Before You Arrive
Base Camp Prep: Your Pre-Trip Checklist
Peace of Mind Page: Eliminate stress before you land.
Entering a new country can be confusing. John & Heather have navigated these borders dozens of times. Here is the Saralya Code to entering Cambodia effortlessly: handle your visa correctly the first time, understand the currency, and download the apps that run the city.
Cambodian Visa & Entry Protocols 🛂
Crucial Decision: The visa you choose on arrival (or online) determines how long you can stay. You cannot change this once you are inside the country without leaving and re-entering.
The Only OFFICIAL Cambodian Visa Website. You have two options: Apply for a visa on the website, or receive a VOA (Visa On Arrival) upon arrival.
Saralya Superhost Tip: We have done both, and the VOA is the easiest. However, if you like to be prepared, apply in advance.
Option A: The Tourist Visa (T-Class)
Best for: Base Camp Travelers & Short Holidays (Under 60 Days)
This is the standard visa for most travelers.
- Initial Validity: 30 Days.
- Extension: Can be extended ONCE for an additional 30 days.
- Maximum Total Stay: 60 Days.
- Cost (Entry): ~$30 USD (Visa on Arrival) or ~$36 USD (Official e-Visa).
- Extension Cost: ~$50 USD (via local agent).
Crucial Decision: The visa you choose on arrival (or online) determines how long you can stay. You cannot change this once you are inside the country without leaving and re-entering.
or
Option B: The Ordinary / Business Visa (E-Class)
Best for: Digital Nomads & Long-Term Residency (Over 2 Months)
If you are planning to stay for our Digital Nomad Residency (1 month+) and might stay longer, you MUST ask for the Ordinary (E-Class) visa on arrival.
- Initial Validity: 30 Days.
- Extension: Can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months indefinitely.
- Cost (Entry): ~$35 USD (Visa on Arrival).
- 1-Year Extension Cost: $280-$300 USD (via local agent). Includes Multiple Entry privileges.
Saralya Superhost Tip: Do not confuse the “E-Class” (Ordinary) visa with the “e-Visa” (Electronic). They are different! If you want to stay long-term, do not get the online tourist e-Visa. Get the Ordinary (E-Class) Visa on Arrival at the airport.
Currency: The Two-Currency Rule 💵
Cambodia uses a dual-currency system: The US Dollar (USD) and the Cambodian Riel (KHR).
The Golden Rule: Pristine Bills (USD)
This is the most important tip we can give you.
In Cambodia, US bills are treated as precious commodities. If your USD bill has a tiny tear, ink mark, stamp, or is overly worn, shops and banks will reject it.
Saralya Superhost Tip:Pay attention when getting USD money back from anyone! All bills that have anything wrong with them will be fed back to the consumer unknowingly. Cambodians are not trying to be sneaky- someone gave them a tarnished bill and they cannot do anything with it either. So our tip is that when getting change back that is in USD make sure it is perfect, if not hand it back to seller and ask for another note.
How Payment Works
- Big purchases: Pay in USD or Credit/Debit card (Accommodation, Supermarket, Online Tourist tickets).
- Medium purchases: Tours, a lot of tourist attractions, are cash only (Tuks and Remorqus are cash only unless you have your credit card tied to Grab app)
- Small change: You will pay in USD, but often receive change in Riel.
- Exchange Rate: The street rate is generally $1 USD = 4,000 Riel.
Example: If something costs $1.50 and you pay with $2.00, you will get 2,000 Riel back (50 cents).
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere in Siem Reap and dispense USD or Riel.
- Warning: ATM fees can be high ($4-$6 USD per transaction). It is wise to bring a good amount of cash with you to minimize withdrawals.
- ATMs dispense $20, $50, and $100 notes
Saralya Superhost Tip: Always use an ATM that is physically attached to a bank. If anything happens, you want to be able to retrieve your card.
SIM Cards & Instant Connectivity 📲
You need to be online to order Grabs and navigate the world.
Option A: The Tourist SIM (Cheapest)
PRO TIP: You can buy a SIM card right at the SAI Airport arrival hall (after baggage claim, when you leave the airport doors, turn right, small store on the right. (There are several carriers there – you WANT Smart Cell). It is a couple of dollars more than in town, but do you want the hassle of finding a store, going in, waiting, etc?
- Provider: We recommend only Smart Cell for the best coverage in Siem Reap.
- Cost: Very affordable. ~$5-$10 USD for a hefty data package (30GB+).
Crucial Decision: The visa you choose on arrival (or online) determines how long you can stay. You cannot change this once you are inside the country without leaving and re-entering.
or
Option B: The eSIM (Easiest)
If you have an unlocked phone, you can install an eSIM before you even take off.
If you are planning to stay for our Digital Nomad Residency (1 month+) and might stay longer, you MUST ask for the Ordinary (E-Class) visa on arrival.
- Providers: Apps like Airalo or Holafly work great here.
- Benefit: You have internet the second the plane touches down.
Saralya Superhost Tip: Do not confuse the “E-Class” (Ordinary) visa with the “e-Visa” (Electronic). They are different! If you want to stay long-term, do not get the online tourist e-Visa. Get the Ordinary (E-Class) Visa on Arrival at the airport.
Essential Apps: Download Now 📱
Don’t wait until you are on spotty airport Wi-Fi. Download these four apps while you are still at home.
Grab
Transport & Food
The “Uber” of SE Asia. Essential for booking Tuk-Tuks without haggling and ordering food delivery. You can pay cash or app connected credit card.
FoodPanda
Food Delivery
Often has different restaurant options and great discounts compared to Grab.
Communication
The primary way to communicate with us (Saralya HQ), tour guides, and drivers.
Google Maps
Wayfinding
Pro Tip: Download the “Offline Map” for Siem Reap so you can navigate the temples even if you lose signal.