Cambodia

Neighboring countries:  Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.

Area: 181,035 km2

Population: 16.997 million (September 2021)

Capital:  Phnom Penh  Time Zone: GMT+7 hours. Daylight saving time (DST) is not implemented in Campuchia  . Religion: 97.1% Buddhism , 2.0% Islam, 0.3% Christianity, 0.5% Others

Language:  Khmer    Currency: the Cambodian Riel KHR ($1 = 4,066.57 KHR - September 2021)

For most visitors to the Kingdom of Cambodia, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports. At land crossing from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, visa can be obtained at International Check Point border.

Tourists also can get their visas prior to their arrival through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Tourists also can get eVisa through online E-Visa before traveling.

Some nationalities are required to get visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Nigeria.

A passport and visa are required. Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and borders. Both require a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the expiry date, 01 recent passport-sized photo. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights.

The entry points to obtain Arrival Visa:

Airports:

1. Phnom Penh International Airport

2. Siem Reap International Airport

Cambodia-Vietnam border:

1. Bavet International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / Moc Bai,  Tay Ninh, Vietnam

2. Khaam Samnor International Check Point (Kandal Province) / Vinh Xuong, An Giang, Vietnam ("Chau Doc crossing") 

3. Trapeang Sre International Check Point (Kratie Province) / Hoa Lu, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam

4. Prek Chak International Check Point (Kampot Province) / Ha Tien, Kien Giang, Vietnam 

5. Phnom Den International Check Point (Takeo Province) / Tinh Bien, An Giang, Vietnam 

6. Oyadav International Check Point (Ratanakiri Province) / Le Thanh, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam 

7. Trapang Thlong International Check Point (Kampong Cham Province) / Xa Mat, Tay Ninh, Vietnam

8. Banteay Chakrey International Border Check Point (Prey Veng Province) / Dinh Ba, Dong Thap, Vietnam

9. Samrong International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / My Quy Tay, Long An Province, Vietnam

Cambodia-Thailand border:

1. Cham Yeam International Check Point (Koh Kong Province) / Had Lek, Trat, Thailand

2. Poi Pet International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo, Thailand

3. Osmach International Check Point (Odor Meanchey Province) / Chong Jom, Surin, Thailand

4. Anglong Veng International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Chong Sa Ngam, Sisaket, Thailand

5. Prum International Check Point (Pailin Province) / Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand

6. Doung International Check Point (Battambang Province) / Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand

Cambodia-Lao border:

1. Dong Krolar International Check Point (Steung Treng Province) /  Voeung Kam, Champasack, Laos

It is required for the visa applicants to submit a passport, application forms, a recent passport-style color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay.

Visa Fees:

• Single entry visa fee for tourist (T) (30 days): US$ 30

• Single entry visa fee for business (E) (30 days):  US$ 35

Tourist & Business Visas:

• Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a Tourists (T) or business (E) visa valid for one month at the points of entry.

• Visa K can be issued to a Cambodian national entering the Kingdom on a foreign passport. (The applicant has to provide well-documented evidence, such as proof that one's parents were Cambodian).

Visa Exemption:

The nationals of Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively. 

Visa extension:

The tourist (T) and business (E) visas can be extended at the Immigration Department, National Police. The Diplomatic (A), Official (B) and Courtesy (C) visas can be extended at the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A tourist visa can be extended only once for up to one month (single entry).

A business visa can be extended for:

• One month (Single entry)

• Three months (Single entry)

• Six months (Multiple entry)

• One year (Multiple entry)

• Overstayers will be fined US$ 10 per day.

The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an average temperature around 27.C (80.F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot. These seasons are:

The Rainy season: From June till October 27-35.C (80-95.f)

The Dry season (cool): From November till February 17-27.C (80-95.F)

The Dry season (Hot): From March till May 29-38.C (84-100.F)

The period from November to February the following year - when the weather is cool is the best time to visit.

BY AIR 

Traveling to Cambodia by air is quite easy as many airlines offer direct or indirect flights: Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport.

