Welcome to Cambodia
If you’re planning your first time in Cambodia, welcome! From ancient temples and vibrant markets to warm hospitality, Cambodia has so much to offer. But before you jump on a plane, there are a few things we, as locals, think you should know to make your trip to Cambodia smooth and enjoyable.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Cambodia?
Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Cambodia. Luckily, it’s easy to get. You can apply for an e-visa online before you arrive or get a visa on arrival at most airports and land borders.
- Tourist visa (T-class): Valid for 30 days
- Cost: Around $30 USD
Tip
Have a passport photo and cash ready if applying on arrival. This part can be pretty hectic, some staff will grab your passport and walk away with it to get you the visa. You need to be a bit careful and watch where they’re going. Even though this part is generally safe, we wish the
the government had a better system. Hopefully they have a better one with the new airport.
While at the airport, if you know that your phone won’t have any internet service, we suggest you get a sim card at the airport. You can get one that cost around $5, and pay a prepaid version to get some data. You will need it pretty much the whole time you’re in Cambodia.
Currency: USD and Riel
Cambodia uses two currencies: the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD). Don’t worry if you don’t have Riel—US Dollars are accepted everywhere, even for small items.
Exchange rate: $1 USD = ~4,000 KHR (you may get change in Riel). We find that the exchange rate isn’t that good at the airport, so you don’t need to exchange too much. We suggest ~$20 should be good to get you to where you stay, and get some food along the way.
Tip:
Carry small USD bills like $1s and $5s. Make to bring the crisp bills, lately it seems that most people don’t accept bills that have tears or scratch on them. Also when doing the money exchange, people prefer to get the $50 or $100 bills.
Getting Around
If this is your first time in Cambodia, getting around might seem overwhelming, but it’s easier than it looks.
- Taxi: When leaving the airport, you can get the airport taxi, if you have lots of luggages and need more space this is a good option. It’s easy and you get to stay in the AC the whole ride, as you can easily be shocked how hot and humid Cambodia can be.
- Tuk tuks: are everywhere and are a fun way to get around, but most of the time they can be pretty aggressive to get your business and you have to negotiate which we don’t recommend.
- Download Grab, a ride-hailing app used across Southeast Asia (like Uber). Highly recommend this.
- Buses and private vans are available for travel between cities. We’ll tell you more about that later.
Dress Respectfully
Cambodia is culturally conservative, especially around religious sites like temples. Respect local customs with modest clothing:
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples
- Take off your shoes and hat before entering religious buildings
- Avoid loud behavior in sacred places
Food and Water
Cambodian food is flavorful and usually safe for travelers. We have so many options for you to choose from. However, if you are coming from far away places like the US or Europe, maybe don’t jump straight into any dishes with lots of veggies. We find that it could irritate your stomach easily, maybe wait for a few days before doing that.
Water: We suggest drinking from a water bottler only unless you know where the water source is coming from. Water bottle is pretty cheap, around 30 cents, and you can get it everywhere. If you know a good water source, we definitely recommend using your water bottle, not only that it’s cheaper, it’s good for the environment as well.
There many water bottle brands around the country, and here are our top picks for:
Safety and Scams
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot. Still, keep these in mind:
- Watch your belongings, especially in busy areas
- Don’t flash your phone or money in while traveling in Tuk Tuk. Many people have their phones snatched while riding it around.
- Use trusted transportation apps or hotel-arranged taxis. This can be tricky as almost all the businesses in Cambodia don’t have their own website or much digital presence. This is why we are here to help. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Cultural Tips
Cambodians are friendly and welcoming, and respecting local culture will make your experience even better.
- Don’t touch someone’s head (it's considered sacred)
- Use both hands when giving or receiving something
- Avoid public displays of affection
When to Visit
Cambodia has two seasons: dry (Nov–April) and wet (May–Oct). The dry season is best for sightseeing, especially if you plan to visit Angkor Wat. However, the green season offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Cambodia for the first time is an unforgettable experience and intimidating at the same time. People are very friendly and helpful, but there are always a few that like to take advantage of that.
Khmer people work very hard, especially toward getting business from tourists and sometimes they can be pretty aggressive, but they are harmless.
We are sure you want to plan an unforgettable trip and have many questions. Feel free to reach out to us and let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.