• Informant Notes  

Please note, due to the nature of travel in Asia, a backpack is more more suited to this trip than a suitcase. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

  • Travel Documents 

Citizens from Canada and the US require a valid passport and a visa. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Cambodian Embassy for entry requirements. You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip in order to enter Cambodia.

  • Passports & Visas 

Visa to Cambodia is easier to obtain now, you could apply for the visa at the arrival airports and all land border crossings. *Staff may try to charge more at some land border crossings: hold out for the official price, particularly at major crossings, but don’t be upset if you have to pay US$1-2 extra.

  • Vaccinations 

There are no required vaccinations in Cambodia, although tetanus, typhoid, and anti-hepatitis vaccines are commonly recommended. There is malaria in parts of Cambodia and preventative measures are up to the discretion of travellers. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for information on health requirements, as this information changes frequently. A good website for current information is The Centre for Disease Control.

  • Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

  • Using Credit Cards

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, restaurants and medium-large shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, cafes, market stalls and places in remote areas probably won’t have facilities that support credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash to cover expenses while in rural areas or when visiting smaller vendors.

  • Mobile & Internet 

Mobile phone coverage and internet are generally good in most areas, but can be patchy and less reliable in rural areas. Buying a new SIM card is easy and cheap ($1-$5) and the internet package is just $1 for 8GB per week and you can buy anywhere including at the airport.

  • Sending Money 

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

  • Money 

As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the currencies. The Riel is Cambodia’s official currency (US $1 = 4000 riel), but US dollars are widely accepted. Most hotels accept international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard and travellers cheques can be easily cashed. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. There are now international debit card and credit card-compatible ATMs in most major towns and cities. Small charges are sometimes levied on withdrawals. Larger sums can be withdrawn over the counter with some identification such as a passport. Please note, ATMs in Cambodia will give you only USD. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers’ cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached. Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

  • Tipping 

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

  • What to take 

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

  • Local Dress

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When you visit religious sites, temples, monasteries and Angkor Wat, avoid shorts and singlet cover your arms and legs to the knees, thank you. Cambodia climate is hot, so light weight clothing, hats, sunglasses, suncream and mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset are essential, a light raincoat in the rainy season is useful.

  • Do ‘s & Don’ts 

When travelling Cambodia is it important to know and to follow the basic codes of behavior and cultural conventions. It is recommended to be sensitive about local traditions and pay respect to the local beliefs and culture. Please keep this list of basic Do & Don‘ts“ in mind, during your stay in Cambodia.

  • Trip Specific Safely 

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Some of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

  • Feedback 

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us. We just hope to do our good job on this, but sometime thing never goes right. Only you words that can tell us what to do next.