BY LAND

Cambodia-Vietnam border: (visa available at most land borders)

1. Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) / Moc Bai,  Tay Ninh, Vietnam

2. Khaam Samnor (Kandal Province) / Ving Xuong, An Giang, Vietnam ("Chau Doc crossing") 

3. Trapeang Sre  (Kratie Province) / Hoa Lu, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam

4. Prek Chak  (Kampot Province) / Ha Tien, Kien Giang, Vietnam 

5. Phnom Den (Takeo Province) / Tinh Bien, An Giang, Vietnam 

6. Oyadav (Rattankiri Province) / Le Tanh, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam 

7. Trapang Thlong (Kampong Cham Province) / Xa Mat, Vietnam

8. Banteay Chakrey (Prey Veng Province) / Dinh Ba, Dong Thap, Vietnam

9. Samrong (Svay Rieng Province) / My Quy Tay, Long An Province, Vietnam

Cambodia-Thailand border: (visa available at most land borders)

1. Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) / Had Lek, Trat, Thailand

2. Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo, Thailand

3. Osmach (Odor Meanchey Province) / Chong Jom, Surin, Thailand

4. Anglong Veng  (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Chong Sa Ngam, Sisaket, Thailand

5. Prum (Pailin Province) / Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand

6. Doung (Battambang Province) / Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand

Cambodia-Lao border: (visa available at most land borders)

1. Dong Krolar (Steung Treng Province) /  Voeung Kam, Champasack, Laos 

TRANSPORT IN CAMBODIA

Bus

There are many bus companies providing transportation between Phnom Penh and the provinces that have better road and connect with Phnom Penh. All buses are air-conditioned and equipped with Video TV, Wi-Fi. The average travel speed of the buses is about 80 kilometers per hour. Bus stations are mostly located around Phsa Thmey (New Central market) area and Riverside. For their latest schedule or exact departure time and price, you may contact them directly.

Giant Ibis Transport

Is an "Affordable Luxury" bus service especially for travelers who desire comfort, safety, internet access en-route, and helpful English-speaking staff. Giant Ibis Transport is now recognized at the top of our Species Champions' Roll of Honour and the story about the collaboration between BirdLife International and Giant Ibis Transport is also widely announced. Proving bus between Phnom Penh - Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville with Luxury Bus.

Mekong Express Limousine Bus

Is a Cambodia company and commenced operation in 2002. Mekong Express is the leading and fastest-growing passenger transport bus company in Cambodia. Mekong Express operates daily schedule, services to major destinations in Cambodia and also cross border service to Vietnam. From the outset, " Mekong Express " has a great reputation among the international travelers as a company has high-level safety and rigid maintenance standard. 

Boat

There are eight boat companies currently providing services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and one boat company operating Phnom Penh to Chau Doc. Since there is limited numbers of passenger travel, boat companies are taking turns to cruise, one company a day. 7:00 AM is the departure time and half an hour shall be arrived prior to the departure. Tickets shall be bought at least one day advance for the assured seat but it is also available at the location. All boats are equipped with an air-conditioner, toilet and Video TV.  Enjoy your ride, experience your journey with a rooftop and you will have the benefit of spectacular scenery and see the true Cambodian villagers.

Taxis, Motortaxis, Reumork or Cyclo

There are no meter taxis, the taxi costs from 5$-7$ from the 20-50 minutes ride into and within the city center. Cheaper, faster and less comfortable, motorcycle taxis can be hired for $2 in town. For transfer from hotel to airport costs from 8$-10$ per way and you can find it at most hotels and travel agencies nearby you.

At the moment, most tourists can find the easy way by taking the REUMORK (Tri-cycle motor) or Cyclo (Tri-cycle) anywhere in the city with a cheap price. Cyclo is charged in the cheapest price and it is most used by many tourists who want to visit the city slowly.

For a taxi to the province, you can find it around Phsar Thmei (New Central market) or Phsar Deum Ker or at any travel agents.

Train

The train is available only from Phnom Penh to Battambang Province and departs from Phnom Penh about 5 AM or 6 AM with travel almost a full day.

Do’s in Cambodia

• Cambodian people greet each other by saying “Chum Reap Suor”, accompanied by a gesture of pressing their palms together in front of their face and slightly bowing forward, which is called ‘sampeah’. Your Cambodian hosts will be happily surprised to see you using the ‘sampeah’ to greet them.

• Shaking hands is now more and more acceptable, usually with men, and after a ‘sampeah’. When offering a gift to a Cambodian person, especially the elderly, it is the convention to present it with both hands.

