The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Easy entry, easy extensions, easy country
Cambodia has one of the simplest visa systems in Southeast Asia. Visa on arrival, e-visa, extensions — it's all straightforward and cheap. The country actively wants tourists and makes it easy to come and stay. Here's everything you need to know to get your paperwork sorted.
Australians get a tourist visa on arrival (T-class) at any international airport or land border. Costs USD $30, paid in cash. Bring a passport photo (or pay an extra USD $2 for them to take one). Your passport needs 6 months validity. Fill out the application form on the plane or at the counter. The whole process takes 10-20 minutes. Couldn't be simpler.
Apply at evisa.gov.kh before you travel. Costs USD $36 (USD $30 visa + USD $6 processing). Takes 3 business days. Single entry, 30 days. Only valid at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and certain land borders. Print a copy and carry it with you. Saves time at immigration but the visa on arrival is so easy that the e-visa is mainly useful for peace of mind.
Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh. Costs USD $45. Many travel agencies and guesthouses will handle the extension for you for an extra USD $5-10 — they take your passport for a day or two and return it with the extension stamped. Total possible stay on a tourist visa: 60 days (30 + 30 extension).
The E-class "business" visa costs USD $35 on arrival and also gives 30 days. The key difference: it's renewable for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, multiple entry. A 12-month multiple-entry extension costs around USD $290 through an agent. You don't actually need a business — this is how most long-term expats stay in Cambodia legally. It's the open secret of Cambodian immigration.
Technically required if you're working in Cambodia. Your employer should arrange this. Costs around USD $100-200 per year. In practice, many foreigners work on business visa extensions without a work permit. Enforcement is lax but the rules are tightening gradually, especially for teachers and NGO workers. If you're doing things properly, get the work permit — it's cheap insurance.
Cambodia doesn't have a formal retirement visa. Long-term retirees use the E-class business visa with annual extensions. There's no income requirement, no age requirement, and no bank balance threshold. This makes Cambodia one of the easiest countries in Asia for retirees to settle in — no hoops to jump through, just renew your visa each year. Some agents offer multi-year packages.
Popular border crossings: Poipet/Aranyaprathet (Thailand), Bavet/Moc Bai (Vietnam), and Kaam Samnor (Vietnam, for Phnom Penh). The Poipet crossing is notorious for scams — fake "health checks," overcharging, and touts. Know the official costs before you arrive and refuse to pay anything extra. The Vietnamese border crossings are generally smoother.
The Poipet/Thailand border is scam central. Officials and touts may demand fees for fake "health certificates," temperature checks or "processing fees" that don't exist. The only fee is USD $30 for the visa. They may insist on Thai Baht at a terrible exchange rate — bring USD cash. Don't use the "VIP fast track" services unless you enjoy paying USD $10 extra for nothing. Stay calm, know the rules, and say no to everything that isn't the official visa fee.
Cambodia's visa on arrival must be paid in USD cash. Bring clean, crisp bills — they sometimes reject torn or marked notes. Have the exact amount (USD $30 for tourist, USD $35 for business) to avoid getting change in Cambodian Riel at a bad rate. Also bring a spare passport photo (4x6cm). These small preparations save you hassle at the border when you're tired and jetlagged.
Passport with 6+ months validity. One passport photo (4x6cm). USD $30-35 cash for the visa. Return or onward ticket (rarely checked but technically required). No COVID vaccination requirements as of 2025. Customs declaration for goods over USD $10,000. That's it — Cambodia keeps it simple.
Underrated and delicious
Cambodian (Khmer) food is the underrated gem of Southeast Asian cuisine. Less spicy than Thai, more subtle than Vietnamese, with fresh flavours from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric and prahok (fermented fish paste). It's cheap, it's fresh and it's everywhere. Don't come to Cambodia expecting to eat Thai food — give Khmer cuisine a proper go.
Fish (usually snakehead or catfish) steamed in a curry of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric and kaffir lime leaves, served in a banana leaf cup. Creamy, fragrant and gentle on the spice. The best amok you'll eat is at a random roadside restaurant, not a tourist place. Costs USD $2-4 in a local restaurant, USD $5-8 in a tourist spot. Absolutely delicious — eat it on day one.
