Cambodia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 for police and 031-201-2345 or 031-601-2345 for Emergency Hotline for Foreigners.
• Dial 119 for ambulance.
• Dial 117 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.

Crime

Cambodia has a high crime rate, including street crime.

• Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals despite authorities’ efforts to collect and destroy them.
• Armed robberies occur frequently.  Foreign residents and visitors, including U.S. citizens, are among the victims. 
• The most common type of theft is “snatch and grab” robbery.  This includes anything that can be quickly grabbed like cameras, jewelry, purses, backpacks, mobile phones, etc.
• Exercise caution and keep belongings out of sight if you travel via “tuk-tuk.”  Thieves often target passengers in these open-air vehicles.
• Pickpockets, some who are masquerading as beggars, are present in the markets and at tourist sites. 
• Exercise caution during annual festivals and at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.  There have been many motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.
• Crimes targeting tourists often involve drugged drinks.  Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave drinks unattended.
• Avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, especially along the waterfront.
• The U.S. Embassy recommends travel by automobile, especially after dark.  Do not use local moto-taxis or cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles).  These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury.
• The Cambodian criminal code criminalizes defamation and lèse-majesté (insulting the king).  According to media reports, the Cambodian government has at times employed a range of tactics to intimidate, surveil, and silence critics, opposition figures, and independent journalists.  The government has arrested and prosecuted individuals for making statements that can be seen as critical of the country or government.
  

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Work scam centers, financial scams, and Internet romance scams are common in Cambodia.  Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.  Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters.  Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

It is illegal to work in a scam center in Cambodia.  Individuals, including English teachers, are sometimes lured by offers of well-paying jobs that turn out to be scam center jobs.  These scam centers are illegal enterprises, and participating in their operations is a criminal offense under Cambodian law.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Cambodia: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular, public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.  You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117, by calling the hotline for foreigners at 031-201-2345 or 031-601-234, and by contacting the U.S. Embassy at 023-728-000.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. Embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS.  The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drone use is strictly prohibited in Cambodia. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry in Cambodia is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Water Festival

During these celebrations, millions of Cambodians from every town and province go to the capital for 3 days in November.

• For personal safety and security, avoid crowded areas near the riverfront during the Water Festival holiday.

Water-based activities

When swimming, kayaking, rafting, or using jet-skis:

• Be careful in the rainy season from May to October.
• Watch out for river currents.  These can be extremely strong.
• Take local advice from hotel management and only rent equipment from recommended operators.

Angkor Wat official code of conduct

• The Cambodian authorities have issued an official code of conduct for visitors at Angkor Wat and other religious sites.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained.  Sometimes, this can be for a long time.  They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cambodia are severe.  Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Cambodia often detains those charged with criminal offenses while they are awaiting trial.  This pre-trial detention can be long, sometimes 18months or more.  
• If you have Cambodian nationality and possess another nationality, you may be viewed as a Cambodian citizen in any court proceedings and face stricter sentences.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.  Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Cambodia, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy. 

The Government of Cambodia might not report the arrest of a dual Cambodian-American citizen to the U.S. Embassy.

• If you are Cambodian-American and are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
• As of October 2023, Minister of Justice Keut Rith, has urged authorities to arrest crime suspects with dual citizenship, without asking permission from or report to their embassy or consulate in Cambodia as those suspects are considered as Cambodians.
• Learn more: Permission not needed to arrest crime suspect - Khmer Times

Detention conditions

Prison conditions in Cambodia are extremely poor and overcrowded, with little access to health care or basic nutritional requirements.

• Detainees in Cambodia often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.
• The U.S. Embassy does not interfere in the legal processes of a host country. The U.S. has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia, so if an individual is convicted and sentenced, there is no possibility of serving that sentence in the United States.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 
• There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Cambodia.  Even small amounts of methanol can kill.  It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.  To lower the risk of methanol poisoning, purchase drinks from licensed places: buy drinks from licensed stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels.  Avoid homemade, bootleg, or streetside alcohol.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cambodia.  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of lesbian and gay events in Cambodia.  However, same sex marriage is not legal.

• Lesbian and gay Cambodians routinely face discrimination and harassment, especially outside major urban areas.
• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for couples of any sexual orientation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Cambodia prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.  The law is not enforced widely.

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• Limited accessibility is common in internationally branded hotels in Phnom Penh.  Accessibility is very limited at hotels outside of large-name brand hotels and outside of Phnom Penh.  Sidewalks are not generally available or accessible.
• While physical infrastructure to accommodate disabilities is limited, Cambodians do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities, and Cambodians are friendly and helpful.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.
  

Women travelers

There have been reports of sexual assaults near drinking establishments.  Possible drugs have being used to incapacitate female travelers.  Be aware of any strangers approaching you or offering transportation.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

There are speech restrictions in Cambodia. 

