Cambodia Practical Information
Essential guide for travellers visiting Cambodia. Before your trip, apply for Cambodia eVisa online for a smooth entry process. Find emergency contacts, language phrases, cultural tips, and practical advice for a safe and enjoyable visit to the Kingdom.
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Emergency Information and Important Contacts
If you have any emergency, here is the contact info:
Police
117
Fire Department
118
Ambulance
119
Tourist Police
(Tel +855 (0)12 942 484), Phnom Penh | 012 402 424, Siem Reap
Medical Emergency Facilities
For medical emergencies, contact:
Phnom Penh
- Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: +855 23 991 000
- Calmette Hospital: +855 23 426 948
Siem Reap
- Angkor Hospital for Children: +855 (0) 63 963 409
- Royal Angkor International Hospital: +855 63 761 888
Ambulance Service Info
|
Ambulance / Service |
Phone |
Address |
|
Calmette Ambulance (S.A.M.U.) |
Telephone: (855) (0)23 724 891; (855) (0)23 723 840 Mobile: (855) (0)12 974 119 or just dial 119 (for local) |
No. 3, Preah Monivong (St. 93), 12201, Phnom Penh |
|
Khmer–Soviet Friendship Ambulance |
023 217 764 |
Yothapol Khemarak Phoumin (St. 271), 12306, Phnom Penh |
|
Preah Kossamak Ambulance |
016 909 774 |
No. 28CEo, Yothapol Khemarak Phoumin (St. 271), 12157, Phnom Penh |
|
National Blood Transfusion Center |
011 209 888 |
Preah Norodom & Kramuon Sar (St. 114), 12202, Phnom Penh |
Language and Communication
To communicate well with locals, try knowing a few Khmer phrases:
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
Learn how to manage money wisely while traveling in Cambodia.
|
Primary Currencies |
Exchange Rate |
Payment Methods |
|
• USD – widely accepted • KHR – local currency |
~4,000 KHR = 1 USD |
• Cash preferred for small buys • Cards accepted in hotels/restaurants • Mobile payments growing fast |
|
Money Tips |
||||
|
Carry small USD bills |
ATMs widely available |
Tipping is appreciated |
Avoid damaged bills |
Negotiate prices at markets |
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
Adhere to local cultural etiquette to foster positive relations.
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
Stay safe and healthy by taking basic precautions while travelling in Cambodia.
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
Getting around Cambodia is easy and budget-friendly.
|
Transport Type |
Best For |
Cost Range |
Notes |
|
Tuk-Tuk |
Short city rides |
$2–5 |
Per trip in cities |
|
Motorbike Taxi |
Solo quick trips |
$1–3 |
Per trip |
|
Private Car |
Long, comfortable journeys |
$30–50 |
Per day |
|
Bus |
Budget long-distance travel |
$5–15 |
Inter-city routes |
|
Bicycle |
Exploring towns or Angkor temples |
$2–5 per day |
Great for short scenic trips |
|
Boat / Ferry |
Reaching islands or riverside towns |
$10–25 per trip |
Check the weather before travelling |
|
Train |
Intercity routes, limited |
$5–10 per journey |
Slow but scenic option |
Ready for Your Cambodia Adventure?
Armed with practical knowledge, get your eVisa and start exploring the Kingdom of Cambodia!