Country dialing code

+855

Capital city

Phnom Penh

Official language

Khmer

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR), US Dollar (USD)


The best time to visit Cambodia is during the cool, dry season from November to February. During these months, temperatures are more comfortable, typically ranging from 22°C to 28°C, and humidity is lower. This is the peak tourist season, so popular attractions are busier, but the weather is at its most pleasant.


Highlights

Angkor

Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Angkor, home to the iconic Angkor Wat. Explore intricate temples, jungle ruins and sacred sites that echo Cambodia’s spiritual and architectural legacy. 

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, offers a poignant blend of history and resilience. Visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields for a powerful cultural journey. 

Tonle Sap Lake

Cruise Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Discover floating villages, stilted homes and a rich biodiversity that sustains the lives of countless Cambodian communities.

Local Cuisine

Savour the flavours of Khmer cuisine from fragrant curries, fresh herbs and street food delights. Enjoy dishes like amok and lok lak while learning about Cambodia’s culinary heritage. 

Battambang

Charming rural Battambang blends colonial architecture with creative energy. Ride the bamboo train, explore art galleries and visit ancient temples nestled in the countryside. 

Oudong

Journey to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Climb the stupa-dotted hill for sweeping views and visit the Vipassana Meditation Centre to learn about this Buddhist insight practice.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Cambodia: +855 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Cambodia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Cambodia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

Fire and rescue services: Call 118 

Medical emergencies: Call 119 in Phnom Penh or go to a hospital. Outside of Phnom Penh you will need to contact a hospital directly. 

Police: Call police on 117 or contact the tourist police. Police stations and emergency numbers might not be available 24 hours a day. Phone operators may not speak English. The tourist police have booths in tourist areas and most cities. 

 

Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh 

No. 16B, National Assembly Street, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkamon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

Phone: (+855 0) 23 266 500 
Email: australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au  
Website: cambodia.embassy.gov.au 

 

New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand 

M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok 

Phone: +66 2 254 2530 
Email: info@newzealandembassybkk.com  
Website: www.mfat.govt.nz/thailand 

Customs

In Cambodia, cultural etiquette is deeply rooted in Buddhist values and traditional customs. Modesty in dress and behaviour is important, particularly when visiting religious and ancient sites like Angkor Wat. Always follow your guide’s instructions at these sites to ensure respect and safety. 

 

Cambodians are warm, kind, polite and gentle. A respectful and patient approach should always be taken. Bargaining is common in markets, but it should be done with a smile and good humour. 

 
Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects and never touch a person’s head. When interacting with monks, women should not touch them or hand items directly to them. Removing shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple is expected.  

Electricity

Electrical socket types: A, C, G 

Voltage: 230 V 

Frequency: 50 Hz 

Health

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor. 

 

Medical facilities in Cambodia's public hospitals are poor in quality and below international standards. Hospital stays can be expensive.  

 

There have been reports of fatal cases of avian influenza (H5N1) or bird flu in Cambodia. Avoid close contact with birds and animals that might be infected, especially dead or sick birds, and avoid places like poultry or dairy farms and markets that sell live animals. 

 

Take care buying medication in Cambodia. Local pharmacies may sell fake medication. Carry enough medication from Australia for your trip. 

 

Don't drink homemade or unlabelled alcohol. It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. 

 

Insect-borne diseases present in Cambodia include Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Malaria. Use insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing, and ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.  

 

Dogs throughout Cambodia carry rabies. Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or don't get medical treatment quickly. See a doctor straight away if an animal scratches or bites you. 

 

Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease are common, and other foodborne, waterborne, parasitic and infectious diseases include hepatitis, tuberculosis and typhoid. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Don't swim in freshwater. 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Cambodia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Cambodia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

Cambodia is well-connected by air, with Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport serving as the main entry points.  

 

Overland travel is also possible from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. For regional travel, buses and private transfers are widely available and affordable. Within Cambodia, domestic flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Cambodia also has a growing rail network and river transport options, particularly between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.  

 

In towns and cities, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab are convenient ways to get around. A remork is an ordinary form of local transport for groups to get around. It’s essentially a motorbike or scooter pulling a covered trailer that can seat several passengers: similar in function to a tuk-tuk but larger and more spacious. They offer a breezy, open-air ride and are a fantastic way to experience the local atmosphere. While not as fast as taxis, they’re affordable, easy to find, and ideal for short to medium distances.

Holidays & Festivals

  • Magha Puja Day – Observed in February, this Buddhist holiday commemorates a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks to hear the Buddha preach, marked by candlelight processions at temples. 
  • Khmer New Year (Choul Chhnam Thmey) – Celebrated in mid-April, this marks the end of the harvest season and is Cambodia’s most important holiday, filled with water fights, games and temple visits. 
  • Pchum Ben (Festival of the Dead) – Held in September or October, this 15-day Buddhist festival honours ancestors through offerings at pagodas and prayers for the spirits of the departed. 
  • Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – In November, this vibrant event celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow with boat races and festivities in Phnom Penh and beyond. 
  • Cambodian Independence Day – Celebrated on 9 November, this national holiday marks Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953.

Language

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, also known as Cambodian. In written form, Khmer uses its own script, which is derived from ancient Indian Brahmi script. Some older Cambodians still speak French. English has become the most widely taught foreign language and is commonly used in business, tourism, and among younger generations. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred, especially in cities and tourist areas. Prices under $1 are usually given in riel, so it’s helpful to carry both currencies. ATMs dispense both USD and KHR. 

 

Tipping is appreciated in the tourism industry in Cambodia. In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is welcomed if service isn’t already included. Small tips for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are appreciated. 

 

Popular souvenirs in Cambodia include handwoven silk, silver jewellery, carvings of Angkor Wat, krama scarves, and pepper from Kampot. Local markets like Phsar Thmey (Central Market) and Russian Market in Phnom Penh are great for browsing. Bargaining is expected in markets—start low and negotiate with a smile. Always check the quality of silk and silver; not all are genuine.

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Australian and New Zealand passport holders need a visa to visit Cambodia. Travellers can apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on arrival. These are valid for 30 days.  

 

You must complete and submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to your arrival in Cambodia by air. On arrival in Cambodia, you will need to show your completed Cambodia e-Arrival Card (there is no charge for this).  

 

The Cambodian General Department of Immigration requires all foreigners to be registered in the Foreigner Present in Cambodia System (FPCS). Registrations are completed by hotel staff. Make sure they register you.  

 
Official Travel advice visit:  

Cambodia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Cambodia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

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