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GOT A QUESTION?

Check out our frequently asked questions below.
If you have any further questions about Cambodia use the contact form below to ask us. 

General

What is the tipping policy in Cambodia?

Tipping is not compulsory in any restaurants. Most places will share the tips with all the staff while owners put all the money back in the business. The unwritten rule is to hand the money to your waiter personally, separately from the bill.



What is the currency?

Cambodia uses both USD and Khmer Riel. Upon arrival be sure to have USD as you will need it for purchasing your visa at the airport. The conversion rate is approximately 4000 Riel to 1 USD. Often when paying you will use USD, but receive Riel in change, just remember to check it, especially when you are at the markets, or small shops on the streets.



What languages do they speak in Cambodia?

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is spoken in the major cities and tourist spots, but there are places where a few basic Khmer phrases or words will make your travels easier.



What visa do I need for Cambodia?

You will need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia. You can either apply at a Cambodian embassy in your home country beforehand, but it is much easier to get it on arrival at the airport. Be sure to have $30 on hand, and to have the exact amount as they will tell you they don’t have change.



Is there internet everywhere?

Cambodia generally has internet/ wifi everywhere in the cities, and it’s easy to get a local sim card with affordable data plans.



What sim card do I get?

The most reliable sim card is known to be SMART card. Their service offers many affordable data plans and they generally have good reception all across the country. Sim cards and credit available at most convenient stores and street shops.



Are there Foreign Banks / ATMs ? Can I use local banks to draw money?

Western Union is available in Cambodia, but most of the other banks allow withdrawals from their ATMs for a banking fee. Supermarkets and big shops, as well as restaurants usually accept cards too, but make sure before you sit down and order as you might have to withdraw money instead. Be aware that some more rural places do not have ATMs, and you will have to have cash on hand.



LGBT friendly

Cambodia is generally a very open and welcoming country to foreigners. In the major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap there are thriving LGBT communities and places to go. Not only can you find many bars and clubs around, but there are also hotels that are ‘gay-friendly’ or ‘gay-only’. Depending on what you are looking for we suggest looking on Travel Gay Asia, to see where the best-suited places are for your specific LGBT requirements.



Can my dog come too?

There are a surprising amount of animal-friendly places in Cambodia, especially for small dogs. Most places will state it in their list of facilities whether they accommodate dogs or not, but if you are uncertain it is best advised to contact them directly. There are websites to help guide you and your canine companion. www.bringfido.com offers many options all over the country and is easy to navigate. All the information you’ll need is listed with pictures and prices on the site.



How safe is Cambodia?

Overall, Cambodia is a very safe country. The people are friendly and helpful, however there are general precautions you should take when travelling. 1. Don't carry your passport around if you don't need it. 2. Watch your bags, make sure they are zipped up and wallets are safe. 3. Don't carry your phone when you're walking along the road.



Wine & Dine

Best local dishes to try?

Lok Lak - stir-fried beef dish, prepared with plenty of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sometimes palm sugar Volcano - a shared pot in the middle of the table filled with a boiling broth. Diners can choose their ingredients and cook their food together. A great shared experience. Crab and Green Pepper Fish Amok Banana Flower Salad Kuy Tiev - clear, light, nourishing pork broth topped with meat and greens, and it’s garnished with scallions and fried garlic Khmer Curry Nom Banh Chok - rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy made from lemongrass, turmeric root and kaffir lime. - breakfast food Pork and Rice -Bai Sach Chrouk Morning Glory - hollow green stems, thin leaves, and a mild, grassy flavor that tastes similar to spinach. Best served with oyster sauce Sour Fruit -Green, unripe fruit, including various types of mango, plus guava, ambarella, jujube, otaheite apple, tamarind, and more, are sliced and sprinkled with chili-and-salt spiked sugar.



Where to find Western Food?

Unless you are staying out in the countryside there are Western restaurants everywhere. Cambodia is full of expats from all over the world, so there is a massive variety of Western cuisine, especially in Phnom Penh.



Is it hard to find vegetarian/ vegan food?

More people all over the world are choosing to move to a plant-based diet, and luckily the hospitality industry in Cambodia is on board. There are many different places, especially in the cities, that have great vegan and vegetarian options. There are also new vegan restaurants constantly popping up. We recommend downloading the HappyCow application to your phone. They offer updated lists of vegan/vegetarian options near you.



Activities

Can I go camping in Cambodia?

There are a few camping grounds around Cambodia to go camping, as well as a couple of resorts that offer set up tents that fall in the ‘glamping’ category. We recommend: Cardamom Tented Camp - Glamping (Trapeang Rung) Crusoe Island beach Camping - Camping Ground (Koh Ka Tiev) Koh Rong Love Resort - Camping Ground (Koh Rong) The Safari Glamping Resort - Glamping (Kampot) Sandbank Restaurant and Camping - Camping Ground (Koh Rong)



Best city for nightlife?

