Moving to Cambodia: visas, banking and SIM cards
The air in Phnom Penh hits you first—a thick, humid embrace that feels like 40°C even when the thermometer reads a mild 26°C. It is late September, deep in the monsoon season, and the city is currently holding its breath. Just outside the capital, ten provinces are dealing with flash flooding, but here in the heart of Daun Penh and Chamkar Mon, the streets are merely slick with rain showers. As you step off the plane at Techo International Airport—now the only gateway since it opened last year—you aren’t just arriving in a city; you are entering a complex, vibrant ecosystem that runs on US dollars, Khmer Riel, and strict bureaucratic protocols. If you are planning to stay longer than a tourist visa allows, your first week will be less about sightseeing Wat Phnom and more about navigating the digital and physical paperwork that keeps you legal. Here is how to set up your life without losing your mind.
Visas and the New Digital Entry System
Gone are the days of simple rubber stamps in your passport. Since January 2, 2026, Cambodia has replaced physical entry stamps with an emailed v-Pass (Visitor Pass). You must keep this digital document on your phone and print a hard copy immediately. Failure to produce it during the increased police spot-checks currently sweeping the city can lead to significant delays. For most nationalities, you will need a visa. The most seamless option is the Tourist e-Visa, which costs around US$36 (US$30 fee plus US$6 processing) via the official evisa.gov.kh. Alternatively, you can secure a Visa on Arrival at the airport for US$30 (T-class) or US$35 (E-class), though lines can be long during peak travel.
Regardless of your visa type, everyone must file the free Cambodia e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh within seven days of arrival. This is not a visa; it is a health and security declaration. If you intend to live here, you will likely upgrade to an E-class (Ordinary) visa, which is single-entry, valid for 30 days, and extendable once by another 30 days at the Immigration Department on 322 Russian Federation Blvd. Be aware that if you plan to work, a tourist or business extension is illegal; you require a proper E-visa coupled with a work permit.
Banking and the Dual-Currency Reality
Cambodia operates on a dual-currency economy. While prices for rent, cars, and large purchases are quoted in US dollars, day-to-day transactions for coffee, tuk-tuks, and street food are increasingly handled in Khmer Riel (KHR). The exchange rate hovers around 4,072 KHR to one US dollar. To navigate this, you need a local bank account. Most expats choose ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, Canadia Bank, or Wing Bank. ABA is particularly popular for its user-friendly app and widespread ATM network.
To open an account, expect to present your passport, a valid long-stay visa, and proof of address—often an FPCS-registered lease. Once active, you will tap into the National Bank of Cambodia’s Bakong system. This QR-code-based payment infrastructure is ubiquitous; you will see KHQR codes everywhere from high-end cafes like BROWN Roastery in BKK1 to street vendors. Cash is still king for small bills, so carry both USD notes and some Riel for tips and market stalls. Note that fuel prices have jumped sharply recently, with regular petrol costing around 5,250 KHR per litre, so budget accordingly if you are renting a motorbike.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Staying connected is vital, not just for maps but for verifying your identity in a cashless society. Prepaid SIM cards from Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone are cheap and readily available at the airport, malls, and street kiosks. By law, you must register your SIM with your passport. If your phone supports eSIMs, this process is often faster and can be completed digitally through the provider’s app after initial verification. Data bundles are generous and affordable, making it easy to stream or work remotely. Ensure your number is linked to your bank app, as many services use SMS verification for security.
Registration and Legal Compliance
This is the section where many newcomers stumble, but it is critical. Under the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), every foreigner must be registered with the National Police and General Department of Immigration. Legally, your landlord, guesthouse manager, or building administrator must register you via the FPCS app or at the local commune/sangkat police station within 24 hours of your move-in. They update this record every time you move districts. Missing this registration can block your visa extensions and result in fines of roughly 30,000 KHR per unregistered tenant. Recent Sub-Decree No. 03 imposes heavier penalties on negligent operators and those harboring unregistered foreigners.
Furthermore, the political climate in 2026 is defined by a nationwide crackdown on telecom scams and illegal residency. Police are conducting frequent ID checks, especially in areas like the Riverside bar strip in Daun Penh or the bustling streets of Toul Tom Poung. Always carry your passport or a clear photo of it, along with your visa and e-Arrival details. If you are working, ensure your labor card matches your visa status; the authorities are actively disciplining officers and detaining suspects involved in fraudulent activities, so compliance is non-negotiable.
Navigating the City and Staying Safe
Phnom Penh has no metro or tram system. Your primary modes of transport are tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps like Grab, PassApp, and Tada. The public bus network exists with about 13 routes costing roughly 1,500 KHR per ride, but it is limited in coverage. For safety, always use app-based transport rather than accepting unsolicited rides, especially at night. Bag-snatching remains a risk near the riverside bars, so keep valuables out of sight. In case of emergency, dial 117 for police and 119 for medical ambulance.
As you settle in, take time to absorb the culture. With Pchum Ben approaching—the annual festival for honoring ancestors—expect pagodas to be packed with families giving alms early in the morning. It is a profound experience that offers insight into the Cambodian soul. Whether you are staying in the leafy villas of Toul Kork, the diplomatic enclave of Tonle Bassac, or the gritty charm of Russian Market area, remember that patience and preparation are your best tools. Welcome to Cambodia.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still get a passport stamp when entering Cambodia?
No. Since January 2, 2026, physical passport stamps have been replaced by an emailed v-Pass (Visitor Pass). You should print a copy and save it digitally on your phone.
How do I register my address in Cambodia?
Your landlord or building manager must register you in the FPCS (Foreigners Present in Cambodia System) database within 24 hours of your move-in via their app or the local police station.
Which currency should I use for daily expenses?
Cambodia uses both US Dollars and Khmer Riel. Large transactions like rent are usually in USD, while daily small purchases like coffee or tuk-tuk rides are often paid in Riel, though QR payments via Bakong are becoming standard.
What documents do I need to open a bank account?
You typically need your passport, a valid long-stay visa (such as an E-class visa), and proof of address, such as an FPCS-registered lease agreement.
Are SIM cards mandatory to register?
Yes, by law you must register your prepaid SIM card with your passport. This can often be done at the point of sale or through the provider's app if you have an eSIM-compatible device.
Things to do in Cambodia
Siem Reap Angkor Airport Taxis (from Airport to Hotel)
2-Day Private Angkor Wat, Floating Village & Countryside Tour
Private 3-Days tour at comfortable areas
Siem Reap Floating Village Sunset Jeep Tour / SUV Car Available
2-Days in temples and other areas
From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip