Driving in Cambodia as a United Kingdom National
Cambodia offers adventurous driving through Phnom Penh chaos, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, and limited road infrastructure dominated by motorbikes. Dust roads, monsoon flooding, and unpredictable traffic make it challenging.
Key Things to Know First
Cambodia requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPUnited Kingdom drives on the left, but Cambodia drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Cambodia uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Cambodia | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 117 / 119 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in Cambodia
Speed limits in Cambodia are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Cambodia
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Cambodia. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Cambodia before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Cambodia
Primary emergency number in Cambodia. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Cambodia Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Cambodia.
Read the complete guide