger)
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Clothes for temples - long pants or long skirts, long sleeve top, shoes which are easy to slip on/off

Will I need wet weather gear?
We do advise you bring wet weather gear however raincoats and umbrellas can easily be purchased in Cambodia.

Communications & technology

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?
Mobile phone networks cover much of the country and global roaming is available - check with your service provider before leaving home. Reception can be patchy outside urban areas.

Are there many internet cafes in Cambodia?
You will find many internet cafes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and some in Sihanoukville. Rates are generally reasonable. Most hotels offer an internet service however rates are generally higher than in internet cafes.

I am travelling with my laptop - will I be able to access WiFi?
WiFi is becoming increasingly common in hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. WiFi is also offered in some hotels, either in-room or in certain public areas such as the lobby. Check with your travel expert for availability of WiFi at your chosen hotel/s before departure.

Responsible travel

I would like to bring some gifts for the local children - what do you suggest?
Gifts such as text books and pencils are most appropriate and best given to organisations (such as schools or clinics) rather than to individuals, as distribution through a community channel is more likely to occur equitably, and with dignity. We advise against giving gifts directly to children on the street, at home or in village communities. Gift giving creates inequality within communities and encourages children to start begging. Giving money (even to children who offer to act as guides) can also make children the primary income earners in their family, resulting in long-term school truancy.

What are some of the local customs I should be aware of?
Dress standards are fairly conservative, especially outside major cities. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. You should try to keep your shoulders covered, especially outside major cities. Try to resolve any difficulties in a calm, friendly matter. Losing your temper will not get you anywhere.

For more responsible travel tips read our ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet on our Responsible travel page.

View our full list of Cambodia tours.

Return to our Cambodia travel overview page.