Travelling to Cambodia

Practical Information: Visa and passport

With Cambodia Travel Plan you can build your own Cambodia adventure using our range of bite-sized Cambodia trips or suggested Cambodia holidays.

If you're planning on travelling to Cambodia, it's important to make sure your passport is up to date. It's a good idea to have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended return date left on your passport. For more information on UK passports please refer to www.ips.gov.uk.

All British passport holders require a Cambodian visa, which are easily arranged on arrival at the land borders with Thailand or Vietnam, or at the main international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Cambodia to Laos: The land borders between Cambodia and Laos are a slightly different story, and you MUST get your Laos visa in advance if you're arriving from Cambodia overland. It is not possible to do it on the spot. This is most likely to happen when crossing the border at Stung Treng during our Mekong, Dolphins and Laos trip where you travel from Cambodia to Laos.

Travelling to Cambodia: Visa information

Laos to Cambodia: It is possible to organise your Cambodian visa on arrival if you enter from Laos overland. If, however, you are arriving into Cambodia from Laos by boat, you MUST arrange your Cambodian visa in advance.

Cambodia to Thailand: If you arrive into Thailand overland, you'll automatically be issued a 15-day visa. However, if you are hoping to stay in Thailand longer than 15 days, you'll need to to organise your Thai visa prior to your departure from the UK.

To be granted a Cambodian visa your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure from Cambodia.

The price of a Cambodian visa can vary between $20 and $25 dollars per person, and the visa has a one month validity. You need to pay in cash and in US Dollars, and provide two recent, identical passport photographs.

These details can change suddenly, so for the most up to date information please contact the Cambodian Embassy. You can obtain your Cambodian visa prior to departure through the Cambodian embassy in London. The Cambodian visa section's address is: 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT. Tel: 020-8451 7850 and Fax: 020-8451 7594.

Travelling to Cambodia - Meet the locals

Travelling to Cambodia - 500 Cambodian Riel note

Travelling to Cambodia: Cambodian Currency

The Cambodian currency is the Riel. £1 British Pound (GBP) is currently worth approximately 7300 Riel; however currency exchange rates fluctuate all the time so check our link page for a good currency conversion website. The Riel is not widely used by tourists as everything tends to be quoted and accepted in US Dollars, so make sure you take some US Dollars with you, as it's quite easy to be a Riel Millionaire !

Travelling to Cambodia: Debit and credit cards

Debit cards can be used at most locations during your Cambodia holiday. There are ATM's in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, mostly at airports and banks in the city centres. Debit cards can only usually be used if your card has a Cirrus, Maestro or Visa logo on it. It's a little more difficult to get cash from ATM's beyond these two large cities, but they are slowly springing up. Whilst travelling to Cambodia, you might want to purchase US Dollars before departure, as Dollars are widely accepted and are an easy way of calculating prices. Dollars can also be exchanged for Riel once you're there, as it can be helpful to have some of the local currency available for things like tips.

Credit Cards are only accepted in large hotels, several restaurants and in more expensive souvenir shops. You'll usually pay around a 2% commission for using your credit card. Only larger banks accept Traveller's Cheques and foreign currency other than US dollars.

Travelling to Cambodia - Floating market trader

Travelling to Cambodia - Friendly locals

Travelling to Cambodia: Staying safe

Cambodia is one of the safest countries in the world. Despite the multitude of people living in Cambodia, crime is very sporadic and you can easily walk across the streets in the evening; even beyond the larger cities. For the most up to date travel advice for Cambodia, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. In smaller towns and in the vicinity of Angkor there are hidden landmines in some areas. It's important to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for warning signs in these areas.

Currency, passports and other important documents are best kept in a safe in your hotel. Nearly all Cambodia Travel Plan hotels have a safe available to you. Never leave important documents unattended in your room. All cleaning personnel have keys to your room. It's also best to avoid walking around with all your valuables, especially in the evenings.

Travelling to Cambodia: Travel budget

The amount of money that you'll spend whilst travelling to Cambodia depends largely on your own personal spending habits. It's best to set aside approximately £200 per week for food, drinks, tips, entrance fees (for those not included in the price of your trip) and small souvenirs. Naturally this amount is only an estimate.

It is not customary to give tips in Cambodia. However since salaries in this country are extremely low, tips are obviously appreciated. Tipping is becoming more and more common for those working in the tourist industry in Cambodia. Salaries for local guides and drivers are often partially determined based on the fact that they also receive tips. A tip totalling 5% -10% of the total bill is standard. Naturally the amount of a tip should also reflect whether the person receiving the tip provided an adequate level of service.

Travelling to Cambodia - Your Cambodia budget