Frequently Asked Questions
Airport Tax
Is there any airport departure tax in Cambodia?
Yes, an international departure tax of USD 25 is payable by all travellers leaving Cambodia. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket and must be purchased at the airport before departure. Domestic flights are also subject to a USD 6 airport tax.
NOTE: You can purchase your international departure tax in US$ or Euro.
Airport tax is subject to change without prior notice. Check with your local guide or an Exotissimo travel consultant before your departure.
Yes, an international departure tax of USD 25 is payable by all travellers leaving Cambodia. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket and must be purchased at the airport before departure. Domestic flights are also subject to a USD 6 airport tax.
NOTE: You can purchase your international departure tax in US$ or Euro.
Airport tax is subject to change without prior notice. Check with your local guide or an Exotissimo travel consultant before your departure.
Getting There
How can I get to Cambodia by air?
Exotissimo Travel Cambodia enjoys special rates for international flights with various Airlines. Exotissimo Travel is an IATA member which entitles us to issue worldwide air tickets. Contact one of our travel consultants to assist you in your flight arrangements.
Alternatively, depending on your country of origin, ask your national carrier - they may have convenient flights for you or consult your local travel agent for routings, fares and flight availability. Check the Internet - discount websites and flight search engines may offer some good deals.
Major airlines flying to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap include:
Code shares are possible with fellow Star Alliance, One World or Sky Team members. If you are a frequent flyer, check directly with one of the members to see what best suits you.
Air France-KLM has a representative office in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia shares a border with Thailand (two border crossing), Laos (one border crossing) and Vietnam (one border crossing).
From Thailand: By road from Bangkok to Aranyaprateth, then pass the border post of Poipet in Cambodia where visas are arranged.
There is another border in the south west via the Island of Koh Kong.
From Laos: If you come from Pakse you will get to the Cambodian border crossing in Stung Treng. You cannot obtain a visa here - you need to have it in your passport already.
From Vietnam: If you come from Saigon by speedboat, you will enter Cambodia at Chau Doc, in the Mekong Delta area.
If you come from Vietnam by road onto Phnom Penh, you will enter Cambodia at Moc Bai/Bavet, which connects Vietnam`s Tay Ninh Province with Cambodia's Svay Rieng Province.
Exotissimo Travel Cambodia enjoys special rates for international flights with various Airlines. Exotissimo Travel is an IATA member which entitles us to issue worldwide air tickets. Contact one of our travel consultants to assist you in your flight arrangements.
Alternatively, depending on your country of origin, ask your national carrier - they may have convenient flights for you or consult your local travel agent for routings, fares and flight availability. Check the Internet - discount websites and flight search engines may offer some good deals.
Major airlines flying to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap include:
Vietnam Airlines | Silkair | Lao Airlines |
Thai Airways | Malaysian Airlines | Dragon Air |
China Southern Airlines | Bangkok Airways | Air Asia |
Air France-KLM has a representative office in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia shares a border with Thailand (two border crossing), Laos (one border crossing) and Vietnam (one border crossing).
From Thailand: By road from Bangkok to Aranyaprateth, then pass the border post of Poipet in Cambodia where visas are arranged.
There is another border in the south west via the Island of Koh Kong.
From Laos: If you come from Pakse you will get to the Cambodian border crossing in Stung Treng. You cannot obtain a visa here - you need to have it in your passport already.
From Vietnam: If you come from Saigon by speedboat, you will enter Cambodia at Chau Doc, in the Mekong Delta area.
If you come from Vietnam by road onto Phnom Penh, you will enter Cambodia at Moc Bai/Bavet, which connects Vietnam`s Tay Ninh Province with Cambodia's Svay Rieng Province.
Health
Do I need to have any vaccinations to enter Cambodia?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in the remote regions and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed.
NOTES: In any doubt, consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Cambodia. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. Anti-malarial tablets (Lariam, for instance), must be taken from one week before arrival.
We recommend you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in the remote regions and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed.
NOTES: In any doubt, consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Cambodia. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. Anti-malarial tablets (Lariam, for instance), must be taken from one week before arrival.
We recommend you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Money - Currency
What is the local currency in Cambodia?
The currency in Cambodia is the Riel although US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning. In the major cities there are Exchange offices and most hotels will change US Dollars and Euros.
Riels come in the following forms:
Common bank notes: 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000.
Rare bank notes: 20.000; 50,000; 100,000.
NOTES: Every business in Cambodia will give you a price in US dollar. However in the local market and small shop the currency used is the Riel. It is recommended to change US$10-20 into the local currency for small purchases.
Is it better to use Cambodian Riel or US Dollars?
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying US Dollars and small amount of Riel in cash. For larger items use US Dollars. For tuk tuks, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use Riel. Make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Cambodia?
Exotissimo Travel Cambodia is the only travel agency in Cambodia to be affiliated with the American Express Travel network. At Exotissimo Travel, we can change your American Express Travellers' Cheques for US Dollars in cash. Note that a 2 % (two) commission is charged.
