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Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters in Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia · Practical

Vietnam and Cambodia visa requirements, money, SIM and safety

Visas, money, SIM/eSIM, border crossings and safety tips for a smooth Vietnam–Cambodia trip in 2026.

Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters in Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia · Practical📅 Updated 2026-06-17 · last reviewed by Phuong Le📖 3 min readPLPhuong Le15-yr Hanoi history guide
Last reviewed by Phuong Le: 2026-06-17 · Quarterly review

Quick answer

2026: Vietnam offers a 90‑day multiple‑entry e‑visa; Cambodia has a 30‑day e‑visa or visa on arrival. ATMs add fees and caps; print visas for land borders. Money: VND, KHR; USD common in Cambodia. SIM/eSIM: buy local; Viettel or Smart. Safety: bag snatch and border touts.

Vietnam 90‑day multiple‑entry e‑visaCambodia e‑visa or visa on arrival (30 days)Money (VND/KHR, USD), ATMs, SIMs, safety

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About this guide

Vietnam now issues e-visas to citizens of every country and territory under Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP (August 2023). The e-visa covers stays of up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and is processed entirely through evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The official processing time is 3 working days, though applicants are advised to apply at least 10 days before travel. A single-entry e-visa costs USD $25; a multiple-entry e-visa costs USD $50. As of December 2025, eligible entry points expanded from 42 to 83 border gates under Resolution No. 389/NQ-CP, covering airports, land borders, and seaports. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date and carry a minimum of 2 blank pages, with all details matching the e-visa application exactly.

Cambodia requires most visitors to hold either an e-visa or a visa on arrival. Tourist visas (Type T) cost USD $30 and are valid for 30 days; as of 3 November 2025, automatic extensions ended — anyone needing more time must apply manually at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. From 1 January 2025, all air arrivals must submit a Cambodia e-Arrival Card online within 7 days before landing, via evisa.gov.kh. The same portal handles e-visa applications. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months at entry with at least 1 blank page, and proof of onward or return travel is required. Cash USD is needed for visa-on-arrival payments at land border crossings.

Currency, connectivity, and safety require practical preparation in both countries. Vietnam transacts almost entirely in Vietnamese Dong (VND); USD is not accepted in everyday settings, so exchanging at bank counters or city ATMs — not airport exchange desks — is advisable. Cambodia runs a dual-currency system: USD handles larger purchases while Cambodian Riel (approximately 4,000 KHR to $1) covers change under $1. The National Bank of Cambodia's Bakong Tourist App, launched in 2024, allows payments via KHQR codes at 4.9 million merchant locations without a local bank account. For SIM cards, Vietnam's three main carriers are Viettel, VinaPhone, and Mobifone, with tourist SIMs running roughly USD $3–$15 for 7–30 days; 5G is live in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. A Vietnamese SIM does not work in Cambodia, so travellers crossing by land should consider a regional Indochina eSIM. On safety, the US State Department rates Cambodia at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution, July 2025) due to crime and landmines, and advises against travel near the Cambodian–Thai border. Petty theft — phone snatching, bag theft, and pickpocketing — is the most common risk in both countries, particularly around Ho Chi Minh City's backpacker district and Phnom Penh's riverside. Using Grab for night travel, keeping phones out of sight near roadsides, and applying for visas only through official government portals reduces the most common risks.

Key facts & good to know

Vietnam e-visa
Open to all nationalities · 90 days · single $25 / multiple $50 · apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn · allow 10 days
Cambodia visa
Tourist visa (Type T) $30 · 30 days · e-visa or on arrival · e-Arrival Card required online within 7 days before flying in
Currency
Vietnam: VND only for daily use · Cambodia: USD + Riel (~4,000 KHR = $1) · carry crisp USD bills; torn notes often refused
SIM / connectivity
Vietnam SIMs: $3–$15 for 7–30 days · Viettel has widest coverage · passport required · a VN SIM won't work in Cambodia — buy separately
ATMs & cards
Use bank ATMs or official exchange counters only · skip airport counters in Vietnam for better rates · Visa/Mastercard at mid-to-high-end venues
Safety note
Phone snatching common near roadsides in HCMC & Phnom Penh · use Grab at night · never book visas via third-party lookalike websites
Scam alert
Fraudulent e-visa sites exist for both countries · only use evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (Vietnam) and evisa.gov.kh (Cambodia)
Passport rules
Both countries require 6+ months validity at entry · Vietnam needs 2 blank pages · Cambodia needs 1 · carry a copy, not the original

The honest pacing

We put together this guide because the entry rules for Vietnam and Cambodia changed significantly in late 2024 and 2025 — and outdated information can cause real problems at borders. Whether you're arriving by air, crossing overland, or planning to stay longer than 30 days in Cambodia, the specifics matter: the right visa type, the correct government portal, the exact dollar amount to carry in cash. We've drawn only from current official sources and regulations so you can plan without second-guessing the details.

