Travel Essentials › Cambodia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A, C and G, 230 V. Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 119, Fire 118. Tipping: Not obligatory, but a dollar or two for guides, drivers and hotel staff and 5-10% in tourist restaurants is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types A, C and G, 230 V
| Police | 117 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire | 118 |
Not obligatory, but a dollar or two for guides, drivers and hotel staff and 5-10% in tourist restaurants is appreciated.
Greetings. The traditional greeting is the "sampeah" (palms pressed together, slight bow); a smile and this gesture are appreciated, though handshakes are also common with foreigners.
Modest dress at temples. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Angkor Wat and other temples; some areas are off-limits to people in revealing clothing.
Head and feet. The head is considered sacred and the feet the lowest/dirtiest part of the body; avoid touching anyone's head and don't point your feet at people or Buddha images.
Cambodia is a relatively safe country to visit, especially in tourist hubs, but petty theft (bag-snatching by moped riders), scams and road accidents are common risks worth planning around.
Card games and gem/milk scams. Friendly strangers may invite tourists to card games or offer deals on gems that turn out to be rigged or fake; politely decline unsolicited offers and games.
Bag-snatching from motorbikes. Bags carried on the street side can be grabbed by passing motorbikes; carry bags on the side away from traffic and keep straps secure.
Overcharging tuk-tuk/taxi fares. Agree on a price before the ride, or use a ride-hailing app, to avoid inflated "tourist" fares.
Women travelers. Most solo women travelers have positive experiences, but verbal harassment, groping and occasional sexual assault have been reported in tourist areas; taking taxis at night instead of walking and teaming up with other travelers is recommended.
Legal · Mostly Safe
Same-sex relations are legal, and Cambodia is comparatively relaxed for the region, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, though there is no anti-discrimination law and attitudes are more conservative outside big cities.
| Coffee (café) | 4,000 Riel (or $1) | $1.00 |
| Local bus or metro ride | 6,000 Riel | $1.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 24,000 Riel | $6 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | 32,000 Riel | $8 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | 120,000 Riel | $30 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | 160,000 Riel | $40 |
2026-09
The dry season (November-April) is best for visiting Angkor Wat and traveling around, with cooler and less humid weather from November to February; April-May is very hot, and the wet season (May-October) brings afternoon rains but fewer crowds and lush green temples.
Cambodia visa requirements by nationality