Cambodia

Petty crime

'Snatch-and-grab' crimes against travellers are common. Thieves often travel on motorcycles and steal from people who are:

• walking along footpaths
• using motorcycle taxis
• travelling on tuktuks or rickshaws

Foreigners have been injured in these thefts.

Some thieves use knives to cut bags as they snatch them.

Australians have had valuables stolen from locked hotel and guesthouse rooms, often in cheaper accommodation.

Theft from luggage in buses is common.

Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other theft can occur at any time, particularly in:

• Phnom Penh
• Sihanoukville
• Siem Reap

To help protect yourself from theft:

• avoid carrying bags 
• walk on footpaths (where available), away from the curb, with your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
• if travelling by tuktuk, use those with barriers (curtains or netting) covering the passenger sides
• always keep an eye on your belongings, particularly easy-to-grab items
• avoid using ATMs on the street — use ATMs inside hotels, banks and shopping centres if possible

Sexual assault and other violent crime

Foreigners have been the target of sexual assault, particularly in tourist areas.

Criminals often target victims:

• at night
• when intoxicated
• when travelling alone

Parties, including organised dance parties on islands off the coast of Sihanoukville, can be risky. They may place you at greater risk of sexual assault.

Coastal islands are often isolated. Access to medical or emergency assistance may be limited or not exist.

To help keep safe at parties:

• pre-arrange transport with your hotel when heading out at night
• stick with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

If you're involved in a violent crime, especially rape, see a doctor quickly. HIV/AIDS is common in Cambodia. Contact the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh as soon as possible.

More information:

• Reducing the risk of sexual assault overseas
• Advice for women
• Partying safely

Gun violence

Many people in Cambodia own guns. People sometimes use guns to resolve disputes. 

People have fired gunshots into businesses, and shootouts have happened.

Traffic disputes have also resulted in violence involving weapons. Bystanders can get caught up in these disputes.

Armed robberies and home invasions targeting businesses or business owners happen across Cambodia.

Criminals have seriously injured or killed foreigners.

Assaults

Motorcycle and taxi drivers sometimes assault and rob foreigners late at night. Areas popular with tourists and expats are particular targets.

To help keep yourself safe from assault:

• be alert to danger at all times, especially after dark
• avoid travelling alone at night
• limit night-time travel to well-lit public areas, especially around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap
• travel in groups wherever possible
• don't travel by motorcycle taxi at night

At night, car travel is often safer than travel by motorbike or tuktuk.

Taxis are available. They are often around the same price as other forms of transport.

Ridesharing services are available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Scams

Criminal rings operating in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, often use an apparently friendly person to approach travellers. They use ploys and stories to invite travellers to private homes.

Travellers are talked into playing card games, where they lose large amounts of money. Some are forced to withdraw money from an ATM or shop, often at gunpoint.

Online relationship and friendship scams also happen. Australians involved in these scams have been asked to take items with hidden drugs out of Cambodia, or may be asked to send large sums of money to assist with fake problems..

Credit card and ATM fraud is common. This includes using skimming machines to store card data.

To help protect yourself against scams:

• be wary of invitations from strangers, including to visit private homes
• never carry parcels or luggage for others
• check for skimming machines before using ATMs

Piracy

Piracy has happened in the coastal areas of Cambodia.

The International Chamber of Commerce issues piracy reports.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Local police and security forces sometimes respond with force. They may not see the difference between protesters and bystanders.

Authorities may arrest and deport foreigners involved in protests.

In Phnom Penh, possible sites for rallies include:

• political party offices and court buildings
• Wat Phnom 
• Freedom Park
• the Prime Minister's home
• government and military buildings or compounds

Roadblocks can be set up with little warning, restricting access through the city. Armed security personnel on the streets can increase around the time of local political events such as elections.

Land and border disputes along Cambodia's borders with Vietnam and Thailand have resulted in:

• demonstrations
• violence
• cross-border fighting

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in these areas close with little or no notice.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, political events, protests, large-scale public gatherings and roadblocks
• monitor the media about possible unrest, protest locations and roadblocks
• follow the advice of local authorities
• don't film or photograph protests, political rallies or armed security personnel
• be particularly careful in the lead-up to and during religious or national festivals, days of national significance, such as elections and commemorations
• show respect, especially in areas where royal family or religious activities are taking place

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

In recent years, Cambodian authorities have stopped planned bomb attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Severe weather can happen without warning in Cambodia. In the wet season from July to November, beware of:

• severe storms
• widespread seasonal flooding
• localised flash flooding

Floods may disrupt travel to some provinces. The Mekong River Commission provides news on flood levels for the Mekong River.

