Car Rental in Cambodia - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Cambodia offers flexibility for exploring the countryside and remote temples, but it's generally not recommended for most tourists, especially first-time visitors. Cambodia drives on the right side of the road, but driving conditions can be extremely challenging. Traffic in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is chaotic, with motorcycles dominating the roads and traffic rules loosely followed. Road quality varies significantly—main highways connecting major cities are typically paved and decent, while rural roads can be unpaved, poorly maintained, or impassable during rainy season. Car rental makes sense for experienced drivers planning extended countryside road trips or visiting multiple provinces, particularly areas with limited public transport. However, for city exploration and major tourist routes, hiring a car with a driver is far more practical and often similarly priced. Drivers know local road conditions, navigate traffic confidently, and eliminate parking hassles. If you do rent, an International Driving Permit is required alongside your home license. Consider that GPS navigation can be unreliable in rural areas, road signage is often limited, and fuel stations become sparse outside main routes. For most visitors, tuk-tuks, private drivers, and domestic flights provide better value and less stress.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Cambodia-specific IDP requirements. Check with rental agencies and Cambodian authorities for current regulations before travel.

Minimum Age

Minimum age requirements vary by rental company in Cambodia. Typically ranges from 21-25 years old - verify with your chosen rental agency.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance requirements and options vary by provider. Check what coverage is included and consider additional protection for Cambodia's road conditions.

Credit Card for Deposit

Most rental agencies require a credit card for security deposits. Verify accepted card types and deposit amounts with your rental provider.

Home Country License

Information not available on whether home country licenses are accepted alongside an IDP. Confirm current requirements with rental agencies and local authorities.

Local Driving Permit

Information not available on Cambodia-specific local permit requirements for tourists. Check with rental agencies for current regulations regarding temporary or tourist driving permits.

International agencies at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports offer more reliable insurance coverage and English-speaking support, while local agencies in cities may have lower rates but require careful inspection of terms and vehicle condition before signing.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the spare tire and jack are present, and confirm the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard) - road conditions in Cambodia can be challenging, so check tire tread carefully.

Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline mode) as GPS signal can be unreliable outside major cities, and road signs are often in Khmer only - having a local SIM card with data is highly recommended for navigation backup.

Fuel stations are common in cities but sparse in rural areas, so fill up before long journeys - parking in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap typically costs a small fee (attendants will approach you), and secure hotel parking is recommended overnight.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the inspection process - take photos of the returned vehicle's condition and mileage as documentation, and verify no additional charges before leaving the rental location.

Road conditions in Cambodia vary significantly, with many rural roads unpaved and poorly maintained, while urban areas face heavy congestion with motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and vehicles often ignoring traffic rules - drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

Traffic enforcement and police checkpoints are common, particularly on major routes - ensure you have an International Driving Permit, valid license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents readily available at all times.

Local driving customs differ substantially from Western norms, including frequent wrong-way driving, minimal lane discipline, and right-of-way often determined by vehicle size rather than traffic rules - avoid driving at night when possible due to poor lighting and increased hazards.

During monsoon season (May-October), roads can flood quickly and become impassable, while dust storms in dry season reduce visibility - check weather conditions before long journeys and allow extra travel time during rainy periods.