• Criticism or insults of the King by any means could face between 1 to 5 years in prison.  This ban includes insults or criticism made online and via social media. 
• The Government of Cambodia has used libel and slander laws to restrict public discussion on topics it considers sensitive or against its interests.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cambodia Traveler Information and CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel provide destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• List of Hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 119 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available.  Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment and are not free. A service fee will be charged to the medical bill by the receiving hospital.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills in Cambodia.
• Most hospitals in Cambodia do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• If you are covered by Veteran Health Care and holding Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) there are no VA-affiliated hospitals in Cambodia.
• Medical care is not free in Cambodia.  If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.  Lack of payment could result in being discharged from the hospital.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Cambodia.
• Most care providers in Cambodia only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Both private and public hospitals and ambulance services require payment or proof of local insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments.  The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

To get vaccinations in Cambodia, please review the list of hospitals on the U.S. Embassy website:

• List of Hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in the cities of each province in Cambodia.  However, private health facilities equipped with modern medical equipment are primarily located in Phnom Penh. It is difficult to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics have only basic resources and supplies, and Cambodia does not have the same health and safety standards in the U.S. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment prior to service or admission.
• U.S. citizens have filed many complaints about unethical business practices at medical facilities.  They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some private hospitals in Cambodia.  Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Be aware that some hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and other lodging facilities have exclusive agreements with medical providers.  This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.  The Embassy cannot provide help with translation.
• Generally, in public hospitals, minimal staffing is available overnight in non-emergency wards.  Consider hiring a private nurse.  Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child, or go to a private hospital.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals, and hospitals will often require full payment for services rendered before allowing patients to transfer to a different hospital.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are extremely limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospice Care and nursing homes are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Dental care is the most common form of medical tourism, especially among Cambodian-Americans who visit Cambodia during their long-term vacations.

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.  
• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry.  If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States.  They don't follow the same rules.  Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism.  Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Cambodia.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Washington DC to ensure the medication is legal in Cambodia.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad.  Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients.  You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from some of non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Cambodia.

• We strongly recommend against the use of acupuncture and herbal remedies in Cambodia.
• There are some licensed clinics which provide physiotherapy and chiropractic services.  Please make sure you have access to licensed medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Cambodia.  For additional information, visit the Government of Cambodia Ministry of Justice.

• If you are considering traveling to Cambodia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Cambodia via ART, consider using a service with licensed medical health care providers and,  hiring a reputable local attorney, and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status with local authorities.
• Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality & food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Cambodia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Do not drive at night in Cambodia outside the cities.  Travel is recommended in daylight between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Intoxicated drivers are common at night. 

• Roads between major areas are adequate. However, roads leading to rural areas are poor.
• During the rainy season, road conditions deteriorate considerably, and roadside assistance is non-existent.
• Cambodian drivers routinely ignore traffic laws and vehicles are poorly maintained.
• Serious flooding occurs throughout Cambodia from June through November. Travel on unpaved or dirt roads is difficult after heavy rainfall. 
• Assess to emergency services and/or roadside assistance is limited. 
• In the event of an automobile accident, if there are causalities, Cambodians will typically call the ambulance at 119 to transport the injured to the nearest hospital.  These are usually government hospitals like Calmette hospital or Khmer-Soviet Friendship hospital in Phnom Penh.  The police will come and assess the situation and take appropriate action such as transporting the injured persons to the hospital.  They may also take the vehicles in the accident to the police station for compensation or criminal charges, if someone dies.  
• In Phnom Penh and other big cities, you can call the mechanic, who will typically come quickly.  However, outside of Phnom Penh and other big cities, it typically takes quite a long time for a mechanic to arrive.

Traffic laws

Drivers must apply for an International Driving Permit.

• Traffic in Cambodia is composed of a mix of automobiles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and “tuk-tuks.” 
• As a result of poor roads, driver intoxication, and disregard for traffic laws, traffic accidents are  common.
• You should exercise great caution in moving through the country, regardless of mode of transportation.
• In the event you are in a traffic accident, you should cooperate with the police.
• Contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police in case of an accident. 
• To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel and all U.S. citizens traveling to, or residing in, Cambodia to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license, and other important documents. Consider leaving your originals in a hotel safe or other secure place.

Taxis and ride-shares

• The Grab App is used in Cambodia and is reliable for requesting both “tuk-tuk” and car service.
• Be vigilant if traveling by “tuk-tuk” or “cyclo”.  Thieves can easily steal personal belongings.

Public and commercial transportation

• Bus accidents are frequent throughout Cambodia.  
• Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas.  Those available in major urban areas are inadequate.
• Travelers should exercise caution when using inter-city buses, including those to popular tourist destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Cambodia ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures.  Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Cambodia ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers in Cambodia ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Cambodia should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Cambodia’s weather events and natural disasters are mostly tied to the annual monsoon cycle.  The most common events are floods, droughts, and mild storms, including the effects of typhoons from neighboring countries. 

• Monsoon season (rainy season) –It occurs May to October.  During this season, flooding is the most frequent and impactful disaster.  Riverine (along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Basins) and flash flooding are common.
• Dry season – It occurs from November to April.  During these months, Cambodia experiences some of the highest temperatures in the world.  The hottest months are typically March and April, when temperatures can exceed 95°F (35°C) and sometimes reach over 104°F (40°C). 

U.S. citizens living abroad

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Learn how to prepare for requesting official fingerprinting for criminal background check for your work permit or other purposes.
• Look for a list of lawyers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates