Temples that rise from the jungle like forgotten giants, a serene culture steeped in ancient traditions, and a cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds – Cambodia is a Southeast Asian adventure unlike any other. But before you get swept away by the magic of Angkor Wat, here’s a helpful guide to prepare you for the sights, sounds, and experiences that await in the Kingdom of Wonder.

 

Visa to Cambodia:

All travelers visiting Cambodia are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. Only a handful of nationalities, mainly from Southeast Asian countries, do not require a visa to enter. The visa fee is USD 30 per person for visitors coming for tourism and USD 35 per person for visitors coming for business purposes. You will need to provide two passport-sized photos, which can be purchased at the airport for US$3 each. Additionally, all visitors must have a passport with a validity of at least six months after their arrival date. All nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap-Angkor international airports without prior registration. This arrival visa grants a 30-day validity period. To obtain a visa on arrival to Cambodia, visit the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/.

 

In January 2024, the Cambodian government launched the Cambodia e-Arrival application (CeA). Starting from July 1, 2024, the electronic platform within the app will substitute the conventional immigration, customs, and health forms. Travelers have the option to experiment with the CeA app until June 30, 2024, after which it will become a compulsory requirement. It is essential to fill out your e-Arrival forms within 7 days prior to your planned arrival. Register for the e-Arrival by the Government of Cambodia here: https://arrival.gov.kh/.

 

Airports:

There are two international airports in Cambodia: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), which replaced the old Siem Reap International Airport (REP) in October 2023. Both airports serve as hubs for flights from neighboring Asian countries, although the airlines flying the route often change. For travelers flying from America, Australia, or Europe, it is advisable to book flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia and then connect to Cambodia via these major airport hubs.

Distance from airports to city centre:

  • From Phnom Penh International Airport to centre: Approximately 10 km.
  • From Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport to centre: Approximately 50 km.

Your choice of transportation from the airport to the city center depends on your budget and preferences. Options include taxis, tuk-tuks, airport shuttle buses, and private cars arranged through a trusted travel agency.

 

Attire:

Given Cambodia’s tropical climate, it is advisable to opt for light cotton clothing to ensure comfort throughout the day. It’s recommended to cover your arms and legs to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the hot sun in the afternoon. Carrying an umbrella is ideal for both hot and rainy seasons, offering protection from intense sunlight and rain. All visitors must strictly adhere to a dress code when entering sacred temples and palaces. Sleeveless shirts, sportswear, leggings, shorts, short skirts, three-quarter length pants, flip flops/sandals without heel straps, swimsuits, beachwear, and clothing bearing offensive imagery or text are strictly prohibited. Visitors may be refused entry to Angkor Temples, Pagodas, and other sacred places if they fail to comply with these strict dress standards.

 

Electricity:

In Cambodia, the standard voltage is 230 Volts at a frequency of 50Hz. The power outlets utilize a mixture of two flat, two round, or three-prong plugs (Type A, Type C, and Type G). It’s advisable to carry a travel plug adapter. While blackouts may occasionally occur, many hotels are equipped with generators for emergency power backup.

 

Telephone:

Country telephone code: Remember to dial +855 before the local number.

If your mobile phone has global coverage, you can make local or international calls and access 4G services while in Cambodia. However, it’s wise to check with your mobile provider about any associated costs before you travel.

Upon arrival, you can easily obtain a local SIM card at airports or phone stores (remember to bring your passport for registration). These SIM cards are available for internet use only or can include both internet and domestic calls. Topping up your telephone credit is simple with scratch cards available at phone stores, minimarts, and street kiosks. Key telephone service providers include Metfone, Smart Axiata, and Cellcard.

 

Internet:

Internet connectivity is readily accessible across all major cities in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, internet cafes can be found everywhere, while the majority of mid-range and upscale hotels provide free Wi-Fi services. Usually, free Wi-Fi is available in most public areas, especially at notable tourist attractions.

 

Vaccination:

Vaccination is not mandatory for entry into Cambodia, but it is recommended to consider being vaccinated against diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and poliomyelitis. Malaria and dengue fever are prevalent in the country, so it is advisable to take precautions, especially when traveling off the established tourist places.

 

Insurance:

Prior to travel, it is highly recommended to obtain a health insurance policy, as treatment may not be administered without proof of payment or evidence of comprehensive travel insurance. When renting a car or motorcycle, ensure that the rental is covered by appropriate auto insurance.

 

International hospitals:

– In Siem Reap: Royal Angkor International Hospital

– In Phnom Penh: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital

 

Public Transportation:

Navigating around big cities, particularly in the tourist hubs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, is convenient. Various modes of transportation are accessible in these cities, including tuk-tuks (locally known as “remorks” – motorcycles with attached cabins). It is advisable to confirm the fare before the journey begins. Recently, you can book tuk-tuk or cars through transportation apps like PassApp or Grab. As WhatsApp is widely used in Cambodia, it is a good idea to have contact with the local driver as a backup plan.

 

Useful phone numbers:

Ambulance (S.A.M.U.): 119

Police: 117

Fire department: 118

 

CONTACTS OF EMBASSIES IN CAMBODIA:

 US Embassy in Phnom Penh:

Address: #1, Street 96 Sangkat Wat Phnom Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

Phone: (855) 023-728-000 Fax: (855)-023-728-700

Email: ACSPhnomPenh@state.gov

Website: https://kh.usembassy.gov/

 

Embassy of Canada in Phnom Penh

Address: 27-29 Street 75, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: +855 99 430 811

Email: pnpen@international.gc.ca

Website:https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/cambodia-cambodge/index.aspx?lang=eng

 

Embassy of Australia in Phnom Penh

Address: 16B, National Assembly Street, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkamon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: +855 23 266 500/ Fax: +855 23 266 588

Website: australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au

 

British Embassy in Phnom Penh:

Address: 27-29 Street 75, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

Phone: +855 (0)61 3000 11/12/44/99

Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-phnom-penh

 

Embassy of France in Phnom Penh

Address: No 1, Boulevard Monivong, BP 18, Phnom Penh

Phone: +85523430020/ Fax: +85523430041

E-mail: consulat.phnom-penh-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Website: https://kh.ambafrance.org/

 

Honorary Consulate of Spain in  Phnom Penh

Address: House 8 Street 352, Songkat Bong Keng Ko, Phnom Penh

Phone: +85512415734

E-mail: ch.phnompenh@maec.es

Office hour. Monday to Friday from  9:00 to 12:00 (with prior appointment by e-mail only)

Honorary Consul: Mr. Francisco Javier Solá Martí

Note: Spain has signed a consular representation agreement with the French Embassy in Phnom Penh, which is in charge of consular assistance to Spaniards and the issuance of Schengen visas for Spain in Cambodia.

 

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Phnom Penh

Address: No. 76-78 Rue Yougoslavie (= Street 214), Phnom Penh 120308

Phone: +855 23 216193, +855 23 216381

Website: https://phnom-penh.diplo.de/kh-en

 

For South American nations, there are no diplomatic missions like embassies or consulates located in Cambodia, with the exception of Cuba, as detailed below. Therefore, individuals from these countries should contact their respective embassies or consulates in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Hanoi, Singapore, or Hong Kong for assistance.

Embassy of Cuba in Phnom Penh

Address: No. 96-98 Street 214; Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phone: (855- 23) 213212 // 213965/ Fax: (855- 23) 217428

Email:

Head of Mission: embajador@kh.embacuba.cu

Consular Section:  consulado@kh.embacuba.cu

Secretary:  embajada@kh.embacuba.cu