Banks such as ANZ Bank, National Bank, Canada Bank, and Cambodian Commercial Bank can change your Travellers' Cheques for US Dollars but a commission applies (from 1% up to 2%). Very few shops, hotels or restaurants accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Cambodia?
Most credit cards are accepted in Cambodia: VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely accepted and JCB and AMERICAN EXPRESS are sometimes accepted. Not all businesses accept credit cards. Check with the cashier before you purchase anything. Bear in mind that a credit card surcharge applies.
VISA and Mastercard: + 2 to 3 %
JCB: + 3%
American Express: + 3 to 4%
NOTE: The surcharges applied can change without prior notice. Check the percentage charged before you buy.
Where can I withdraw cash?
ATMs are only available in Phnom Penh for withdrawal of US Dollars only. Most ATMs have an English language version. Ask your tour guide for help if you need to locate an ATM.
What is the exchange rate for Cambodian Riel?
The exchange rate as at October 2005 is:
USD 1 = Riels 4,100
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter, click here
The currency in Cambodia is the Riel although US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning. In the major cities there are Exchange offices and most hotels will change US Dollars and Euros.
Riels come in the following forms:
Common bank notes: 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000.
Rare bank notes: 20.000; 50,000; 100,000.
NOTES: Every business in Cambodia will give you a price in US dollar. However in the local market and small shop the currency used is the Riel. It is recommended to change US$10-20 into the local currency for small purchases.
Is it better to use Cambodian Riel or US Dollars?
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying US Dollars and small amount of Riel in cash. For larger items use US Dollars. For tuk tuks, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use Riel. Make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Cambodia?
Exotissimo Travel Cambodia is the only travel agency in Cambodia to be affiliated with the American Express Travel network. At Exotissimo Travel, we can change your American Express Travellers' Cheques for US Dollars in cash. Note that a 2 % (two) commission is charged.
Banks such as ANZ Bank, National Bank, Canada Bank, and Cambodian Commercial Bank can change your Travellers' Cheques for US Dollars but a commission applies (from 1% up to 2%). Very few shops, hotels or restaurants accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Cambodia?
Most credit cards are accepted in Cambodia: VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely accepted and JCB and AMERICAN EXPRESS are sometimes accepted. Not all businesses accept credit cards. Check with the cashier before you purchase anything. Bear in mind that a credit card surcharge applies.
VISA and Mastercard: + 2 to 3 %
JCB: + 3%
American Express: + 3 to 4%
NOTE: The surcharges applied can change without prior notice. Check the percentage charged before you buy.
Where can I withdraw cash?
ATMs are only available in Phnom Penh for withdrawal of US Dollars only. Most ATMs have an English language version. Ask your tour guide for help if you need to locate an ATM.
What is the exchange rate for Cambodian Riel?
The exchange rate as at October 2005 is:
USD 1 = Riels 4,100
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter, click here
Safety
How safe is Cambodia?
Cambodia has been relatively safe country to visit for a few years now. However, in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, thefts and pickpockets are present like in any other major city in the world. Never leave your belongings unattended and maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Avoid tuk tuks late at night and use reliable taxi companies. Ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for the do's and don'ts.
Cambodia has been relatively safe country to visit for a few years now. However, in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, thefts and pickpockets are present like in any other major city in the world. Never leave your belongings unattended and maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Avoid tuk tuks late at night and use reliable taxi companies. Ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for the do's and don'ts.
Telecommunication
How can I get in touch with my family, workplace and friends?
Telephone: Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although these services are expensive. It may not always be possible to make international calls in remote areas. If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the costs before using it abroad - it may be expensive.
Internet: Major hotels have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet. Some of them have wireless broadband access in rooms or public areas. Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Prices are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to a landline or mobile phone worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. A postcard to Europe costs 2,000 to 4,000 Riels and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach the country of destination.
NOTES:
Telephone: Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although these services are expensive. It may not always be possible to make international calls in remote areas. If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the costs before using it abroad - it may be expensive.
Internet: Major hotels have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet. Some of them have wireless broadband access in rooms or public areas. Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Prices are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to a landline or mobile phone worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. A postcard to Europe costs 2,000 to 4,000 Riels and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach the country of destination.
NOTES:
- If Internet connections at hotels are vital for you during your visit to Vietnam, please advise your Exotissimo travel consultant.
- Exotissimo Travel will provide you with the names and contact details of all hotels you will be staying in, should you need to be contacted while on tour.
Time
What is the time difference in Cambodia?
Cambodia is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Cambodia is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Transportation
Can I rent a car and drive by myself?
Cambodian laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car themselves. It is highly advisable to rent a car with a driver who knows the location you intend to travel to and who can speak Cambodian in case of any problems. Traffic and road conditions may be surprisingly different to what you are used to in your country of residence.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
No, he cannot. In Cambodia, drivers are drivers. Tour guides be licensed by the National Tourism Authorities. Exotissimo Travel Cambodia's specializes in arranging tours with private driver and tour guide.
