Cambodia travel insurance FAQs

What is the best company to buy Cambodia travel insurance from?

22 highly respected travel insurance companies offer policies to US residents. The best way to go about your search is to find the right policy for you. To do this, I recommend using a comparison website like TravelInsurance.com, which only lists plans from the most reputable insurers. The site also features several help “filters” and offers excellent customer support.

When buying a trip insurance policy, what should I look for?

Whichever policy you buy must provide coverage for Cambodia as well as the entire duration of your trip, including both your days of departure and return. If you wish to participate in adventure sports and activities, look for policies covering your preferred recreation. You can best do so on SquareMouth.com and filter for those you’re interested in.

Can I buy Cambodia travel insurance once my trip has begun?

While you will benefit most by purchasing a policy before leaving on your trip, you can still buy one once your vacation has started. However, your coverage begins when you purchase insurance and cannot be applied retroactively.

What do trip delay expenses include?

Trip delay expenses include those basic things you need until you can resume your journey—meals, internet access, accommodations, and local ground transportation. Most policies provide up to $150-200 per day in benefits until you reach the maximum amount listed. Note: your policy’s daily allowance is listed per person.

Will my insurer reimburse me for a 2-hour flight delay?

Most insurers have a 6-12 hour minimum delay before trip delay benefits kick in. That said, some policies will start reimbursing you after a 3-hour- delay. Flight delays must be for covered reasons, such as inclement weather, aircraft maintenance problems, air traffic issues and more, for your insurer to reimburse you. Read a policy’s full details before buying it to ensure you get the coverage you need and want.

How do insurers define total trip cost? How do I calculate it?

Travel insurance providers calculate Trip Interruption and Cancellation benefits based on your total trip cost. Therefore, you must calculate it correctly. Your total trip cost is defined as the full cost of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Such items include airfare, hotels, cruise, tours, retreats, and tickets for excursions and entertainment. Always include all that you have prepaid for which you are not entitled to a full refund if you cancel. You must also include any potential cancellation penalties you would be liable for.

You must submit an accurate total trip cost to qualify for your policy’s Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation benefits. If you claim your trip to be cheaper than it is to secure a lower premium, you invalidate your policy. Therefore, always round up to the nearest dollar when submitting a total.

If I forget my camera on a bus, train or plane, will my travel insurance policy cover it?

Travel insurance companies usually offer little in the way of protection for electronics, cameras included. The maximum tends to be around $500. Before buying a policy, read the full details to learn whether it will cover your camera or any other electronics if lost. You can also contact your preferred travel insurance provider to determine if they offer optional upgrade packages to protect electronics.

Will my trip insurance plan reimburse me if an Airbnb or other short-term rental goes wrong?

Trip Interruption and Cancellation benefits sometimes extend coverage to vacation rentals, but this varies depending on the policy and insurer. Generally speaking, more comprehensive and, therefore, more expensive plans will shield you financially against vacation rental disasters. However, suppose your policy doesn’t or you want further protection. In that case, you can purchase a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade since they guarantee at least a 50-75% reimbursement rate, regardless of why you cancel.

Typical problems tourists may experience while traveling in Cambodia and how to avoid them

Illnesses

Traveler’s diarrhea, dengue fever and malaria are the illnesses tourists most frequently contract. All of these are serious and potentially life-threatening if you don’t stay hydrated. Should you experience any or a combination of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately: high fever, chills, delirium, bodily aches, frequent urination, loss of appetite for food or water, nausea, vomiting and an increased heart rate.

Accidents

Aside from tripping and falling, one frequent accident tourists have is falling off of or crashing a motorbike (or motorcycle) due to poor road conditions or inclement weather.

A potential cause of devastating accidents is landmines. The country is still littered with them, so walk only on marked roads and paths, especially in more rural areas.

Muggings

Bag and phone snatchings are the most common crimes in Cambodia; most of the time, the offenders are not on foot. Instead, they operate in pairs, doing drive-by muggings. One drives and the other steals your valuables. The less you carry with you, the better. Wear a money belt to secure your cash and cards. That said, still be mindful when you’re in crowded places so that slippery hands don’t find their way into your pockets or bags.

Emergency resources for Cambodia

Phone numbers

While most countries have a 3-digit catch-all number you can dial in emergencies, Cambodia does not. Also, be aware that most people working in such services speak little to no English, so you will need someone from your hotel or another local to help you translate. The emergency numbers are as follows:

• Police – Phnom Penh: 117
• Tourist Police – Phnom Penh: +855 (0) 12 942 484
• Tourist Police – Siem Reap: +855 (0)12 402 424
• Fire Department – Phnom Penh: 118
• Ambulance – Phnom Penh: 119

If you are calling from a local phone, drop the +855 at the beginning of the tourist police number and dial the number starting with ‘0’.

US embassy or consulate details

The US Embassy in Cambodia is located in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh. For the address, phone number, and information regarding its services, visit the Embassy’s website.

Registering your trip itinerary with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will give you real-time travel advisory notifications about your destination. In addition, doing so will allow the Embassy in Phnom Penh to communicate with you or your loved ones back home in the event of an emergency.

Other local knowledge that is helpful for travelers

Accommodations

Compared with the US, accommodations in Cambodia are incredibly affordable. For example, you can get an excellent room in a boutique hotel for $75+ per night in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang or Kep. Even $25-$50 will still get you a clean and comfortable room. If you are a bit more budget-conscious, book a room in a guesthouse or arrange a homestay in one of the more rural provinces. Hostels abound in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but are not good value for money since you can find a private hotel room for a comparable nightly rate.

