Cambodia Practical Information
Essential guide for travellers visiting Cambodia. Emergency contacts, language phrases, cultural tips, and practical advice for a safe and enjoyable visit to the Kingdom.
Emergency Information and Important Contacts
Emergency Numbers
Police
117
012 999 999
Fire Department
118
012 784 464
Ambulance
119
012 478 469
Tourist Police
012 942 484
24-hour hotline
Tourist Hotline: 1270 (free from any phone in Cambodia)
Major Embassies in Phnom Penh
- United States: +855 23 728 000
- United Kingdom: +855 23 427 124
- Australia: +855 23 213 470
- Canada: +855 23 213 470
- France: +855 23 430 020
- Germany: +855 23 216 381
- Japan: +855 23 217 161
- China: +855 23 720 920
Medical Emergency Facilities
Phnom Penh
- Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: +855 23 991 000
- Calmette Hospital: +855 23 426 948
Siem Reap
- Angkor Hospital for Children: +855 63 963 409
- Royal Angkor International Hospital: +855 63 761 888
Language and Communication
Greetings and Politeness
| English | Khmer | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal) | ជំរាបសួរ | Chum reap suor |
| Hello (informal) | សុស្តី | Susaday |
| Goodbye | ជំរាបលា | Chum reap lear |
| Thank you | អរគុណ | Orkun |
| Please | សូម | Som |
| Excuse me/Sorry | សូមទោស | Som toh |
Essential Travel Phrases
| English | Khmer | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | ថ្លៃប៉ុន្មាន? | Tlay ponman? |
| Where is...? | ...នៅឯណា? | ...nov ai na? |
| I don't understand | ខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ | Kyom min yul te |
| Do you speak English? | អ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ? | Neak niyeay pheasa Angkrit te? |
| Yes (men) | បាទ | Baat |
| Yes (women) | ចាស | Jah |
| No | ទេ | Te |
Currency and Money Matters
Currency Information
Cambodia uses a dual currency system with both the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD) widely accepted.
Primary Currencies
- US Dollar (USD): Widely accepted
- Cambodian Riel (KHR): Local currency
- Exchange Rate: ~4,000 KHR = 1 USD
Payment Methods
- Cash preferred for small purchases
- Cards accepted at hotels/restaurants
- Mobile payments increasingly common
Money Tips
- Carry small USD bills
- ATMs widely available
- Tipping is appreciated
- Avoid damaged bills
- Negotiate prices at markets
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
Religious Sites
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees)
- Remove shoes before entering
- Don't point feet toward Buddha
- Speak quietly and respectfully
- Don't touch religious statues
Social Interactions
- Greet with "sampeah" (prayer-like gesture)
- Use both hands when giving/receiving
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Don't touch someone's head
- Show respect to elders
Dining Etiquette
- Wait for elders to start eating
- Use spoon and fork (not chopsticks)
- Try a bit of everything offered
- Don't waste food
- Compliment the cook
Safety and Health Advice
Personal Safety
General Safety Tips
- Keep copies of important documents
- Use hotel safes for valuables
- Avoid displaying expensive items
- Stay in well-lit areas at night
- Use reputable transportation
Traffic Safety
- Traffic can be chaotic
- Always wear helmets on motorbikes
- Be extra cautious crossing streets
Health Precautions
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas)
- Routine vaccinations up to date
Health Tips
- Drink bottled or boiled water
- Use insect repellent
- Protect against sun exposure
- Carry basic medications
Transportation Options
Tuk-Tuk
Most popular for short distances
$2-5
Per trip in cities
Motorbike Taxi
Quick for single passengers
$1-3
Per trip
Private Car
Comfortable for longer trips
$30-50
Per day
Bus
Budget option for long distances
$5-15
Inter-city travel
Ready for Your Cambodia Adventure?
Armed with practical knowledge, get your eVisa and start exploring the Kingdom of Cambodia!