To stay informed and safe:

• monitor the media, weather and flood level reports, especially during the wet season
• check with your tour operator for the latest news on disruptions
• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter areas affected by flooding without advice from local authorities

If there's a natural disaster, follow the advice above and:

• keep your passport and phone in a safe, waterproof place
• stay in touch with friends and family
• register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Mental health support and counselling

Mental health services in Cambodia are extremely limited and expensive. Certain medications can be difficult to purchase, and be less effective due to the heat or stomach issues travellers may experience. Consider your personal mental health needs carefully before travelling.

If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305. Ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health
• Beyond Blue

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cambodia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

Local pharmacies may sell fake medication. It can be difficult to tell real medicine from fake.

More information:

• Medicine
• Embassy or consulate of Cambodia

Methanol poisoning

Don't drink homemade or unlabelled alcohol. It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol, which can cause:

• serious illness
• blindness
• brain injury
• death

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include fatigue, headaches and nausea.

The effects are similar to excessive drinking but with vision problems, such as:

• blurred or 'snowfield' vision
• flashes of light and tunnel vision
• changes in how you see colour
• dilated pupils
• difficulty looking at bright lights
• blindness

Get medical advice if you think you, or anyone you're travelling with, has been poisoned. This could be vital to avoiding permanent disability or death.

Report methanol poisoning to local police.

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis are widespread in Cambodia.

Malaria is also common in some regions, especially along the borders in mountain regions.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

Discuss your travel plans and other vaccination needs with your doctor before you travel.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Cambodia is high.

Take precautions if engaging in sex or activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Rabies

Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or receive quick treatment. Animals across Cambodia carry rabies.

Rabies is found in infected dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

To reduce your risk of rabies, don't go near dogs and other mammals.

If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help straight away.

Rabies vaccinations and post-exposure treatments are often available at larger medical facilities in tourist and expat areas. Treatment in Phnom Penh is usually available at:

Institute Pasteur Rabies Clinic
No.5, Monivong Boulevard
12201 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of avian influenza are reported in Cambodia.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

HFMD mostly affects children under the age of 10 years. However, adult cases (especially young adults) do occur.

To reduce the risk of getting or passing on HFMD, practise good hygiene. Wash your hands well and often.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• typhoid

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Isolated outbreaks of cholera occur in some rural areas.

Freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes, carry parasitic diseases like bilharzia (schistosomiasis).

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid block ice
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food
• don't swim in fresh water

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Cambodia are often poor in quality. The services they can provide are limited.

Outside Phnom Penh there are almost no medical facilities that can deal with medical emergencies.

Hospitals and doctors generally require cash up-front before they'll treat you, even in an emergency. Sometimes they'll accept proof of your medical insurance.

Hospital stays can be expensive. Costs often increase to 1000s of dollars. The hospital might keep your passport until you pay.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as Bangkok or Singapore. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

More information:

• Medical service providers in Cambodia

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is growing in many countries in Asia, including Cambodia. However, medical care in Cambodia doesn't meet international standards. Life-threatening complications can happen.

Avoid elective and cosmetic surgery in Cambodia.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter, but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms for even small amounts.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy and adoption laws

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia.

Australia doesn't have an intercountry adoption program with Cambodia. This means the Australian Government can't process adoption requests.

The Attorney-General's Department is watching to see if Cambodia will accept intercountry adoption. The department is also waiting to see if Cambodia will comply with the Hague Convention.

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Marriage laws

If you intend to marry a Cambodian citizen, you'll need approval from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This doesn't apply if you're also a Cambodian citizen.