Stir-fried beef cubes with onion and tomato, served on a bed of lettuce with a fried egg on top and a lime-pepper dipping sauce. This is the dish that even fussy eaters love. Simple, meaty, satisfying. Around USD $2-4 at a local place. If you're not feeling adventurous, lok lak is your safe bet and it never disappoints. Most restaurants do a good version.
Thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic, grilled over charcoal and served over rice with pickled vegetables and a bowl of broth on the side. This is what Cambodians eat for breakfast and it's incredible. Available from around 6am at street stalls and small restaurants. Costs about USD $1-1.50. Get up early and eat this — it sells out by 9am at the best places.
Less intense than Thai curry — milder, sweeter and heavier on the turmeric. Made with coconut milk, chicken or fish, sweet potato and eggplant. Served with rice or sometimes baguette (French influence). A bowl costs USD $2-3 at a local restaurant. The colour is golden yellow from the turmeric. If Thai curry is too much for you, Khmer curry is the gentler alternative.
Rice noodles with a green fish-based curry gravy, topped with bean sprouts, banana flower, cucumber and fresh mint. A traditional breakfast dish sold by women carrying shoulder poles through the streets in the early morning. Costs about 4,000-6,000 KHR (USD $1-1.50). Light, fresh and the perfect way to start the day. Increasingly available in restaurants too.
Cambodian markets are food paradise. Central Market (Phsar Thmei) and Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) in Phnom Penh, and the Old Market in Siem Reap, all have food stalls serving everything from grilled meats on sticks to noodle soups to fried insects. A full meal at a market costs USD $1-3. The smells, the chaos, the tiny plastic tables — it's an experience as much as a meal.
Cambodia is famous for eating bugs. Fried tarantulas from Skuon (Spider Village) are the most notorious — crunchy legs, gooey abdomen. Fried crickets, silkworms and red tree ants are also common. Sold at markets and roadside stalls for a few thousand riel. They're actually not bad — the crickets taste like crunchy chips. You don't have to eat them, but your mates will be impressed if you do.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have excellent Western food — the French colonial influence means great bakeries, proper baguettes and decent coffee. Pizza, burgers, pasta and steaks are widely available in the tourist areas. Quality is surprisingly good and prices are low (USD $4-8 for a burger or pizza). You won't struggle to find something familiar when you need a break from rice.
Do NOT drink tap water. Ever. Bottled water is cheap (1,000 KHR / 25 cents). Ice in tourist restaurants is usually from purified water factories and is fine. Ice at rural roadside stalls — maybe not. Street food with high turnover is generally safe. The biggest risk is salads and uncooked vegetables washed in tap water. If your stomach is sensitive, stick to cooked food for the first few days until you adjust. Carry rehydration salts.
The best Cambodian food is at the cheapest places. If a restaurant has an English menu, a tablecloth and no Cambodians inside, the food will be average and overpriced. If it has plastic tables, Khmer-only signs and is packed with locals, you've hit the jackpot. Point at what someone else is eating if you can't read the menu. Cambodians are friendly and will happily help you order. A full local meal costs USD $1-3.
Cheap beers and ice buckets
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in the world for beer. A cold draught will set you back 50 cents to a dollar on the street. Drinking culture is social, loud and often accompanied by karaoke. The beer market is surprisingly competitive with multiple local brands fighting for your dollar. Here's the guide.
The most popular beer in Cambodia, named after the temples. A clean, crisp lager at 5% ABV. Costs about 2,000-4,000 KHR (USD $0.50-1.00) at a shop or local restaurant, USD $1-2 in tourist bars. Available literally everywhere from five-star hotels to roadside shacks. It's decent — nothing special, but reliable and refreshing in the heat. The iconic green can is everywhere.
The second most popular brand. Also a lager, slightly sweeter than Angkor. 5% ABV. Similar prices. It's been around since 2009 and has aggressively marketed itself with "beer girls" (branded promotion staff) in restaurants across the country. If a pretty girl in a Cambodia Beer uniform asks if you'd like a beer, she's doing her job — and yes, you do want that beer.