• Before entering a sacred place, such as a Buddhist pagoda or the Royal Palace, please remember to take off your shoes and your hat. Also please remember to be dressed in a clean and modest manner. Especially, women should wear a t-shirt or a blouse with short or long sleeves and a skirt or pants at least at knee-length.

• When entering someone’s home, please remember to leave your shoes at the entrance. Although your Cambodian hosts will often insist that you keep them for your comfort, they will always appreciate your consideration for their home.

• Although Cambodian people enjoy having their pictures taken, do ask for permission first.

• If you buy foods at a street cart or a stall in a market, please remember that the price is usually cheap. Please remember that Cambodia is still a developing country and the Cambodian people are just starting to be familiar with other cultures’ customs and expectations. So be patient when communicating and interacting with your Cambodian hosts.

Don’ts in Cambodia

• In the Cambodian and Buddhist culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body. Please DO NOT touch or pat the head of people, even children.

• Similarly, as the feet are the lowest parts of the body, DO NOT use your feet to point at someone or something, to get the attention of someone or to push an object to someone.
  If you go to a pagoda and have to sit on the floor, DO NOT sit cross-legged or with your legs outstretched. Instead, sit slightly sided on your heels. If the position becomes uncomfortable, try to shift on your other side.

• Buddhist monks are deeply revered and respected. Women are not allowed to touch a monk’s robe or his body.

• The Cambodian society is relatively conservative and public displays of affection, such as kisses and hugs, are considered inappropriate and offensive behaviors.

• In public areas, on sacred grounds such as pagodas, and in public buildings, avoid shouting, as well as laughing and speaking excessively loudly.

• As cultural customs are different in Cambodia, please DO NOT resent Cambodian habits, which may be considered rude in your country.

LOCAL CURRENCY: 

US dollars are as commonly used as the Cambodian Riel and even Thai Baht is acceptable in many places. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.

Riel notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 Riel note is the most commonly used.

BANKS

There are banks in all provincial capitals in the country, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Battambang. Banks offer the usual banking services - cash advances on credit cards (most accept Visa card,) international currency exchange, telegraphic transfers, cash travelers checks and ANZ Royal Banks, Canadian and SBC Banks offer ATMs with international access. Most banks are open from 8:00 to 15:00 or 16:00PM, Monday through Friday. Some are open Saturday mornings until 11:30. ATMs are available 24 hours.

Money Changers Money changers offer a slightly better rate that the banks. They are plentiful and tend to cluster around the traditional markets and there is usually a section within the market dedicated to money changers and gold sellers.

When accepting US dollars in change, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note, especially a $20, $50 or $100 note, renders it all but useless in Cambodia. Banks, moneychangers and other businesses will not accept it.

ATM AND CREDIT CARDS

Credit Cards in the major tourist towns, credit cards are accepted at most upscale hotels, shops and restaurants, some mid-range place and a growing number of other businesses. Credit cards are general not accepted at any businesses outside of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and the casinos in Poipet. Visa, MasterCard (MC) and JCB cards are the most widely accepted credit cards in Cambodia. AMEX is coming into wider use, as well as the new ANZ Bluespot card. Diners Club (DC) is accepted at very few place. Most businesses charge a 2%-4% fee to accept credit cards.

There are now ATMs with international access in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Battambang. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank ATMs both accept Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard systems. SBC Bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard. All ATMs dispenses US dollars. There For locations see the ATM icons on the city maps.

Travelers checks are accepted at most banks, major hotels and restaurants and some money changers. AMEX in US dollars are the most widely accepted travelers checks.

Cash Transfers 'Instant' cash transfers can be done through MoneyGram or Western Union. Ordinary telegraphic transfers are available at all major banks.

Products for entering Cambodia

An incoming passenger is eligible for the following products:

• Two liters of wine***

• 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 400 grams of tobacco***

• 350 milliliters of perfume and ornaments

• Medicine for own personal cure

• Other materials and tools with limited quantity needed for traveling and not categorized as prohibited goods

***Passengers aged under 18 are not allowed to carry those goods.

Customs formality on arrival

• Goods worth the equivalent to or greater than US$100 shall be subjected to pay customs duties and taxes.

• If the customs value of goods is in excess of US$300, they must be declared in the Customs Declaration Form.

