Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $4–10 | $15–40 |
| Food | $5–8 | $10–20 |
| Transport | $3–6 | $8–15 |
| Activities | $5–10 | $15–30 |
| Drinks | $1–3 | $4–8 |
| Daily Total | $18–37 | $52–113 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Tourist visa on arrival: $30 + one passport photo. e-Visa available online ($36) — faster than queueing at the airport
- Valid for 30 days, extendable once for $45 at the immigration office near the airport
- Bring crisp US dollar bills — torn, old, or marked notes are rejected. $1 and $5 bills are most useful for daily transactions
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus recommended. Tap water unsafe — bottled water $0.25. Ice in tourist restaurants is factory-made and safe
- Petty theft occurs — watch bags on tuk-tuks and do not flash expensive phones. Bag-snatching from passing motos happens on the riverside
- Pharmacies sell most medications cheaply. Calmette Hospital and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital handle emergencies. Get travel insurance.
Getting Around
- Tuk-tuks are the main transport. PassApp ride-hailing gives fixed prices. In-town trips: $1–3 by tuk-tuk or $0.75 by moto-taxi
- Phnom Penh is flat and increasingly cycleable. Some guesthouses offer free bicycle loans. The riverside area is best explored on foot
- Giant Ibis and Mekong Express buses connect to Siem Reap (6hrs), Kampot (3hrs), and Sihanoukville (4hrs). Book at guesthouses or online
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM: Cellcard or Smart from $3 for 7 days data. Buy at the airport or any phone shop. Coverage is good throughout the city
- WiFi available at most cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Speeds vary but are generally adequate for messaging and maps
- All apps work unrestricted. PassApp (Cambodia's Grab equivalent) is essential. Google Maps is accurate for the city
Money
- USD is the primary currency. Riel (4,000 KHR = $1) used for change under $1. Market stall prices are often in riel
- ATMs dispense USD. ABA Bank has the widest network and lowest fees ($4 per withdrawal). Withdraw $200+ to minimise fees
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and upmarket restaurants only. Cash is essential for everything else — carry $20–30 daily
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. Modest dress for temples and the Royal Palace — cover shoulders and knees
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser for street food markets. A reusable water bottle saves money and plastic
- A small padlock for hostel lockers. A cross-body bag that is harder to snatch than a shoulder bag. Photocopy your passport.
Cultural tips
Sampeah Greeting
The sampeah — hands pressed together with a slight bow — is the traditional Khmer greeting. Return it when received. The higher the hands and deeper the bow, the more respect shown. Use it with monks and elders.
Khmer Rouge Sensitivity
The genocide killed nearly 2 million people — a quarter of Cambodia's population. Many survivors are still alive. Never make jokes about the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, or the killing fields. Treat this history with the gravity it deserves.
Children & Begging
Do not give money to begging children — it funds exploitation and keeps kids out of school. Instead, donate to established organisations like Friends International, Phare, or the Cambodian Children's Fund that provide education and support.
Buddhist Respect
Cambodia is 95% Theravada Buddhist. Remove shoes in temples, dress modestly, and never touch monks. Women must not hand items directly to monks — place them on a surface for the monk to pick up.
Resilience & Warmth
Cambodians are among the warmest, most resilient people in Southeast Asia. A smile, patience, and genuine interest in their culture and lives will open doors. Learning "sua sdei" (hello) and "aw kun" (thank you) is deeply appreciated.
Responsible Tourism
Choose social enterprises, locally-owned businesses, and community tourism operators. Do not visit orphanages — many are scams that exploit children. Support education and sustainable development through reputable NGOs instead.