Phnom Penh definitely has the most things happening at night, with places staying open till the morning hours. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs open every night. There is also a good party scene in Siem Reap and Koh Rong. Other places have bars, but not necessarily clubs that stay open till too late.



What kind of activities are there to do in Cambodia?

Cambodia offers a variety of things to do, ranging from visiting the temples and pagodas to exploring the history at the S21 Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Many of the activities include perusing through the markets, going to the countryside to the mountains and waterfalls, playing in wildlife and nature, enjoying the theatre and musicals, and feasting on all the delectable delicacies the country has to give.



What kind of entertainment does Cambodia offer?

The entertainment scene in Cambodia is very much alive, ranging from acrobatic circus performances, traditional dance shows, live bands, drag shows, comedy nights, and many dj’s. These mostly occur in the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Word of mouth is almost always the most effective way to find out what’s happening in the city you are in. What’s on Phnom Penh is a very handy site to go on to see what events will be taking place in the capital.



Best places for yoga and meditation retreats?

Cambodia mostly follow Buddhism so there are many yoga and meditation retreats all over the country. The 5 most top rated are: Hariharalaya Yoga and Meditation Retreat (Siem Reap) Navatu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat(Siem Reap) Vagabond Temple Yoga and Meditation Retreat (Kep) Sâmata Health & Wellness Studio (Phnom Penh) The Vine Retreat (Kep)



Health

What vaccinations to take?

There are no compulsory vaccinations to take before entering Cambodia, but some travellers take extra precautions and have been known to get the following shots: Hepatitis A Typhoid Hepatitus B Rabies Yellow Fever Japanese Encephalitis



Is there Malaria/ Dengue?

There have been many reported cases of Dengue Fever in Cambodia, and it is never a joy to have. Unfortunately, there is no prevention or cure for it. The best way to avoid it is always having mosquito repellent on you. If you want to take precautions, it is possible to use Malaria medication, but it has many side-effects and could easily ruin your trip. There are many great medical facilities all over Cambodia to monitor the Dengue Fever.



Travel Insurance?

It is recommended that everyone gets travel insurance before they go on a trip. You can either do this through your current medical aid, or you can find a travel specific insurance company. When searching for the right travel insurance you should look out for a high coverage rate, extension plans, a good reputation, coverage of all the activities you intend to do on your trip, pre-existing conditions and transparency.



What medicine to bring?

Most Western Medication, or the generic of them, is available in Cambodia, and often you can buy it over the counter. If you do have specific requirements or prescriptions we suggest you bring it with you.



What food to avoid? Stomach problems?

If you have a strong stomach you can enjoy all the food, but be aware of the facilities you are getting your food from. Some street vendors don’t have the cleanest facilities, and this can cause some stomach problems. Make sure to always wash your hands. Many people avoid the meat from street vendors as it’s hard to know how long the meat has been out in the sun.



History

History? What is the Khmer Rouge all about?

Not many travellers are aware of the delicate and treacherous past of Cambodia, and those who are cannot believe it happened approximately 50 years ago. Cambodia was not always the serene tourist destination that lay before you today, the history is filled with many horrors and injustices. You can read all about the Khmer Rouge here.



Travel

Where are the airports located?

The international airports are located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.



Are there many guided tours?

There are many tour guides and companies in Cambodia, from the big cities to the small towns. Be sure to negotiate the price beforehand, or better yet do it through the accommodation you are staying at. It is more reliable and safer by using reputable tour guides.



What types of accommodation is available in Cambodia?

There is a variety of different types of accommodation available all over the country. Whether you choose to backpack and move between hostels, or stay in five-star luxury hotels. There is something for everyone. There are also even the in between styles like boutique hotels, arty guesthouses and AirBnB options.



How to move within the cities?

We recommend using Grab or Passapp, both are available on Android & IOS devices. These ride-hailing services are similar to Uber, choose a rickshaw or a car for a set price. Other alternatives are bicycle or motorbike hires.



Beauty and more

Where can I find the best beauty treatments in Cambodia?

The top beauty spas are located in the major cities. There are smaller spas all over the country, but here are the top rated spas to go to for the ultimate luxury: Mudita Spa and Wellness (Siem Reap) Marrison Spa (Siem Reap) Bodia Spa (Phnom Penh) Nature Boutique Spa (Battambang) Japanese Style Body Spa Saiju (Siem Reap)



Best places for yoga and meditation retreats?

Cambodia mostly follow Buddhism so there are many yoga and meditation retreats all over the country. The 5 most top rated are: Hariharalaya Yoga and Meditation Retreat (Siem Reap) Navatu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat(Siem Reap) Vagabond Temple Yoga and Meditation Retreat (Kep) Sâmata Health & Wellness Studio (Phnom Penh) The Vine Retreat (Kep)