Cambodia FAQ

Is tipping customary in Cambodia?

Tipping isn’t expected in Cambodia, but is appreciated. Feel free to tip drivers and restaurant staff if you feel the service has been good.

What is the internet access like in Cambodia?

Internet access is growing in Cambodia. Internet cafes are easily found in large cities, but the speed may be slower than what you’re used to.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Cambodia?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas, but can be patchy and less reliable in rural areas. Ensure global roaming is activated on your phone before you arrive in Cambodia.

What are the toilets like in Cambodia?

Squat toilets are the most common in Cambodia, but western-style toilets can be found in large 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.

What will it cost for a…?

Large beer = US$1.50
Meal in a mid-range restaurant = US$4-6
Street snack = 2000-4000 Riel
Souvenir t-shirt = US$3-4

Can I drink the water in Cambodia?

It's not recommended to drink the tap water in Cambodia. Filtered water is a better option; try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Cambodia?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, restaurants and medium-large shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, cafes, market stalls and places in remote areas probably won’t have facilities that support credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash to cover expenses while in rural areas or when visiting smaller vendors.

What is ATM access like in Cambodia?

ATMs are becoming more common in Cambodia’s large cities, so finding one while when staying in places like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville shouldn’t be a problem. Smaller towns and isolated areas will have very few, or none at all, so have enough cash to cover purchases as ATM access may not be available.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Cambodia?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Cambodia?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 7 Victory Day
Feb 25 Meak Bochea Day
Mar 8 International Women’s Day
Apr 13 Khmer New Year (3-day holiday)
May 1 Labour Day
May 9 Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony
May 13 King Sihamoni’s Birthday
May 25 Visaka Bochea Day (Birth of Buddha)
Jun 18 Former Queen’s Birthday
Sep 24 Constitution Day
Oct 14 Pchum Ben (3 day holiday)
Oct 29 Coronation Day
Oct 31 Former King Sihanouk’s Birthday
Nov 9 Independence Day
Nov 27 Water Festival (3 day holiday)
Dec 10 Human Rights Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. The religious festivals follow the Buddhist lunar calendar, so dates change from year to year. For a current list of public holidays in Cambodia go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Cambodia/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Cambodia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • CAMBODIA:
    Australia:Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Visas can be organised either in advance or on arrival. Check with your embassy or consulate and allow approx 3 weeks for processing. It is also possible to obtain your Cambodian visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing for approx. US$25 (cost subject to change) - you will need a passport photo.

    If a point of contact is requested, please write: Freedom Hotel, Road #6, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
  • CAMBODIA (Overland from Laos):
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    E-visa is not accepted at the border we use on this trip (Trapeang Kriel).

    Visas can be organised either in advance or on arrival. Check with your embassy or consulate and allow approx 3 weeks for processing. It is also possible to obtain your Cambodian visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing for approx. US$25 (cost subject to change) - you will need a passport photo.

    If a point of contact is requested, please write: Freedom Hotel, Road #6, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
  • KAMBODSCHA:
    Australien: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Belgien: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Kanada: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Deutschland: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Irland: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Niederlande: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Neuseeland: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Südafrika: Ja – bei Ankunft
    Schweiz: Ja – bei Ankunft
    USA: Ja – bei Ankunft

    Visas können im Voraus oder bei der Ankunft beantragt und ausgestellt werden. Erkunden Sie sich bei Ihrer Botschaft oder Ihrem Konsulat und planen Sie für die Bearbeitung etwa 3 Wochen ein. Es besteht auch die Möglichkeit, Ihr Visum für Kambodscha bei Ihrer Ankunft am Flughafen oder bei Grenzübergang zu erhalten. Bearbeitungskosten belaufen sich auf ca. USD25 (Änderungen vorbehalten) – Sie benötigen für die Beantragung ein Passbild.

    Falls Sie eine Kontakperson angeben müssen, so geben Sie bitte folgendes an: Freedom Hotel, Road #6, Siem Reap, Kambodscha.