Money
The US dollar is the de facto currency in Cambodia. Prices in hotels, restaurants, and tourist businesses are quoted in dollars, ATMs dispense dollars, and you can pay for most things in USD. The Cambodian riel (KHR) circulates alongside it — change for small purchases is often given in riel at roughly 4,000 riel to the dollar. It's worth keeping some small bills handy, as vendors often can't break large notes.
ATMs are widespread in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. In smaller towns they exist but may be unreliable — carry enough cash before venturing into rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in the main cities but not elsewhere.
Electricity
220V AC, 50Hz. Sockets are a mix of flat two-pin (US-style) and round two-pin (European-style). Bring an adapter if needed.
Time Zone
UTC+7 (Indochina Time). No daylight saving.
Language
Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger Cambodians. Some older educated Cambodians speak French, a legacy of the colonial period.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads; rural areas can be patchy. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or any phone shop — bring your passport. Smart, Metfone, and CellCard are the main providers.
Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas.
Safety
Cambodia is generally safe for travelers in the main tourist areas. Petty theft — particularly phone and bag snatching from motos — does happen in Phnom Penh; keep your phone in your pocket rather than in your hand on the street. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Landmines remain a hazard in some rural border areas, particularly in the northwest near the Thai border. Stick to marked paths and ask locally before wandering off-road in these regions.
Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodian-Thai border, where military tensions have flared in recent years.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry, but the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines and considers hepatitis A and typhoid strongly advisable. Rabies vaccination is worth considering if you'll spend time in rural areas.
Malaria is present in forested and rural areas, particularly in the north and northeast. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are not malaria zones. Take precautions — cover up at dusk, use repellent — when traveling outside the main cities.
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Cambodia. Use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth.
Medical facilities are adequate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; outside these cities they are very basic. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential — evacuation can cost US$50,000 or more.