Communication

For those wishing to stay connected throughout their trip to Cambodia, purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is the most cost-effective option. $1-$2 will get several gigabytes of data. Just remember, to use a foreign SIM card in your phone, you’ll need to ensure that your phone is unlocked. If uncertain, check with your mobile carrier before leaving on vacation. They will be able to unlock it should it not already be.

If you prefer to rely on WiFi, you’ll find it easy to get online in Cambodia. Most hotels, guesthouses, hostels and cafés have free WiFI. You may also stumble upon internet cafes in urban areas, but your information is not very likely secure using these public computers. Your last and most expensive option is to add an international roaming package to your standard phone plan. Unfortunately, such packages rarely come with enough data and overages cost a small fortune. The upshot is that friends, family and colleagues can reach you by calling your US phone number.

Currency

The Khmer Riel (KHR) is the official currency of Cambodia, but it’s worth mentioning that US dollars are accepted throughout the country. In 2020, the government also introduced its CBDC called Bakong, named after a famous temple. All digital payments can be made in KHR or USD via the Bakong app.

Each riel consists of 100 sen. Banknotes are available in the following denominations: 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. However, 50; 50,000 and 100,000 riel notes are not frequently used. Coins are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500.

You can use debit and credit cards in upmarket shops, hotels, restaurants, and even those priced in the mid-range. The latter will likely charge you 3-4% extra to offset credit card processing fees. Smaller businesses or those outside tourist centers and ex-pat enclaves require cash payments. So it’s always wise to have plenty on-hand.

ATMs abound in tourist areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville. Withdrawing cash from your US bank will get you a much better exchange rate than bringing US dollars with you and trading them for KHR at a currency exchange. Remember to notify your bank of your travel dates and destination so they don’t block your card.

Entry Requirements

US citizens can secure an e-Visa to enter the country for 30 days as a tourist. Learn more about the e-Visa and apply directly on the government’s website.

Food & Drink

Cambodian cuisine is less spicy than its neighbor Thailand’s, and flavors like coriander, garlic, lemongrass and basil dominate. You can get delicious meals from street hawkers for $1 or less. If you stick with Cambodian food, you can eat extremely well for little money. Most dishes are either curries or stir-fries. Think fresh vegetables, chicken, prawns, fish, beef and rice with a bit of chili and garlic. You can also buy fresh fruit almost everywhere you look. So give Khmer curry, chicken and banana flower salad, lort cha and nom banh chok a try.

Getting Around

While domestic flights are available, Cambodia is such a small country that it’s worth taking buses and minivans to get around or even renting a motorcycle. For a unique experience, hitch a boat ride down the Mekong, Sangkae or Tonlé Sap River. You can also catch a fast boat to your island(s) of choice off the South Coast. Finally, you can only rent a car with a driver since Cambodian law requires you to have a local driver’s license to operate a vehicle.

Language

For Americans, Southeast Asian languages tend to be somewhat intimidating due to their tonal nature and foreign alphabets. However, Cambodian, formally known as Khmer, is phonetic and far more straightforward. Many people in the tourism industry speak plenty of English, but it never hurts to know a few words and phrases to ingratiate yourself with the locals:

• hello (formal) – johm riab sua
• hello (informal) – susadei
• goodbye (formal) – johm riab lia
• goodbye (informal) – lia suhn hao-y
• good morning – ârŭn suŏ sdei
• good afternoon – tĭvéa suŏ sdei
• good evening – sayôn suŏ sdei
• good night – réatri suŏ sdei
• yes (for women) – jaa
• yes (for men) – baat
• no –
• please – sohm
• thank you – aw kohn
• excuse me – sŏm toŭssorry – soumtooh

Local Customs & Etiquette

Understanding local customs and etiquette goes a long way in building a good rapport with the locals you encounter. Below is a list of some of the major ones that may be relevant to your trip:

• Never touch anyone’s head; it is considered sacred in Cambodia and throughout Asia.
• Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. You may even notice a pile of shoes outside some businesses. In such instances, remove yours as well. 
• Cambodians dress modestly, ensuring their shoulders and knees are always covered. If you want to show respect, dress accordingly. Be aware that to enter temples, this is the minimum requirement. However, it’s preferred if women wear long skirts or pants that fall at their ankles. 
• Never call someone over to you without facing your palm down and waving your fingers toward you.
• Women are not allowed to touch or directly hand anything to monks. You can place it before the monk on a surface if you must.
• It is polite to refuse a gift upon the first offering and then upon the second or third offering, thank the person and accept the gift with both hands. 
• Never use the left hand for eating or receiving anything unless you use both hands. The left hand is considered dirty and is used to wipe oneself.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected, it’s often done. Doing so goes a long way in improving the lives of locals, who often survive on US$150 or less per month. You may notice that high-end restaurants and even hotels may tack on a 7% service charge to your bill. Of course, you’re welcome to leave more. As a general rule, tip all the same people you would in the US, plus tour guides and anyone who may show you around a temple. Use your discretion as to how much you give. Whatever you do, always tip in cash.

A final note about travel insurance for the Cambodia

I have spent dozens of hours researching travel insurance, including getting quotes and comparing coverage from all the most popular brands. Regardless of where you’re going I am confident that you will also find that TravelInsurance.com offers the best way to compare policies with the ideal combo of coverage and price.

I wish you and yours an incredible journey.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology

• Average price for a 2-week vacation based on a 35-year-old California resident traveling to the Cambodia with a $3,500 trip cost
• Coronavirus coverage
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Key policy details including cancellation, interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage & personal effects
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews