Guide to Get Around Cambodia as an Algerian Citizen
Are you an Algerian looking to visit Cambodia? It will be an exciting destination for you to explore. You will have cultural and sightseeing experiences that you would not get in your own country. And you will also love how budget-friendly the trip can be.
Usually, travelers tend to spend a lot on transportation in a different country, and the bills can add up. But not in Cambodia, thanks to its extensive- and affordable- transport network. Whether you are a backpacking student on a shoestring budget or a seasoned traveler with a few dollars to spare, Cambodia will get you moving one way or another.
Let’s dive right into the options for entering and getting around Cambodia as an Algerian tourist.
How to Get into Cambodia from Algeria?
First, let’s see how we can cross the border into Cambodia. Want to find out how Algerians can set foot in Cambodia as a tourist? Here you go.
What Are The Passport Requirements?
Your passport must remain valid for a minimum of 6 months from the day of landing. Immigration stamps will be needed on your passport. Hence, be certain about having a couple of blank sheets in it.
What Tourist Visa Options Do Algerians Have?
Cambodian tourist visas for Algerian citizens have a validity of 90 days. The validity is counted from the day you got your hands on it, which is the approval date. It will be a one-time-entry visa. And you will be welcomed to stay for 30 days at most. Here are the visa options for tourism in Cambodia:
e-Visa (Recommended)
Algerian citizens can get their Cambodian travel visa online. The electronic visa has its advantages. Applying for it is relatively hassle-free. You can get your tourist e-visa for Cambodia by visiting a reputable e-visa portal.
Find this guide on how you can get your Cambodian travel visa online.
- You must first visit a reputable Cambodian visa portal that accepts e-visa applications.
- Next, navigate the portal and find the online form available to make an e-visa request. Provide the passport and personal details.
- Use your bank cards for that to make the fee payment.
- You will get your e-visa after it is processed and approved. Check your email for it.
- Take a printed version of the e-visa with you to Cambodia. You will have the visa imprinted on your passport when you land.
Paper Sticker Visa (Available)
You can get a paper sticker visa by visiting your nearest Cambodian consulate or embassy. You will also have to visit the embassy to extend the stay of your visa beyond 30 days.
The following is how you can request a consulate for your Cambodian travel visa.
- You must visit the embassy’s website and get the application form.
- Next, you have to complete it and get it printed.
- Attach the requirements documents with the complete application form. The documents include two passport-size photos, a scan of the passport’s bio page, proof of hotel booking, and a return ticket.
- Attach a prepaid self-addressed return envelope along with the application form. If you send the application through post, expect the visa to be sent to you in the same way.
- Submit the form with documents. Now it is not mandatory to go to the consulate. The application form will also be accepted via post.
- Get the processing fee paid. Offer a cashier’s check. You can also do a money order.
What Documents Do Algerians Need To Get a Cambodian Visa?
Let’s check the documents needed to get a Cambodian Visa for Algerians.
- Submit the scanned bio page of your passport along with your application request.
- You need to have a recent picture that was taken not more than 5 months in the past. The photo should have a size of 35×45 millimeters. It should be a portrait with a bare background.
- Make certain that you can log into the email account that you use for the visa request. You need a prepaid self-addressed return envelope if you apply for the visa via post.
- You must also pay a visa fee after completing the application forms. You can use your bank cards for an e-visa. Pay using a cashier’s check. Alternatively, money order is also acceptable.
- There may also be the need to prove that you have booked an accommodation for a limited period. A return ticket can also prove your intention to leave Cambodia after visa expiry.
How to Get Around in Cambodia?
You can get into the country by landing at the Phnom Penh International Airport. From there, you will find multiple modes of transport to get around Cambodia. Here are the transportation options you have.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are good for travelling between cities. You can take one from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Flights between the two cities take around two and a half hours. You can book with popular carriers like Cambodia Angkor Air or AirAsia Cambodia. Domestic flights will also take you to other cities like Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, and Battambang quickly. Tickets typically start from DZD 16,029.
Boats
If you are wondering how to get around in Cambodia but not spend boatloads (pun intended), hop on to one of these.
You can travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh by boat as well. It will take from 5 (speedboat) to 8 (ferry) hours. Boats are used for travelling along the coastline of Cambodia. You will enjoy the stops at villages floating on the lake.
You will explore and experience the natural beauty of Tonle Sap Lake. And traveling by boat is reasonably adventurous and surprisingly affordable. It will cost you between DZD 2,351 and DZD 4,600 per person. But the option is not the most convenient or reliable. Luxury boats can cost around DZD 18,150 per person.
Buses
Cambodia has a well-established bus network. It is an affordable way of travelling long distances. For example, you can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey can last for between 5 and 7 hours. Bus operators like Giant Ibis Transport and Larryta Express offer comfortable seating with Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Tickets can be booked online on websites like redBus Cambodia, BookMeBus, and 12Go. It is also issued at bus stations. Go for buses with air conditioning for a comfortable journey. Book in advance during peak seasons. Bus tickets will likely cost you between DZD 1,175 and DZD 2,280 per person.
Tuk-Tuks
You can use tuk-tuks. They are very popular and commonly available in urban areas. It is best for moving around comfortably within a locality. Travelling between cities on tuk-tuks is also possible, but the journey can be stressful. Tuk-Tuks are only comfortable for short-distance travel.
Short trips on a Tuk-Tuk will cost you between DZD 130 to DZD 260. Longer journeys can cost from DZD 400 to DZD 800. Tuk-Tuks can be hailed on the streets. You can also book them through ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp.
You will also find organised tuk-tuk tours. You can book that for exploring the countryside or sightseeing. Haggling with tuk-tuk drivers is acceptable if an unreasonable fare price is quoted. So, be ready to bargain.
Trains
You can use the Royal Railway to travel on a route in Cambodia. The Southern Line connects Phnom Penh with Kampot, Sihanoukville, and Takeo. The Northern Link connects Phnom Penh to Battambang. You can book tickets online from Royal Railway Cambodia. Alternatively, you can also get one at train stations.
Tickets will cost you between DZD 800 and DZD 1,300. Shorter routes like from Phnom Penh to Kampot, require around 4 hours. Traveling to Battambang and Sihanoukville will take around 7 hours from Phnom Penh.
Trains operate in their roles daily. But you may find travelling via trains a bit slower than flying. The speed is around 35 kilometres per hour on average. However, you will surely find the journey scenic, especially along the countryside. And are you planning to take your motorcycle or bicycle with you? That will also be possible for a fee.
Motorcycle Taxis
Motorcycle taxis are not a comfortable option for traveling between cities. For example, travelling between Phnom Penh on a motodop will take around 6 to 7 hours. This can be stressful. Motodops are also an inconvenient travel option during unfavourable weather conditions. Travelling with luggage is also difficult on motodops.
You can use motorcycle taxis or motos for urban travel. In Phnom Penh, you can visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace on a motodop. You will find motos extremely convenient in high-traffic areas. They can move through traffic easily. So, they are a convenient mode of transport in cities during the rush hours. Motos are affordable as well. Expect rides to cost between DZD 130 to DZD 400.
Private Rented Cars
Tourists renting a car is common in most nations. But doing so in Cambodia is not straightforward. You will need a Cambodian driver’s license. The country does not recognise international driving permits. So, you will find renting a car unsuitable. It is an appropriate option for Cambodian locals or nationals who have a driver’s licence issued in their country.
You can still apply for a Cambodian driver’s license by presenting your Algerian one. Your visa and passport will also be needed to make the application. Car rides from Phnom Penh to other cities take between 3 and 6 hours. The exact duration depends on the distance, but don’t expect any less. Expect it to cost around DZD 7,050 for small and DZD 14,600 per day for larger cars.
You can book private cars with drivers, though. Platforms like HolidayTaxis will let you do that. If you pre-book, you will find your driver ready to pick you up from the airport as soon as you land in your chosen vehicle type. You can opt for English-speaking divers.
Ready To Tour Cambodia Like a Local?
In Cambodia, you will also have a number of travel options that are budget-friendly.
Remember that options like domestic flight, train, and bus are good for travelling between cities. Ferry rides are good for enjoying scenic beauty while travelling, but it is a time-consuming option. Motos and tuk-tuks are only comfortable if used for travelling locally. And if you want to book a pirate car, make sure you also opt for a driver with a Cambodian driver’s license.
Experience the beauty and culture of Cambodia. Make the trip a reality. Apply for a Cambodian visa for Algerians now.