Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–12 | $20–50 |
| Food | $5–10 | $12–25 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $15–25 |
| Angkor Pass | $37 (1-day) | $62 (3-day) |
| Activities | $0–5 | $10–25 |
| Daily Total | $20–40 | $50–100 |
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) — saves queueing at the border
- Valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days ($45) at immigration in Phnom Penh
- Bring crisp US dollar bills — torn, old, or marked notes are regularly rejected throughout Cambodia
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water $0.25 everywhere
- Mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria (low risk in Siem Reap town). Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk around the temples
- Beware of scams: landmine victim beggars (often organised), children selling postcards (keep kids in school by not buying), and gem shop cons
Getting Around
- Tuk-tuks are the main transport: $2–3 in town, $15–20/day for temple circuits. Agree price before departure
- E-bikes ($10–15/day) and bicycles ($3–5/day) give independence at the temples. The Small Circuit is flat and cycleable
- PassApp is Cambodia's ride-hailing app — works like Grab with fixed prices. Available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM cards at the airport: Cellcard or Smart from $3 for 7 days data. Coverage is good in Siem Reap and along main roads
- WiFi available at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Temple areas have no WiFi — download offline maps before going
- Charging your phone at the temples is not possible — bring a power bank for a full day of photography
Money
- US dollars are the de facto currency. Riel (4,000 KHR = $1) used for change under $1. Bring crisp dollars from home
- ATMs dispense USD with a $4–5 fee. Canadia Bank and ABA Bank have the widest ATM network. Withdraw $200+ per transaction
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and upmarket restaurants only. Cash is essential for tuk-tuks, markets, temples, and street food
Packing Tips
- Modest clothing for temples — cover shoulders and knees. Angkor Wat enforces this strictly at the upper levels
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and a refillable water bottle. Temple days involve 15,000+ steps
- A small backpack for temple days: water, snacks, camera, power bank, sunscreen, rain poncho (wet season). Leave valuables at the hotel
Cultural tips
Sampeah Greeting
The sampeah (hands pressed together, slight bow) is the Khmer greeting. Return it when received. Like the Thai wai, the height of the hands indicates respect — higher for monks, lower for friends.
Temple Respect
Remove shoes and hats before entering temple sanctuaries. Do not touch or sit on ancient carvings. Never point feet at Buddha images. Photography is prohibited in some inner chambers — check signage.
Khmer Rouge Sensitivity
Cambodia's genocide under the Khmer Rouge (1975–79) killed nearly 2 million people. Treat this history with extreme sensitivity. Do not make jokes. Many Cambodians over 50 are survivors — approach the topic with care.
Children & Begging
Do not buy postcards, bracelets, or food from children at the temples. It keeps them out of school and fuels exploitation. If you want to help, donate to established organisations like Phare or the Cambodian Children's Fund.
Smiles & Patience
Cambodians are warm, gentle, and resilient people. Smile often, be patient, and show kindness. A few words of Khmer — "sua sdei" (hello), "aw kun" (thank you) — go a long way toward building genuine connections.
Support Local
Choose locally-owned guesthouses and restaurants over international chains. Eat at social enterprise restaurants. Buy crafts from Artisans Angkor. Your tourism dollars have the most impact when they reach Cambodian families directly.
