Destinations / Cambodia
Driving in Cambodia as a visitor
Usually yes. Cambodia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Cambodia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 119 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways (120 on new expressway) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in KHR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorbikes. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Cambodia
At the pump
Stations (Total, PTT, Caltex) sell EA92/EA95 petrol and diesel and are attendant-served; expect roughly USD 1.10-1.15 per litre for petrol, with cards accepted at branded city stations but cash needed in rural areas.
After a crash
Dial 112 (or 117/119 for police/ambulance); do not move vehicles after a serious crash and wait for traffic police, as a report is needed and at-fault foreign drivers are often expected to negotiate on-the-spot compensation.
Sources: cambodia.embassy.gov.au · tyremap.com · tollguru.com · cambodianess.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cambodia?
Usually yes. Cambodia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Cambodia accept?
Cambodia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Cambodia ask for one?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP; many tourists hire a driver or tuk-tuk.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.