• If it is less than US$300, the goods must be declared in the Non-commercial Customs Declaration Form.

• Temporary imported goods are required to be authorized before the importation by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

• Import of foreign currencies to Cambodia is not limited, although declaration is required for the sums of over US$10,000.00 (ten thousand US dollars) or the equivalent in a foreign currency.

• The importation of prohibited goods must be accompanied by a valid license issued in advance by the relevant authorities and an import permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

When imported, strictly prohibited weapons, explosives and ammunition, and other military equipment must be escorted with a valid license from the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of National Defense and an import permit from the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Customs formality on departure

• Passengers leaving the country are required to fill up a Passenger's Declaration Form should they take out the following goods with the original supporting documents. They have to submit the form to the Customs Office at the point of exit.

• Foreign currency in the amount exceeding US$10,000.00 (ten thousand US dollars) is required to obtain the permit from the National Bank of Cambodia and approval before an exportation from the General Department of Customs and Excise, should there be no import declaration of the currency at their entry.

• Any temporary exportation of goods must be approved in advanced by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

• Prohibited goods and restricted goods must be accompanied by a valid license issued before exportation by the concerned authorities and export permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

• Any export of strictly prohibited arms, explosives, ammunition and other military equipment, is required to submit a valid license from the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of National Defense, and an export permit from the General Department of Customs and Excise.

• Artifact, statues, antiques and ancient items are required to have an authorization and permit issued before the exportation by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and an export permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

• When exporting plants and live animals, they are requested to enclose the permit or license issued in advance by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting and Fishery.

Import clearance procedures at Cargo Terminal

Any passenger wishing to import goods must prepare an import Customs Declaration Form and submit it to the Customs Office with the following original documents and/or certified copies by the company in triplicate. These supporting documents are:

• Invoice

• Packing List

• Airway bill

• Customs Permit (if required)

• Other relevant documents (if required)

Any relevant importation of goods by a VAT TIN unregistered entity/person for commercial purpose is required to attach with the customs permit issued in advance by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Goods categorized as temporary importation, personal effects and goods of which customs duties and taxes are the government burden, are required to obtain a valid permit issued before an importation by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Notice:

Passengers are liable for prosecution, penalties and/or punishment, under the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia, should they be found guilty for any false declaration, and violation against the rules stipulated in this proclamation.

Warning:

It is illegal for any trafficking of narcotic drugs and it is judged as a serious crime. A passenger who is convicted of this offense can receive a life imprisonment in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Health Requirements

Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.

Health Advice

• Drink lots of water. Never drink tap water purified, bottled water is available everywhere.

• Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito borne diseases. 

• Since Cambodia has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and light-weight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket might be needed on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning. A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the hot sun when sightseeing.

• When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts.

Police: 117

Ambulance: 119

Fire department: 118

Pre-Departure Tasks

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before the expiry date and a Vietnam multiple entry visa (if available). If you do not have a re-entry Vietnam visa , you need to prepare 2 color photos, white background 4x6 cm to make a re-entry Visa. Have a look at the visa requirements for more information. 

• At least two passport-size photographs of yourself

• Cash in US$1s, $10s, $20s, $50s (Important note: Old and/or torn currency bills may suffer rejection)

• A folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho if you plan to visit during the rainy season

• Zip lock bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry

• Check with your doctor the vaccinations and medicines needed.

• Standard film, (such as Kodak, FUJI or Konica 100), slide and digital camera memory are widely available. Photos are inexpensive to process in the country. Any specialized photo equipment should be brought with you. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installations is forbidden and discretion should be used when photographing people, particularly monks. The cheapest & best quality photo service in Phnom Penh is SPK Photo Studio FUJI Shop at Monivong Blvd.

Clothes

The weather in Cambodia generally falls under two categories: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).

Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended for the dry season, when the weather is hot and humid. Visitors may wish to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for hiking, trekking, or outdoor activities. A hat and sunglasses may be useful for when walking around under the sun.

During the rainy season, visitors may want to bring a light rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased cheaply in Cambodia) or a sturdy umbrella. A light jacket or cardigan will come in handy during the months of December and January, when temperatures are at their coolest.

When visiting outdoor temples, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes and hats are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds. visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts and keep their shoulders covered.

Vaccinations

Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.