CAMBODIA – THE KINGDOM OF WONDER
Need To Know Basics
Safety
Cambodia welcomes solo female travellers with open arms, yet staying vigilant ensures peace of mind. Most areas remain safe during daylight hours, particularly tourist hotspots like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. However, avoid walking alone after dark in less populated areas.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees to show respect for local customs. Additionally, this approach helps you blend in naturally with the local environment.
Scams targeting tourists do exist, particularly around Angkor Wat. Decline unsolicited offers for tours or transportation from strangers. Instead, book through reputable agencies or your accommodation.
Trust your instincts throughout your Cambodia travel experience. Local people are generally helpful and friendly, but maintain healthy boundaries. Women travelling alone report feeling safe when following basic precautions and staying aware of their surroundings.
Weather
Cambodia’s tropical climate means hot, humid conditions year-round. The dry season (November to April) offers the most comfortable Cambodia travel conditions with less rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Long sleeves protect against mosquitoes and sun exposure whilst keeping you cool. Bring a light rain jacket for unexpected downpours, especially during wet season visits.
Comfortable walking shoes prove essential for temple exploration. Sandals work well for casual wear, but ensure they’re suitable for uneven surfaces. Flip-flops suffice for accommodation areas and beaches.
Sun protection becomes crucial in Cambodia’s intense tropical sun. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen prevent painful burns and heat exhaustion.
Temple visits require modest attire. Pack a lightweight scarf to cover shoulders when needed. Long pants or skirts covering knees show proper respect for sacred sites whilst keeping you comfortable during your Cambodia travel adventures.
Language
Khmer serves as Cambodia’s official language, though English proficiency varies significantly across the country. Tourist areas generally offer better English communication, whilst rural regions require more creative interaction methods.
Learn basic Khmer phrases to show respect and enhance local connections. “Chum reap suor” (hello), “aw kohn” (thank you), and “som toh” (excuse me) demonstrate cultural appreciation. Locals respond warmly to foreigners attempting their language.
Hand gestures and pointing help bridge communication gaps effectively. Cambodians are patient and helpful when language barriers arise. Smiling universally communicates friendliness and goodwill across cultural boundaries.
Restaurant menus often include English translations in tourist zones. However, markets and local eateries may require translation apps or pointing at desired items. Food photography helps when ordering unfamiliar dishes.
Money Matters
Cambodia operates primarily on cash, making financial preparation crucial for smooth travel. US dollars are widely accepted alongside Cambodian riel, with many establishments preferring American currency for larger transactions. Prices are stated in both Riel and USD.
Bring crisp, new US dollar notes without tears or excessive wear. Cambodian vendors often reject damaged bills, potentially leaving you unable to make purchases. Smaller denominations prove most practical for daily expenses.
ATMs dispense US dollars in major tourist areas, though fees can be substantial. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank offer reliable ATM networks with reasonable charges. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise transaction fees.
Credit cards see limited acceptance outside upmarket hotels and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard work better than American Express or Discover. Always carry sufficient cash as backup, particularly when visiting rural areas or local markets.
Notify your bank about Cambodia travel dates before departure. Additionally, consider cards with no foreign transaction fees to reduce overall travel costs and bringing a backup card from a different bank in case your primary card encounters issues during your trip.
Exchange money at authorised dealers rather than airports for better rates. Banks and licensed exchange booths offer competitive rates throughout major cities. Moreover, avoid unofficial money changers who may provide counterfeit currency or unfavorable exchanges.
Banking apps from your home country enable easy account monitoring. Enabling push notifications for payments provide instant information for money going out of your accounts.
XE Currency app provides real-time exchange rates. This helps budget accurately and spot unfair money exchange rates. Furthermore, the app calculates tips and splits bills effortlessly during group dining experiences.
Travel Technology & Apps
Download Google Translate before departure. The app’s camera function translates Cambodian text instantly, proving invaluable for menus and street signs. Additionally, offline translation features work without internet connectivity in remote areas.
Grab serves as Cambodia’s primary ride-hailing app. Download it for convenient, safe transportation in major cities. The app displays prices upfront, eliminating haggling concerns and language barriers for solo travellers.
Google Maps proves invaluable for Cambodia navigation, working offline once you download regional maps beforehand. The app accurately shows walking directions, public transport routes, and nearby ATMs or restaurants.
Accommodation booking apps streamline your stay arrangements, whilst airport shuttle or land transfers booking platforms offer transparent pricing and reliable transfers. These services eliminate language barriers and provide confirmed bookings with clear pickup instructions.
Activity booking platforms like Klook and Get Your Guide offer discounted tours, attraction tickets, and cultural experiences. Moreover, these apps provide instant confirmation and often include skip-the-line access to popular destinations.
Flight comparison sites such as Skyscanner help identify the best routes and pricing for Cambodia travel. However, consider booking directly with airlines afterwards to ensure better customer service, easier changes, and direct communication for any travel disruptions.
Transport
Cambodia offers diverse transportation methods suited to different comfort levels and budgets. Tuk-tuks dominate short-distance travel in cities and tourist areas. These iconic three-wheeled vehicles provide authentic local experiences whilst remaining budget-friendly.
Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before starting your journey. Fair rates for short city rides range from $2-5 USD. Longer trips to temples or attractions cost $15-25 USD for half-day excursions. Always agree on prices upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
Grab operates in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, offering convenient ride-hailing with fixed pricing. This option suits solo female travellers seeking predictable costs and professional drivers. Vehicle quality generally exceeds traditional taxis.
Buses connect major cities affordably and safely. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express provide comfortable services with air conditioning and onboard toilets. Book tickets in advance during peak season to secure preferred departure times.
Domestic flights save time for longer distances, particularly to coastal areas like Sihanoukville. Cambodia Angkor Air and Bassaka Air operate reliable domestic routes. Flying costs more than buses but dramatically reduces travel time for your Cambodia travel itinerary.
Visa and other entry requirements
Cambodia requires visas for most international visitors. For Australians, refer to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Cambodia travel advice for latest visa information.
At time of writing, tourist visas allow 30-day stays with single-entry permissions. Other than visa, Cambodia requires completion of an e-arrival card within 7 days before your arrival. You can apply for the e-visa and complete the e-arrival card online through the Cambodian official system for convenience and faster processing.
E-visas cost USD36 plus processing fees, taking 3-5 business days for approval. Print confirmation emails and present them upon arrival alongside your passport. Alternatively, obtain visas on arrival at airports and major border crossings for USD30 USD cash.
Passport validity requirements demand six months remaining from entry date. Additionally, ensure sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Immigration officials strictly enforce these requirements, potentially denying entry otherwise.
Proof of onward travel may be requested at airline check-in or at immigration. Book refundable flight tickets if uncertain about departure dates. Screenshots of bus tickets or travel itineraries typically satisfy this requirement for overland border crossings.
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