Cambodia Visa, Passport & Money Advice
When you are planning to travel to Cambodia it’s important to get your head around all the necessary currency, visas and passport information before you depart. We have compiled all the information you’ll need below:
Visa & Passports
From 1st September 2024, all arrivals into Cambodia will need to apply for an e-visa online. You will need to complete the e-immigration at least 4 days before arrival and the cost is $36 USD. Once you have secured your visa, you must also submit an e-arrival card within 7 days of arrival, to get your QR code to show to immigration.
If the e-arrival card is not completed prior to arrival you will be required to complete this on one of the tablets provided in the arrivals hall before you approach the immigration counter – however we recommend applying online in advance to save any delays.
For Land Border Crossings:
The same e-visa and e-immigration QR code system applies to both airports and land borders. While visas on arrival are still being issued at land borders during the initial testing phase at airports, this may change. To avoid surprises, we recommend completing the new system in advance.
Local currency
Riel is Cambodia’s local currency, though it’s not been widely used by tourists in past years as most things are quoted in US Dollars. ATMs dispense both Riel and Dollars and quite often you can pay in either. Most of the time change is given in a mix of currencies so having a conversion app on your phone is very helpful. Please note that businesses don’t accept marked or damaged Dollar bills so when receiving change be sure to check them and ask for a different one if needed, this is very common.
Credit and Debit Cards
Debit cards are accepted at some restaurants, shops and bars (as long as they have Cirrus, Maestro or Visa logos) but cash is still king here. There are ATM’s in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and Sihanoukville and at airports. Cards are accepted at most hotels and a few restaurants on the islands but not all and there are no cash machines. If using your card you can expect to pay a commission of around 3%. US Dollar Traveller’s Cheques can be changed at most banks and exchange offices.
Tips and Haggling
It is not customary to give tips in Cambodia. However as most people’s salaries are very low, tips are obviously appreciated. Tipping is becoming more and more common for those working in the tourist industry in Cambodia. Salaries for local guides and drivers are often partially determined based on the fact that they also receive tips. A tip totalling 5% -10% of the total bill is standard. Obviously this is very much a rough guide and you are completely free to give whatever you feel is appropriate.
