How to Call Cambodia
Complete guide to dialing Cambodia (country code +855)
Learning how to call Cambodia doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're connecting with family, coordinating business deals, or reaching out to hotels for your upcoming trip, understanding the proper way to dial internationally can save you time and frustration. Calling Cambodia requires knowing the correct country code, area codes, and dialing format to ensure your call goes through successfully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step dialing instructions for calling Cambodia from various countries, highlight the most common mistakes people make when placing international calls, share important Cambodian phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need. By the end, you'll be confidently connecting with anyone in Cambodia.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Cambodia from abroad, follow this format: Exit Code + 855 + Local Number (without leading zero)
Cambodia's country code is +855. The exit code varies by country (011 for USA, 00 for most others).
Dropping the Leading Zero
When dialing Cambodia internationally, always remove the leading zero from the local number. For example, if a Cambodian number is listed as 023 XXX XXX, dial it as 855 23 XXX XXX internationally.
Calling from Different Countries
From USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 855 (Cambodia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From UK and Europe:
- Dial 00 (international exit code)
- Dial 855 (Cambodia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From Mobile Phones (Any Country):
Use +855 followed by the local number (the + symbol replaces the exit code automatically)
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Phnom Penh Landline:
- Local format: 023 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-855-23-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-855-23-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +855-23-XXX-XXX
Example 2 - Cambodian Mobile (Cellcard):
- Local format: 012 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-855-12-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-855-12-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +855-12-XXX-XXX
Example 3 - Siem Reap Landline:
- Local format: 063 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-855-63-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-855-63-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +855-63-XXX-XXX
Quick Tips
Mobile numbers in Cambodia typically start with 01, 06, 07, 08, or 09. Landlines vary by province (Phnom Penh: 023, Siem Reap: 063, Sihanoukville: 034). Always verify the complete number before dialing to avoid connection issues.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Cambodia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Cambodian phone numbers start with 0 domestically (like 012 345 678), but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. Dial +855 12 345 678, not +855 012 345 678.
Using the wrong exit code: Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing different codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the + symbol, which works universally from mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Cambodia uses +855 as its country code, followed directly by the mobile or local number. There are no separate area codes to add—the next digits after 855 indicate the service provider or region.
Including unnecessary spaces or characters: While spaces help readability when written, don't pause or add symbols when dialing. Enter the number continuously: +85512345678.
Not accounting for time differences: Cambodia is in the GMT+7 timezone. Check the local time before calling to avoid waking someone in the middle of the night.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Cambodia, understanding local customs helps build better relationships and shows cultural respect.
Greetings and Formality
Start calls with "Chum reap suor" (formal hello) for business contacts or elders. With friends, "Sous-dey" works well. Always introduce yourself clearly, as Cambodians value knowing who they're speaking with.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be more formal, using titles like "Lok" (Mr.) or "Lok Srey" (Ms.) followed by the person's name. Personal calls can be warmer and more relaxed, but still maintain politeness, especially with older family members.
Best Calling Times
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12-2 PM) or late evenings after 9 PM. Early mornings before 8 AM are also discouraged. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are ideal for business calls. Weekend calls should be reserved for personal relationships only.
Voice Messages
Cambodians often prefer speaking directly rather than leaving voice messages. If you must leave one, keep it brief and clear. Many people will simply call back instead of listening to long messages.
Cultural Considerations
Speaking softly and calmly is appreciated; loud or aggressive tones are considered rude. If someone doesn't answer, wait before calling again immediately—they may be busy or in an inappropriate setting. Building rapport with small talk before discussing business matters is common and shows respect for the relationship.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 117 or 012 999 999
Fire Department: 118 or 012 390 390
Ambulance: 119 or 012 942 484
Tourist Police: 012 942 484 (provides assistance specifically for tourists)
Cambodia's emergency services are available 24/7, though response times may vary, particularly outside Phnom Penh and major cities. English-speaking operators are limited, so having a Khmer-speaking contact assist with calls is advisable. These numbers can be dialed from mobile phones, and calls are free from most networks. However, the country's emergency infrastructure is still developing. Many expats and tourists alternatively contact their embassy or use private ambulance services like Naga Clinic (+855 12 887 008) for faster, more reliable emergency medical response, though these private services involve fees.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1287: General directory assistance for local phone numbers
- 1297: International directory assistance
International Operator
- 1299: For operator-assisted international calls
Tourist Services
- Ministry of Tourism Hotline: 012 748 034 (tourism complaints and assistance)
- Tourist Police: 012 942 484 (Phnom Penh) / 012 969 991 (Siem Reap)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy for citizen services and emergencies. Major embassies are located in Phnom Penh.
- US Embassy: 023 728 000
- UK Embassy: 023 427 124
- Australian Embassy: 023 213 470
Utility Services
- Cambodia Post Customer Service: 023 426 193
- Phnom Penh Water Supply: 023 724 046
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for non-emergency situations requiring assistance.
Tips for Calling Cambodia
When calling Cambodia, consider that the country operates on Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7, with no daylight saving changes. For international calls, calculate the time difference carefully—Cambodia is 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 7 hours ahead of UTC.
The best times to call for business purposes are between 9 AM and 5 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Many businesses close for lunch between noon and 2 PM, so mid-morning or mid-afternoon calls work best. Always schedule business calls in advance, as Cambodians value punctuality and preparation.
Avoid calling during major holidays like Khmer New Year (mid-April), Pchum Ben (late September/early October), and Water Festival (November). These periods see widespread business closures.
For off-peak rates, call during evening hours Cambodian time, though be mindful this may reach personal phones outside business hours.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via follow-up email. Phone connections can occasionally be unclear, especially in rural areas. Consider using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, which are popular in Cambodia and often provide better clarity than traditional phone lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Cambodia is +855. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Cambodia from anywhere in the world.
To call Cambodia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 855 (Cambodia's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +855-XX-XXX-XXX.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Cambodia internationally. If the local number starts with 0, remove it and dial +855 followed by the remaining digits.
The cheapest way to call Cambodia is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Cambodia.
In Cambodia, the main emergency numbers are: 117 for police, 118 for fire department, and 119 for ambulance services. In tourist areas, you can also dial 012-942-484 for tourist police assistance.
Yes, you can call Cambodia directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start making calls without any downloads or installations required.
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