A premium local beer that's been gaining market share. German-style brewing, slightly better quality than Angkor or Cambodia. 4.6% ABV. Positioned as the upmarket choice. Costs a bit more — USD $1-1.50 in restaurants. The branding is slick and the beer is genuinely a step above the standard lagers. If you want something a bit better without paying import prices, Ganzberg is your pick.
Many restaurants and bars serve draught beer for incredibly cheap. In Phnom Penh, draught Angkor or Cambodia costs USD $0.50 at happy hour and USD $0.75-1.00 at normal prices. Siem Reap's Pub Street has bars advertising USD $0.50 draught all night. You will not find cheaper beer anywhere in Southeast Asia except maybe bia hoi in Hanoi. Order a tower (3 litres) for the table and share.
Cambodian-style beer gardens are outdoor restaurants where beer is the main event. You order food to go with your drinking. Live music (often Khmer pop karaoke) is standard. Beer girls from different brands compete for your attention and your orders. These places are LOUD but they're where Cambodians go to celebrate and socialise. A full night of eating and drinking costs USD $10-20 per person.
Cambodians drink beer with ice. Big chunks of it. In 35-degree heat and 90% humidity, you'll understand why. The ice is factory-made from purified water (cylindrical tubes with a hole in the middle) and is safe to drink. Don't be a snob — ice in beer is practical in the tropics. Your beer stays cold, you stay hydrated-ish, everyone's happy. When in Cambodia, do as the Cambodians do.
Phnom Penh has a small but growing craft beer scene. Botanico and Himawari offer locally brewed craft options. Cerevisia, Embargo and Riel Brewing are worth seeking out. Prices are USD $3-5 per pint — expensive by Cambodian standards but still cheap by world standards. Siem Reap also has a few craft options. The scene is young but improving rapidly.
Siem Reap's Pub Street is a dedicated drinking strip near the Old Market. USD $0.50 draught beers, buckets of cocktails, and bars playing everything from EDM to Bob Marley. It gets rowdy after 10pm. This is where backpackers, tourists and some locals come to party. Not sophisticated but it's fun, it's cheap and you'll meet people from everywhere. The classic Siem Reap experience after a day at Angkor Wat.
Cheap cocktails in Cambodia sometimes contain methanol or industrial alcohol instead of proper spirits. This can cause blindness, organ failure or death — it's not a hangover risk, it's a genuine safety hazard. Stick to beer (safe — it's factory sealed), drink spirits from bottles you see opened, and avoid suspiciously cheap cocktails from unknown bars. If a drink tastes unusually harsh or chemical, stop drinking it immediately.
Happy hour in Cambodia is a real thing and often runs for hours. Many bars in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap do buy-one-get-one-free or USD $0.50 draughts from 4pm to 8pm. Some run all-day happy hours. The riverside in Phnom Penh is lined with bars competing for the happy hour crowd. Do a lap, check the chalkboards, and settle in wherever the deal is best. Your dollar goes an absurdly long way here.
Tuk-tuks, motos and questionable roads
Cambodia's transport infrastructure is improving but it's still rough compared to Thailand or Vietnam. Roads outside the main highways can be dire, especially in rainy season. Tuk-tuks are the default in cities, and Grab or PassApp are your best mates. Here's how to get from A to B without losing the plot.
PassApp is Cambodia's homegrown ride-hailing app and it works better than Grab in most Cambodian cities. Available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang. Options include tuk-tuk, motorbike and car. Pay by cash. Prices are very cheap — a tuk-tuk across Phnom Penh costs USD $2-4. Download it before you arrive. It's the single most useful app you'll have in Cambodia.
Grab operates in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but has fewer drivers than PassApp. GrabBike (motorbike) is the cheapest option. Prices are similar to PassApp. Worth having both apps installed and comparing prices. In Phnom Penh, Grab is fine. In smaller cities, PassApp has better coverage. Both accept cash payment. Card payment is patchy.
The Cambodian tuk-tuk is a motorbike pulling a covered carriage (different from Thai tuk-tuks). They're everywhere and will honk at you constantly. If you're not using an app, negotiate the fare before getting in. A short trip in Phnom Penh should be USD $1-2, across town USD $3-5. For a full day of sightseeing at Angkor Wat, hire a tuk-tuk driver for USD $15-20 — they'll wait for you at each temple.