Cambodian laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car themselves. It is highly advisable to rent a car with a driver who knows the location you intend to travel to and who can speak Cambodian in case of any problems. Traffic and road conditions may be surprisingly different to what you are used to in your country of residence.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
No, he cannot. In Cambodia, drivers are drivers. Tour guides be licensed by the National Tourism Authorities. Exotissimo Travel Cambodia's specializes in arranging tours with private driver and tour guide.
Visas
Do I need to get a tourist visa for Cambodia?
All visitors to Cambodia require a visa to enter the country. A tourist visa of 1 month is delivered upon arrival, provided that the passport is valid for at least six months. The price of the visa on arrival is US$ 20.
There is a black list for certain nationalities '“ Contact Exotissimo for information on countries whose citizens require special pre arrangements.
NOTES:
How long is a tourist visa to Cambodia valid?
A one-month tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors though it is possible to arrange 3-month and 6-month multiple entry visas for regular visitors.
How do I apply for a Cambodian visa?
There are two ways to obtain a Cambodian visa:
If arrive by land or by air, it is possible to arrange a visa on arrival (with the exception of the Laos/Cambodia crossing at which you must have a pre-arranged visa).
Alternatively, you can obtain a visa through any Cambodian Embassy or Consulate before leaving for Cambodia.
In both cases, Exotissimo Travel Cambodia can help you obtain your visa prior to arrival or upon arrival, at your convenience.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Cambodia?
On entering Cambodia all visitors must complete an arrival/departure card and a customs declaration (white/Grey colour).
All visitors to Cambodia require a visa to enter the country. A tourist visa of 1 month is delivered upon arrival, provided that the passport is valid for at least six months. The price of the visa on arrival is US$ 20.
There is a black list for certain nationalities '“ Contact Exotissimo for information on countries whose citizens require special pre arrangements.
NOTES:
- A tourist visa is a single entry visa which means that if you exit Cambodia, you will require a new tourist visa to enter Cambodia again.
- All travellers must have a passport valid for 6 months after their planned exit of Cambodia.
- The above information may change without prior notice. It is your responsibility to make sure whether or not you are subject to a tourist visa entry to Cambodia.
- Confirm your visa requirements with your closest Cambodia embassy or consulate to or contact one of our travel consultants.
How long is a tourist visa to Cambodia valid?
A one-month tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors though it is possible to arrange 3-month and 6-month multiple entry visas for regular visitors.
How do I apply for a Cambodian visa?
There are two ways to obtain a Cambodian visa:
If arrive by land or by air, it is possible to arrange a visa on arrival (with the exception of the Laos/Cambodia crossing at which you must have a pre-arranged visa).
Alternatively, you can obtain a visa through any Cambodian Embassy or Consulate before leaving for Cambodia.
In both cases, Exotissimo Travel Cambodia can help you obtain your visa prior to arrival or upon arrival, at your convenience.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Cambodia?
On entering Cambodia all visitors must complete an arrival/departure card and a customs declaration (white/Grey colour).
Weather
What is the weather like in Cambodia?
Cambodia has hot, dry weather from February to July with temperatures reaching the mid 30's Celsius and can experience some heavy rainfall between September and November.
For live weather forecasts, click here
When is the best season to travel to Cambodia?
Cambodia is a small country. The climate does not vary greatly from one region to another. The north can be chilly during winter months (December to March), but in general the country has two seasons: wet and dry.
Cambodia benefits from sunshine and warm weather all year round. Even during the rainy season it tends to only rain for a couple of hours, followed by sunshine.
Unless you intend to visit some friends or relatives, we do not recommend visiting Cambodia during the Khmer New Year mid April or during Pchum Ben. These 2 celebrations are the most important period of the year for Cambodian people who take to visit their family in the countryside. All hotels, buses and flights are full, and there is almost no activity on the markets and shops, as most of Cambodia is off work.
NOTE: As a reminder, the peak season lasts from November to March. To avoid disappointment, contact an Exotissimo travel consultant to discuss and book your travel arrangements early.
Cambodia has hot, dry weather from February to July with temperatures reaching the mid 30's Celsius and can experience some heavy rainfall between September and November.
For live weather forecasts, click here
When is the best season to travel to Cambodia?
Cambodia is a small country. The climate does not vary greatly from one region to another. The north can be chilly during winter months (December to March), but in general the country has two seasons: wet and dry.
Cambodia benefits from sunshine and warm weather all year round. Even during the rainy season it tends to only rain for a couple of hours, followed by sunshine.
Unless you intend to visit some friends or relatives, we do not recommend visiting Cambodia during the Khmer New Year mid April or during Pchum Ben. These 2 celebrations are the most important period of the year for Cambodian people who take to visit their family in the countryside. All hotels, buses and flights are full, and there is almost no activity on the markets and shops, as most of Cambodia is off work.
NOTE: As a reminder, the peak season lasts from November to March. To avoid disappointment, contact an Exotissimo travel consultant to discuss and book your travel arrangements early.
