Things to Know Before Traveling to Cambodia: A First-Timer's Checklist for Americans
First trip to Cambodia? Here is the honest first-timer checklist for Americans — the visa, the US-dollar money quirk, the safety reality, the vaccines, the temple dress code, and what arrival at the new airport actually looks like in 2026.
What do Americans need to know before traveling to Cambodia for the first time?
Start with the paperwork: you need a Cambodia eVisa ($80 USD Tourist, approved in 3 business days, valid 3 months, 30-day single-entry) and a separate e-Arrival Card submitted within 7 days before you land. On the ground, Cambodia runs on US dollars, so your American cash works almost everywhere and the riel shows up mostly as change. It is a safe, friendly country for US tourists with normal petty-theft caution; the real risks are traffic and heat, not crime. No vaccines are required to enter, but the CDC recommends a few, and the temples enforce a modest dress code. Fly in — the new Phnom Penh airport is KTI (Techo International), and the Thailand land borders are closed. Get those six things right and your first trip is genuinely straightforward.
نکات کلیدی
- Sort the paperwork first: a Tourist eVisa is $80 USD all-in, approved in 3 business days, valid 3 months from issue, and gives a 30-day single-entry stay — plus a separate e-Arrival Card submitted within 7 days before you land.
- Cambodia runs on US dollars. Your American cash works almost everywhere, prices are quoted in USD, and the local riel mostly shows up as small change — bring clean, undamaged bills.
- It is a safe, welcoming country for US tourists, with the usual big-city caution around petty theft; the bigger real-world risks are road traffic and the heat, not crime.
- There are no required vaccines to enter, but the CDC recommends routine and a few travel shots — and the temples have a real dress code: shoulders and knees covered.
- The Phnom Penh airport is now KTI (Techo International), which replaced the old PNH on September 9, 2025, and the seven Thailand-Cambodia land borders have been closed since June 2025, so plan to fly.
The first-timer mindset: a few facts, then relax
- Lodge the eVisa
Apply for the Tourist eVisa ($80 USD all-in) or Business eVisa ($90 USD all-in), approved in 3 business days and valid 3 months from issue.
- Plan your dollars
Cambodia runs on US dollars; bring clean, undamaged bills in small denominations, with riel coming back as change.
- Sort safety and health
Use normal big-city caution for petty theft; no vaccines are required to enter, though the CDC recommends a few.
- Pack for heat and temples
Pack light, breathable clothing plus one modest outfit, since Angkor enforces covered shoulders and knees.
- File the e-Arrival Card
Submit the separate e-Arrival Card ($5 USD, 14 fields) within 7 days before arrival, as it cannot be filed earlier.
- Fly in and arrive
The Thailand land borders have been closed since June 2025, so fly into KTI (Techo International), which replaced PNH on September 9, 2025.
1. The visa and entry rules changed — here is the 2026 version
Do not confuse the eVisa with the e-Arrival Card
2. Cambodia runs on US dollars — your money, literally
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What do Americans need to know before traveling to Cambodia for the first time?
Six things. You need a Cambodia eVisa ($80 USD Tourist, approved in 3 business days, valid 3 months, 30-day single-entry) plus a separate e-Arrival Card submitted within 7 days before you land. Cambodia runs on US dollars, so your cash works almost everywhere. It is a safe, friendly country with normal petty-theft caution; the real risks are traffic and heat. No vaccines are required but the CDC recommends a few, the temples enforce a modest dress code, and you fly in because the Thailand land borders are closed.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Yes. Every American needs a visa to enter Cambodia. For a normal vacation that is the Tourist eVisa: $80 USD all-in, approved in 3 business days, valid for 3 months from issue, and good for a 30-day single-entry stay that begins on arrival. If you are traveling for work it is the Business eVisa at $90 USD on the same timeline. You also need a separate e-Arrival Card submitted within 7 days before you land.
Should I bring US dollars or local currency to Cambodia?
Bring US dollars. Cambodia is effectively a dollar economy: hotels, restaurants, tours, and most shops quote prices in USD and take American cash directly, while the local riel mostly comes back as small change. Bring clean, undamaged bills in a mix of small denominations, because worn or torn notes are often refused. ATMs in the cities dispense US dollars too, ideally used with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.
Is Cambodia safe for American tourists?
Yes, broadly. Cambodia is a welcoming destination and violent crime against tourists is rare. Use normal big-city caution against petty theft and bag-snatching, especially in busy parts of Phnom Penh, and keep valuables in the hotel safe. The bigger real-world risks are chaotic road traffic and the heat rather than crime, so cross streets carefully, agree tuk-tuk fares up front or use a ride-hailing app, start early, and stay hydrated.
What vaccines do I need for Cambodia?
None are required to enter Cambodia from the US for a standard tourist trip. The CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines and considering travel shots such as hepatitis A and typhoid, which are linked to food and water. Talk to a travel clinic four to six weeks before you fly, since some vaccines need time to take effect and a clinic can tailor advice to your route, especially for rural areas.
What should I wear at Cambodian temples like Angkor Wat?
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