Motorbike taxis (motos) are the cheapest transport option. Wave one down, agree on the price, hop on the back. Short trips are USD $1-2. No helmets are usually provided (or worn). If you rent your own motorbike, expect to pay USD $5-10 per day. Roads in Phnom Penh are chaotic and Cambodian driving is... creative. Helmets are technically required but enforcement is minimal. Wear one anyway.
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the best bus companies in Cambodia — air-conditioned, comfortable and reliable. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is about 6 hours and costs USD $12-18. Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is about 5 hours for USD $10-14. Giant Ibis buses have WiFi, USB charging and even a toilet. Book online through their websites or at your hotel. These are genuinely good buses by any standard.
Cambodia Angkor Air and several smaller carriers fly between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Flights are short (45 minutes Phnom Penh to Siem Reap) and cost USD $50-120 one way. Worth it if you value time over money. Siem Reap airport recently moved to the new Angkor International Airport, about 40km from town — factor in the transfer time and cost (USD $10-15 by tuk-tuk).
The Phnom Penh to Siem Reap speedboat along the Tonle Sap was once the classic journey but services have become unreliable. When running, it costs around USD $35 and takes 5-6 hours. The scenery is spectacular — floating villages, river life, incredible sunsets. Check current availability with travel agencies in Phnom Penh. Slow boats and tourist boats operate on shorter routes too.
Main highways (National Routes 1, 5, 6) are now paved and decent. But secondary roads can be shocking — potholes, unpaved stretches, flooding in wet season (June-October). The road from Siem Reap to remote temples like Koh Ker or Preah Vihear is an adventure in itself. If you're renting a car or motorbike outside main routes, an SUV or dirt bike is strongly recommended.
Cambodia has one of the highest road fatality rates in Southeast Asia. Driving standards are low, overtaking is suicidal, and night driving on unlit roads is genuinely dangerous. Truck and bus drivers often drive recklessly. If you're in a tuk-tuk or bus, you just have to trust the process. If you're riding a motorbike, be extremely cautious. Avoid riding at night outside of cities. Your travel insurance must cover motorbike accidents.
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to do the Angkor temple circuit. The "small circuit" covers Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and a few others. Costs USD $15-20 for the full day. Your driver will wait at each temple and know the best order to visit them. Agree on the itinerary and price beforehand. Start at sunrise (5am pickup) — watching the sun come up over Angkor Wat is unforgettable and worth the early alarm.
Dollars, riel and the weirdest dual-currency system in Asia
Cambodia runs on two currencies simultaneously — US Dollars (USD) and Cambodian Riel (KHR). It's the most unusual monetary system you'll encounter in Asia. The dollar is king for anything over a dollar, and riel is used as change for amounts under a dollar. It sounds confusing but you'll get the hang of it in a day.
USD is the primary currency for most transactions. You'll pay in dollars for hotels, restaurants, transport, and shopping. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used as "small change" — 4,000 KHR = USD $1. If something costs USD $2.50, you'll pay $2 and get 2,000 KHR in change (or vice versa). Both currencies are interchangeable in daily life. It's weird but it works. Carry both.
ATMs are widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most dispense USD (some also offer KHR). Canadia Bank, ABA Bank and ACLEDA Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. Withdrawal limits are typically USD $400-500 per transaction. Fees are USD $4-5 per withdrawal. ABA Bank ATMs don't charge a local fee — seek them out. ATMs are scarce in rural areas — withdraw enough cash before leaving cities.
Cambodia is an overwhelmingly cash economy. Card payments work at upscale hotels, restaurants and some shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but 90% of your spending will be cash. Always carry a mix of USD bills in various denominations — $1, $5, $10, $20. Avoid $50 and $100 bills for everyday purchases because nobody will have change. Markets, tuk-tuks, local restaurants — all cash only.
Cambodians are incredibly fussy about the condition of USD bills. Any tear, mark, stain or crease may result in a bill being refused. Old-series (pre-2006) $100 bills are often rejected. Get fresh, clean bills from your Australian bank before you travel or from an ATM in Cambodia. If a market vendor or taxi driver rejects a bill, don't argue — it's how it works here. Carry clean money.
Local meal: USD $1-3. Restaurant meal: USD $4-10. Beer at a bar: USD $0.75-2. Tuk-tuk across town: USD $2-4. Budget hotel room: USD $10-20. Mid-range hotel: USD $25-60. Monthly rent for a furnished apartment in Phnom Penh: USD $300-600. Cambodia is cheap — a comfortable daily budget is USD $30-50 (AUD $45-75). You can survive on much less if you live local.
Wing and TrueMoney are Cambodia's main mobile money transfer networks — your partner can pick up cash at any Wing agent (they're everywhere, like a Cambodian Western Union). Wise transfers to ABA or Canadia Bank accounts work well. Western Union is available but expensive. For regular transfers, Wise to a local bank account is the smartest option. ABA Bank has the best online banking for foreigners.
Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in the world for foreigners to open a bank account. ABA Bank will open a USD account with just your passport — no work permit, no long-term visa needed. You get a debit card, mobile banking app and can receive international transfers. Minimum deposit is USD $5. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. ABA's app is excellent — one of the best banking apps in the region.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. A dollar or two at restaurants is generous. Round up for tuk-tuk drivers. USD $2-5 for tour guides. Bargaining is expected at markets — start at 50% of the asking price and work up. Don't bargain aggressively — these people are trying to make a living on razor-thin margins. A dollar difference matters more to them than to you.
Children selling books or postcards, women holding babies, amputees on the streets — poverty is visible in Cambodia and it's confronting. Some are genuine, some are organised by adults who take the money. Rather than giving cash to street beggars, donate to reputable local organisations. Don't buy from child vendors as it keeps kids out of school. If you want to help, organisations like Pour un Sourire d'Enfant and Friends International do genuine work.
If you're staying in Cambodia for any length of time, open an ABA Bank account on day one. Their app supports KHQR (Cambodian QR code payment system), which is accepted at an increasing number of shops, restaurants and even market stalls. International transfers via Wise arrive within hours. The account is USD-denominated so there's no exchange rate risk. Seriously — it makes life in Cambodia dramatically easier.
What to watch out for
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists but it has rougher edges than Thailand or Vietnam. Petty crime is more common, the police are less reliable, and the infrastructure is less developed. Serious violent crime against tourists is rare but bag snatching and phone theft are not. Keep your wits about you and you'll be right.
Two guys on a motorbike, one grabs your bag as they ride past. This is the number one crime against tourists in Phnom Penh. They will physically pull a bag from your body — people have been dragged and injured. NEVER wear a bag strap across your body on the traffic side. Keep bags on the inside (building side) when walking. Better yet, don't carry a bag at all — put your essentials in your pockets.
Don't use your phone while walking along busy roads. Don't leave your phone on restaurant tables near the street. In tuk-tuks, keep your phone in your pocket, not in your hand. Thieves on motorbikes will snatch phones from your hand and be gone in seconds. If it happens, don't chase them — it's not worth getting hurt. Use a cheap backup phone for daily use and keep your expensive one in the hotel safe.
Drug laws in Cambodia are strict on paper — possession can result in years in prison. In practice, enforcement is inconsistent and some tourist areas have openly available marijuana. This does NOT mean it's safe to use. Police can and do arrest foreigners, and the experience of a Cambodian prison is something you want to avoid at all costs. The "happy" in "happy pizza" refers to marijuana toppings — these places exist openly but that doesn't make them legal.
Sihanoukville was once a quiet beach town. Chinese investment has transformed it into a construction zone of casinos, highrise developments and scam compounds. The beach areas have deteriorated. Online scam operations (pig butchering scams) run from compounds in the area, using trafficked workers. The town centre is best avoided at night. Some nearby islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem) are still beautiful, but the city itself is a mess. Be cautious here.
Cambodia still has landmines in remote rural areas, particularly in the northwest (near the Thai border), parts of Battambang and Pailin provinces, and around some remote temples. Stick to marked paths, paved roads and well-trodden trails. Never walk into unmarked fields or forests in rural areas. This is not an issue in cities, at Angkor Wat or on standard tourist routes — but it's worth knowing about if you venture off the beaten track.
Cambodian police are generally unhelpful and often corrupt. If you're the victim of a crime, file a report (you'll need it for insurance) but don't expect follow-up. Traffic stops are often fishing expeditions for bribes. If stopped, a "fine" of USD $1-5 usually resolves things. Don't carry drugs, don't ride without a licence, and don't argue with police. The Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh (023 213 470) is your real safety net — save the number.
The wet season (June-October) brings heavy rain and flooding, especially in Phnom Penh and around the Tonle Sap lake. Roads can become impassable, especially in rural areas. The Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers can flood dramatically. Check weather forecasts and be flexible with travel plans during wet season. The upside: fewer tourists, greener landscapes and cooler temperatures.
Cambodia, particularly Sihanoukville and border areas, has become known for online scam compounds where people are trafficked and forced to work running romance and investment scams. If someone offers you a "job" with vague details, high pay and free accommodation — do NOT go. Foreigners have been trafficked into these compounds and held against their will. This is not hypothetical — it's happening now. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Keep copies of your passport, visa and insurance in your email. Use a hotel safe for valuables. Don't walk alone drunk at night, especially in Phnom Penh. Register with Smartraveller. Have at least USD $200 cash hidden separately from your wallet as emergency funds. Cambodia is a great country with warm, generous people — the risks are manageable with basic precautions. Don't let fear stop you from enjoying it.
Healthcare in Cambodia is basic. The best hospitals are in Phnom Penh — Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Calmette Hospital are the main options. For serious injuries or illness, medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard (and your travel insurance should cover this). Pharmacies are everywhere and most medications are available over the counter without a prescription. Bring any specific medications you need from Australia.
Getting connected in Cambodia
Mobile coverage in Cambodia has improved dramatically. Getting a SIM is cheap and easy — buy one at the airport or at any phone shop. Data is incredibly affordable and you'll need it for PassApp, maps and staying in touch. Here's the rundown on Cambodia's mobile networks.
Cambodia's leading carrier with the best 4G/LTE coverage nationwide. Owned by Axiata Group (Malaysia). Has the most reliable network in both cities and rural areas. Tourist SIM packages start from USD $2-5 with generous data. Their customer service is the best of the lot. If you're only getting one SIM, make it Smart. Coverage extends to most of the country including Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and provincial towns.
The original Cambodian carrier, government-linked. Good coverage in cities, slightly weaker in remote areas compared to Smart. Competitive data packages — a tourist SIM with 15GB for 30 days costs about USD $3-5. Cellcard has a wide agent network so topping up is easy anywhere. A solid second choice if Smart is out of stock at the airport.
A Vietnamese-backed carrier (Viettel). Has been aggressively expanding coverage and now rivals Smart in many areas. Very cheap data packages — some of the lowest prices in the region. Good option as a second SIM in a dual-SIM phone. Coverage is strong along major routes and in provincial capitals. Their 4G network has improved significantly in recent years.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports have SIM card counters in the arrivals hall. Staff will install the SIM, register it with your passport and activate a data package. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes and costs USD $2-5. Phone shops on every street also sell SIMs. At the airport you might pay a small premium but the convenience is worth it — you want data the moment you step outside.
Cambodian mobile data is among the cheapest in the world. Smart offers 3GB/day for 30 days for about USD $5. Unlimited data plans exist for around USD $8-10/month. Top up at any convenience store, phone shop or via the carrier's app. Data speeds in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are decent — 4G is standard. Speeds drop in rural areas but basic connectivity is usually available on the main networks.
All SIM cards must be registered with a valid ID. At the airport, they'll scan your passport and do it for you. If buying from a street shop, make sure they complete the registration. Unregistered SIMs face deactivation. The process takes 2 minutes and is nothing to worry about — just have your passport handy.
Free WiFi is available at most hotels, restaurants and cafes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Speeds are generally acceptable for browsing and messaging but can be slow for video calls or streaming. Rural areas have limited WiFi availability. Your mobile data will be more reliable than WiFi in most situations. Coffee shops are good spots for working — Cambodia has a thriving cafe culture.
eSIM options for Cambodia are available through Airalo and Nomad from AUD $4-10 for data-only plans. Useful as a backup or if you want data the instant you land without visiting a counter. Activate before you board. For calls and messaging, you'll still want a physical SIM with a local number. eSIMs don't give you a Cambodian phone number for registering with local apps and services.