More information:

• Getting married

Other laws

In Cambodia, it's illegal to:

• criticise or insult the King, including online and via social media
• lie to police, including in relation to an insurance claim such as reporting a crime that didn't happen or lying about the circumstances of an incident
• be topless or naked in public places or at sacred sites, including Angkor Wat
• have or produce pornographic material, including on mobile phones, cameras or computers for personal use

It's also illegal to:

• buy or possess cultural or ancient artefacts without a permit
• fly drones certain areas without a permit. These include areas of Phnom Penh, Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap or other sensitive areas. Seek approval from the local municipality
• hunt wildlife without permission
• traffic wildlife
• work without a valid work permit — see Travel

Australian and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating child sex offences. Penalties are severe under both Australian and Cambodian law.

You can be punished either in Cambodia or at home under Australian law. Penalties for having sex with anyone younger than 18 years include long jail terms.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Cambodian authorities enforce 'modesty' laws at sites of religious significance, such as Angkor Wat. Dress respectfully, including covering your knees and shoulders. You can't enter if you don't.

Don't take photos of people without their permission, especially monks and other religious figures. It's culturally inappropriate.

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive sites, such as:

• military areas, assets or military personnel
• transport facilities
• government buildings

Under Cambodian law, you can't give up Cambodian citizenship. This includes even if a Cambodian citizen becomes a nationality of another country.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Cambodian dual nationals aged 18 to 30 years who live in Cambodia may have to enrol in military service. Military service for female citizens is voluntary.

If you're a dual national, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

You need a visa to visit Cambodia.

If you're travelling to Cambodia for tourism, you can apply for an e-visa online. Do this through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

E-visas are only valid for entry through:

• the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville International Airports
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey)
• Bavet (Svay Rieng)
• Tropaeng Krael (Stung Treang)

Tourist visas are available on arrival.

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days. For longer stays, or if you're not travelling for tourism, you need to get a visa through an embassy or consulate of Cambodia.

Day trips aren't allowed, except when travelling via Phnom Penh International Airport.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you plan to enter or exit via a land border crossing, first confirm it's open to foreigners. Check you can get a visa when you arrive.

Be alert to the security status of border regions and land crossings between countries.

Monitor local media. Follow advice from local authorities. See Safety.

Cambodia–Thailand border

There's an ongoing dispute over the Thailand–Cambodia border.

If you visit this border area, landmines and unexploded military weapons are a risk. The risk is higher in and around:

• the Preah Vihear temple (known as Khao Pra Viharn temple in Thailand), between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia
• the Ta Krabei (known as Ta Kwai temple in Thailand) and Ta Moan Thom (known as Ta Muen temple in Thailand) temples, in Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in this area can close with little or no notice.

You can only stay for 30 days from the date of your arrival.

Overstaying your visa is a serious offence. Authorities may stop you from leaving Cambodia until you pay a fine or serve a prison sentence. Fines increase daily.

If you overstay your visa by more than 1 month, you risk penalties such as:

• prison
• deportation
• being banned from returning to Cambodia

Check your visa and the dates carefully. If it was issued outside Cambodia, the expiry date is not how long you can stay. It's the final date you can use it to enter. You can only stay for 30 days from the date you arrive.

If you want to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, you must renew your visa. Tourist visas can only be renewed once.

Renew your visa at a:

• travel agency
• hostel
• guesthouse
• vehicle rental company

You can also visit the Department of Immigration office opposite the Phnom Penh International Airport.

If you plan to work in Cambodia, you need a work permit. Your visa type or employment status isn't relevant.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training issues work permits.

More information:

• Living or working overseas

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If your passport is lost or stolen in Cambodia, you'll also need to:

• get a police report from the tourist police station closest to where the incident happened
• get a replacement passport — contact the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh
• get an exit visa from the Cambodian Department of Immigration

Exit visas take around 3 working days from when you submit your police report, passport and exit visa request.

Allow enough time to get a new passport and exit visa before you plan to leave. If you don't have a valid visa in your passport, this will delay your departure. You may be fined or detained.

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). US dollars are also legal tender.

You can use KHR for small transactions. However, you'll need US dollars for most purchases.

ATM facilities are available in:

• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
• Battambang
• Sihanoukville
• Kampot

In other areas, ATM facilities are limited and may be unreliable.

Cashing services for credit card cash advances and traveller's cheques are available for a fee at banks in:

• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
• Sihanoukville
• Battambang

Take enough US dollars to cover basic travelling expenses.

Ensure your US currency is in good condition. Sellers may not accept:

• dirty notes
• torn notes
• high value notes

Fake money is common in Cambodia.