We've structured the information into four practical areas — visa and entry requirements, money and currency, SIM cards and connectivity, and safety — because these are the questions we hear most often from travellers heading into Indochina for the first time or returning after a gap. Costs, processing times, and policy dates are included where confirmed, so you can budget and schedule accurately rather than rely on estimates. Read each section relevant to your itinerary before you travel, and double-check any fees or rules against the official portals we've linked, since both governments update their policies with limited advance notice.

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What to skip on 0 days

These are the 4 mistakes 80% of first-time Vietnam travellers make when researching online.Phuong Le has personally seen each one destroy trips that could have been excellent.

✗
Applying for your Vietnam e-visa through a third-party website
Third-party lookalike sites charge inflated fees for the same result — sometimes USD $50–$100 extra — and some are fraudulent. The official portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn charges USD $25 (single-entry) or USD $50 (multiple-entry) and processes applications in 3 working days.
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Exchanging currency at the airport on arrival in VietnamWhen to consider · Exchange only a small emergency amount if you land late at night with no alternatives
Airport exchange counters consistently offer worse rates than city bank ATMs or official exchange counters. Always convert to VND after leaving the airport terminal.
✗
Assuming your Vietnamese SIM card will work in Cambodia
A standard Vietnamese physical SIM does not function across the border in Cambodia. Budget time and cost for a separate Cambodian SIM on arrival, or buy a regional Indochina eSIM before departure.
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Waiting until you land in Cambodia to submit the e-Arrival Card
Since 1 January 2025, all air arrivals must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card online at evisa.gov.kh within 7 days before landing. Attempting to do this at the airport wastes time and may cause processing delays at immigration.

0-day Vietnam itinerary FAQ

Do I need visas for Vietnam and Cambodia, and how long can I stay?
Many travelers can apply online for a Vietnam e‑visa, typically valid up to 90 days (single or multiple entry), while some passports get 14–45 days visa‑free. Cambodia offers a 30‑day single‑entry tourist visa via e‑visa or on arrival; several ASEAN nationals are visa‑exempt. Your passport should have 6+ months’ validity and at least one blank page for each country. Always confirm rules for your nationality on official government sources before you apply.
Can I enter Vietnam, then Cambodia, and return to Vietnam on the same trip?
Yes, if your Vietnam permission allows multiple entries and remains valid when you come back. With a single‑entry Vietnam visa or visa‑free stay, you must obtain a new authorization to re‑enter. Cambodia’s tourist e‑visa is single‑entry, so you need a new one if you exit and return. Major land borders (e.g., Moc Bai–Bavet, Ha Tien–Prek Chak) are open; carry printed approvals and passport photos for land crossings.
How long do e‑visas take and what do they cost?
Vietnam e‑visa processing commonly takes 3–7 working days; fees are paid online and are non‑refundable. Cambodia’s e‑visa is usually issued in 1–3 working days and costs about US$36 total; visa on arrival is around US$30 cash. Processing can take longer near holidays, so apply at least a week in advance. Use only official portals to avoid extra agency fees.
What money should I carry, and how do ATMs and cards work?
Vietnam uses Vietnamese dong (VND); ATMs are widespread in cities and often charge 20,000–60,000 VND per withdrawal, plus your bank’s fee. Cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but small shops prefer cash; carry smaller notes. Cambodia uses US dollars alongside riel; ATMs in cities often dispense USD and may add a US$4–6 fee. Bring clean USD notes (newer, untorn) and expect change under US$1 in riel.
How do I get a local SIM or eSIM in each country?
Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone sell prepaid SIMs/eSIMs at airports and city shops; 7–30‑day data packs typically cost 100,000–250,000 VND. Registration requires your passport, and activation is done on the spot. Cambodia: Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone offer similar plans for about US$2–10 with 5–30 GB; passport registration is also required. eSIMs are available from some local carriers and reputable global providers.
Is it safe to travel around, and what precautions should I take?
Street crime is usually opportunistic; keep phones and bags secured, especially in busy areas and on motorbikes. Traffic is the main risk—use helmets, cross slowly and predictably, and consider ride‑hailing (Grab in Vietnam; Grab/PassApp in Cambodia). Drink bottled water, use sunscreen/repellent, and watch your drinks in bars. In Cambodia, unexploded ordnance remains in remote areas; stay on marked paths outside tourist zones.
What’s a realistic daily budget for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Vietnam: budget travelers often spend US$30–50/day; mid‑range is about US$60–120. Cambodia is similar, around US$35–55 for budget and US$70–130 for mid‑range. Cross‑border buses cost roughly US$20–35; regional flights are often US$70–150 if booked early. Add visa fees and travel insurance to your total trip cost.
Can I book or customize tours, SIM delivery, and airport transfers, and what about cancellations?
Most operators let you customize routes and pacing to match visa limits; airport transfers and local eSIMs/SIM pickup can usually be booked for arrival. Book 2–5 days ahead for smoother arrangements, longer in peak seasons. E‑visa fees are non‑refundable; tours commonly offer free cancellation up to 24–72 hours before start, while transfers and activities may have a 24‑hour cutoff. Always check the specific provider’s terms before paying.

People also ask

What are the land border crossing procedures between Vietnam and Cambodia?
At major checkpoints such as Moc Bai (VN) / Bavet (KH), you exit one country, walk or ride to the other side, and enter; buses usually wait after formalities. Carry printed e‑visas if your checkpoint accepts them, as not all borders do. Typical opening hours are about 07:00–22:00 daily, but confirm locally before travel.
Can I extend my visa after arrival?
Vietnam tourist e‑visas are not reliably extendable in‑country; most travelers leave and re‑enter to start a new stay. In Cambodia, a T‑class tourist visa (including e‑visa or visa on arrival) can usually be extended once for 30 days via Phnom Penh immigration or an agent, taking about 3–5 working days and a service fee.
What documents do I need at immigration besides my passport?
Expect at least 6 months of passport validity and one or more blank pages. Airlines may ask for proof of onward travel and the address of your first night. For Cambodia visa on arrival, bring one passport photo; if not, staff will take a photo and add a small fee.
Are any vaccinations or health certificates required to enter?
There are no routine vaccine or Covid test requirements for most travelers. A yellow fever certificate is required only if arriving from a country with risk. Vaccines commonly recommended include tetanus‑diphtheria, hepatitis A (and B for longer stays), and typhoid; dengue is present, so use mosquito protection.
Can I ride a motorbike legally, and do I need an International Driving Permit?
Vietnam requires a license recognized in Vietnam, which in practice means a 1968‑format IDP plus your home license for the correct class. Cambodia recognizes an international license; for 125cc+ you are expected to have a motorcycle endorsement. Riding unlicensed or without a helmet can lead to fines and insurance denial.
What power plugs and voltage are used?
Both countries use 220–240V at 50Hz. Outlets commonly accept Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins); in Cambodia, Type G (three rectangular pins) also appears in some hotels. Carry a universal adapter and consider a surge protector for electronics.

Verified sources

  1. ATL DMC booking log · 12,000+ trips since 2011
  2. Vietnam Immigration – Official e-Visa Portal · https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
  3. Vietnam e-Visa Expansion (83 Border Gates) – Vietnam Briefing · https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnam-e-visa-eligibility-application-criteria.html/
  4. Cambodia Visa Policy – Wikipedia (citing official sources) · https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Cambodia
  5. Cambodia e-Visa & Arrival Card Changes 2025 – Baktrax · https://baktrax.com/cambodia-visa-guide/
  6. Cambodia Currency & Bakong Tourist App – Adventures Cambodia · https://adventurescambodia.com/blog/understanding-currency-in-cambodia/
  7. Vietnam SIM Card Guide 2025–2026 – Tonkin Travel · https://tonkintravel.com/vietnam-sim-card-guide/
  8. Cambodia Travel Advisory – U.S. Department of State · https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/cambodia-travel-advisory.html

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Phuong Le

Senior guide · Hanoi

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About the authors

PL

Phuong Le · primary author

15-yr Hanoi history guide

Specialty: Hanoi · Halong Bay · Vietnam itineraries.

Editorial process: Pacing and picks tested across thousands of ATL trips · reviewed quarterly.

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