While Facebook Messenger is widely used in Cambodia, Telegram is increasingly popular, especially among younger Cambodians and in business circles. Many shops, restaurants and service providers use Telegram for communication and ordering. Download both Messenger and Telegram. Your partner probably uses Messenger, but you'll encounter Telegram for bookings, group chats and local community groups.
Local calls are cheap — a few cents per minute. International calls through your SIM are expensive — use Messenger, Telegram or WhatsApp for voice and video calls over data instead. If you need to call Australian numbers (banks, government), Skype credit is the cheapest option. Your Australian SIM's roaming rates in Cambodia will be horrendous — turn off roaming and use your local SIM exclusively.
Where to find a cold beer, a feed and fellow Aussies
Cambodia's Aussie expat community is smaller than Thailand's or Vietnam's but it's tight-knit and welcoming. Phnom Penh has the most activity, with a handful of Aussie-run bars and a solid expat social scene. Siem Reap has a more transient crowd but you'll always find someone to have a beer with. Here's where to find your people.
BKK1 is expat central in Phnom Penh. Tree-lined streets, Western restaurants, coffee shops and bars. This is where most long-term foreigners live and socialise. The area around Street 278, Street 51 and the surrounding sois has a concentration of expat-friendly establishments. You'll hear Australian accents in the cafes and bump into familiar faces within a week of living here.
Sisowath Quay (the riverside promenade) is lined with bars and restaurants overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club) is a historic landmark with colonial charm and a great balcony view. Numerous sports bars along the strip show Australian sport. The riverside comes alive in the evening — it's the natural meeting point for a drink after work.
Score Sports Bar on Street 282 shows AFL, NRL and cricket. The Flicks (cinema bar) attracts a mixed expat crowd. Embargo is popular for craft beer. The Sundown Social Club is a newer spot with a good vibe. These places cycle — bars open and close in Phnom Penh regularly — but the expat scene is resilient. Check the Phnom Penh Expats Facebook group for current recommendations.
Siem Reap's expat community is smaller and more transient (many are tourism workers or NGO staff). The area around the Old Market and Pub Street has bars where expats gather. Miss Wong's is a classic cocktail bar. Laundry Bar is a long-running favourite. The Siem Reap social scene revolves around the hospitality industry — restaurant and bar owners, tour guides and NGO workers. Everyone knows everyone.
A small riverside town in the south that's attracted a growing community of Western expats, including Australians. Famous for its pepper plantations and laid-back vibe. Rusty Keyhole and Naga House are popular gathering spots. The town has a village feel where everyone knows each other. If you want peace and quiet, cheap living and a friendly community, Kampot is hard to beat. About 3 hours from Phnom Penh.
Cambodia's second city has a small but dedicated expat community. Art galleries, French colonial architecture and a genuinely Cambodian atmosphere. The riverside area has a few expat bars. Jaan Bai is a social enterprise restaurant that's become a community hub. If you want to experience Cambodia without the tourist crowds of Siem Reap or the chaos of Phnom Penh, Battambang is worth a look.
The Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh (Street 254, Daun Penh) organises Anzac Day services and occasional community events. These are the biggest gathering of Australians in Cambodia. The embassy is also your lifeline if things go wrong — save their number (023 213 470). The consular staff deal with Australians in trouble regularly and they've seen everything. Don't be embarrassed to call if you need help.
The Australia-Cambodia Business Council runs networking events, business seminars and social gatherings. Good for professional connections if you're doing business in Cambodia. Their events attract a mix of embassy staff, business owners and long-term expats. Worth joining if you're staying long-term and want to build a professional network alongside your social one.
Cambodia has a huge NGO sector and many Australians work or volunteer in this space. Organisations like Friends International, Pour un Sourire d'Enfant, and various environmental groups offer volunteer opportunities. The NGO community is social and welcoming. Even if you're not volunteering, attending NGO fundraiser events is a great way to meet quality people — both Cambodian and international.
Join "Phnom Penh Expats," "Siem Reap Expats," and "Australians in Cambodia" on Facebook. These groups are active and helpful — ask where to watch the footy, find a good doctor, or get visa advice. The Cambodia Daily and Phnom Penh Post (online) keep you informed on local news.