Can a foreigner drive in Cambodia?
Absolutely! Cambodia has accepted International Driving Permits (IDP) since 2020. To drive in Cambodia, you need the 1949 IDP along with your home license. This is a recent update, so you might find conflicting information online. Many locals and companies are still unaware of the change.
You can also drive in Cambodia with a license from any ASEAN country, without needing an IDP.
I can see tuktuks for rent but should a foreigner not just hire a car in Cambodia?
In theory, a foreigner can rent a car in Cambodia, but it’s rare and complicated. Cambodia only recently agreed to accept IDPs, making local licenses essential until then. This change means car hire firms aren’t well-established, limiting choices. You’ll struggle to find reliable information online before you travel or even after you arrive.
Another reason for the lack of car hire companies is that cars are still relatively exclusive in Cambodia. Most locals use bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, and, of course, tuktuks. Because of this, rental companies can’t easily access a surplus supply of cars.
When I rented a car, I ordered it the night before for an 08:00 pick-up in Siem Reap. However, the car arrived mid-afternoon because it had to be driven all the way from Phnom Penh. The car itself had nearly 200,000 km on it and was older than me!
Finally, let’s face it—tuktuks are the best way to truly explore a country. Any of our customers will tell you that!
How safe is it to drive in Cambodia?
Driving in Cambodia can differ from what you’re used to in developed countries. You don’t need a license to drive a vehicle with an engine size of 125cc or below (like scooters and small motorcycles). This means many locals don’t hold a valid license. You’re also not legally required to have motor insurance unless you drive a large commercial vehicle. Because of this, many locals don’t have insurance. It’s not quite the wild west, but it’s definitely different.
At TukTukRental.com, we make sure you have full insurance when you rent a tuktuk in Cambodia. This matches the terms we already offer in Sri Lanka. It gives you complete peace of mind and ensures you have us on hand in case of any incident or accident.
Traffic and Navigation Tips
Driving speeds are slow, and the traffic has a rhythm you’ll quickly get used to. Phnom Penh can be congested during rush hour, but it’s still quieter than major cities in neighboring countries. Smaller cities and towns like Siem Reap, Kampot, and Battambang are easy to navigate with wide roads and low traffic.
Our top tip is to take your time, avoid overconfidence, and enjoy the journey! If you’ve traveled with us in Sri Lanka, you’ll find Cambodian traffic easier to deal with in comparison.
What is the quality of the roads like in Cambodia?
Cambodia has recently invested a lot into its road system. Most main and secondary roads are now paved, often to the standards you’d expect while traveling in western countries.
When you venture further off the beaten track, you may encounter dirt roads. These can be more challenging to navigate, so you’ll need to reduce your speed. Always consider this when planning your daily journey and check the weather forecast. But don’t be put off by unpaved roads—tuktuks are versatile, and it’s all part of the adventure!
What do locals think of foreigners driving in Cambodia?
Locals are used to tourists traveling on scooters and motorbikes, especially in Siem Reap. However, there’s genuine intrigue when they see a tourist driving a tuktuk. Similar to Sri Lanka, locals associate the tuktuk with lower-income families. They probably wouldn’t expect a western tourist to be in the driver’s seat.
You’ll often be greeted with double takes and laughs as locals approach you to find out what you’re doing in a tuktuk. It’s a great conversation starter.
What is it like to drive at night?
The headlights on a tuktuk aren’t very powerful, so we wouldn’t recommend driving at night if possible. If you’re just going down the road to a restaurant, it’s fine. But avoid long stints in the dark.
Isn’t there a rainy season?
Driving a tuktuk in the rain can be challenging, especially if it’s pouring. If you’re not in a rush, we recommend pulling over and waiting for the worst of the rain to pass. This is just to be safe. The tuktuk has rain covers you can use, so if you do drive in the rain, you won’t get wet.
Cambodia’s rainy season runs from May to October. During this time, you can still have long periods of dry weather. However, on rainy days, the downpour usually comes later in the day. It’s best to plan most of your journey or activities in the morning, just in case a storm cuts your day short!
Finally, would you recommend a self-driving tuktuk adventure in Cambodia?
Yes, yes, 1,000 times yes! This country is amazing, with so much untouched countryside and plenty of small villages and towns that may have never seen a tourist—definitely not one driving a tuktuk! The relaxed pace of life here allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings.
From the beaches of Koh Rong to the crab market in Kep, river dolphins in Kratie, the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh, and the temples of Siem Reap—this country has a little bit of everything. Come and see it before everyone else does!