Landmines

Landmines are a danger in many parts of Cambodia, especially along the border with Thailand.

Large areas of rural Cambodia still have live landmines.

If you visit the north and north-west of Cambodia, stay on marked pathways.

Take extra care if travelling away from the Angkor Wat temple complex to other temples in the Siem Reap area.

Driving permits

If you want to drive a car or ride a motorcycle larger than 125cc, you need a Cambodian driver's (or motorcycle) licence.

Apply for a licence in person at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. You need a valid car or motorcycle licence from Australia. If you don't have your licence with you, you have to take a driving test.

Under Cambodian law, you can ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity of up to 125cc without a licence. However, check with your insurer. Some travel insurers may not cover you for riding a motorcycle at all, even if you're fully licensed. Others won't cover riders unless they hold an Australian motorcycle licence, even if riding a motorcycle with capacity less than 125cc.

Road travel

Travel by road, especially at night, is dangerous because of:

• poor road conditions
• wandering livestock
• the risk of crime

Driving standards are often poor. Vehicles and roads are often not well maintained.

Streets are crowded in major cities. Drivers often ignore road rules.

Serious injuries from road accidents happen every day in Cambodia. Motorcycles, buses and coaches have high accident rates.

Large crowds can form quickly after road accidents. If you're in an accident, people might try to take advantage of you.

Speed limits for motorcycle drivers are:

• 30km per hour in towns
• 60km per hour on the outskirts

Other vehicle drivers can't go over:

• 40km per hour in towns
• 80km per hour outside towns

You must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

If you get a speeding ticket, you need to pay the fine at a payment centre within 30 days. Always ask for a receipt.

If you plan to drive:

• learn about local traffic laws
• avoid driving at night

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are a common form of public transport in cities. Check your insurance policy covers you for motorcycles, either as a driver or passenger.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets in Cambodia don't meet Australian standards. Bring a helmet and protective clothing with you if you're:

• visiting Cambodia for a motorcycle tour
• expecting to travel a lot by motorcycle

Taxis

Official, metered taxis are generally safe and convenient. However, be alert to possible scams and safety risks.

Registered drivers with ridesharing services are available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Limited services operate in Sihanoukville.

Motorcycle taxis (moto), tuktuks and rickshaws are often used for short trips.

Fares aren't metered and may be set according to:

• distance travelled
• number of passengers
• time of day

Drivers sometimes take passengers without understanding their destination. Destinations are often identified by common landmarks, such as the nearest pagoda.

Before using a moto, tuktuk or rickshaw:

• agree on the fare with the driver
• have some idea of the best route to take

Rail travel

Southern train services operate between:

• Phnom Penh
• Takeo
• Kampot
• Sihanoukville

A northern line with a limited timetable connects Phnom Penh to Battambang and Poipet.

Train services may be slower than you expect. Schedules change with little notice.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Travel by boat can be dangerous.

Boats taking passengers to islands off the coast of Sihanoukville have sunk.

Even modern boats may be overcrowded and lack basic safety gear.

To help keep yourself safe on the water:

• ensure any boat you plan to board has suitable safety gear, including life jackets for all passengers
• always wear your life jacket, even if others don't
• check with your tour operator or boat manager that safety standards are in place, including passenger and weight limits

If safety standards are not in place, find another boat.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

The safety and upkeep standards of local aircraft may be low.

Local airlines often cancel or reschedule flights at short notice.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. 

Check Cambodia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

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 (see below).

The police may not have the resources to help you in an emergency. They may not have time to look into crimes.

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:

• In Phnom Penh, contact the tourist police at Number 13, Street 158, near Wat Koh.
• In Siem Reap, the tourist police are on Charles de Gaulle road, south of the Angkor Wat main entrance and the old ticket booths.

In other towns, contact the nearest police station. You may need an interpreter.

Be wary of putting your fingerprint or signature on a police document if you can't read it.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

If you're not satisfied with their response, report the issue to the tourist police.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Cambodia.

Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh

No. 16B, National Assembly Street
Sangkat Tonle Bassac
Khan Chamkamon
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: (+855 0) 23 213 470 
Fax: (+855 0) 23 213 413 
Email: australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au
Website: cambodia.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia