Volunteering in Cambodia!

At which airport do I need to arrive for my volunteer work in Cambodia?

You need to arrive at Techo International Airport (KTI).

Do you organize airport pick-up?

Yes, IFRE does organize airport pick-up for you.

What happens if I miss my flight or arrive late?

The first thing you should do is contact the in-country coordinator and let them know you have missed your flight and will arrive late. Then you have to provide the coordinator with your new flight details so that he/she can rearrange the airport pick-up for you prior to your arrival. You will be provided with the coordinator’s contact information prior to your travel.

Who will come to pick me up? How do I recognize the person at the airport?

Our local representative will come to pick you up at the airport. S/he will be carrying a board with your name on it, so you should be able to recognize the person easily.

If my Cambodia volunteer project begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than the day that my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?

You should arrive on Sunday and rest for a day before actually beginning your volunteer program the following Monday. If you decide to arrive earlier than Sunday, you should inform your in-country coordinator in advance and they will help you to organize all the things like accommodation and meals for additional days. You will have to pay an additional $25-$30 per night.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

IFRE does not offer airport transportation services to its volunteers after the completion of their project. You will need to make this arrangement on your own and can hire a local taxi to take you to the airport for the departure. Our country coordinator will assist you arrange a taxi. Please make sure you budget for this additional expense.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

You will need to get up to date on your vaccinations, secure travel insurance, apply for your visa, and research your destination in advance of your travel.

Prior to your departure, you need to make sure that you have packed all the important items for your volunteer trip. That includes your passport, medicines, clothing, tickets, credit card, and other important documents which you might need while volunteering in Cambodia such as your medical ID card (if you are taking part in IFRE’s healthcare volunteer program in Cambodia).

Can I arrive at a different airport in Cambodia?

Volunteers are strongly advised to arrive at Techo International Airport (KTI) as airport pickup and orientation logistics are organized from there. Additional travel arrangements and costs will be included if you arrive at a different airport.

What time should I plan to arrive on Sunday?

We recommend arriving anytime between early morning and late evening on Sunday. Please share your flight details in advance so the local coordinator can arrange a timely airport pickup.

Will I meet other volunteers during orientation?

Yes, orientation is conducted in small groups, and you will meet other international volunteers. This helps you bond and socialize with other volunteers.

Where are the projects located?

All of IFRE’s volunteer programs in Cambodia are located mainly in the Phnom Penh. The location of your placement will be determined when you decide which volunteer program to join. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities to visit and explore in the country. You will find everything from ancient royal palaces, Buddhist temples, museums, parks, libraries, fascinating monuments and markets filled with exotic items.

Is there a minimum and a maximum stay?

Our programs last from 2-12 weeks in duration. However, many volunteer projects in Cambodia requires a minimum of 4 weeks stay.

Can I extend my stay if I choose to do so?

Yes, if you choose to extend your stay beyond your original departure date, contact your in-country coordinator to discuss this option. You may need to extend your visa, as well, depending on the circumstances.

Will I have enough time to travel after work and on the weekend during my volunteering project in Cambodia?

Yes, our volunteers do get enough time to travel while in the evenings and on weekends. We encourage our volunteers to go out and discover the intriguing wonders of this exotic country when they are not at their project placement. Cambodia is rich in culture and history, and it has many amazing places to explore for foreign volunteers.

Who will guide or support me in the project?

Our volunteers are looked after and guided by our in-country coordinator and the local staff members during their project placements.

How old should I be to take part in these projects?

You must be 18 years of age or older. Minors under this age (16 and 17) must provide a proof of parental consent from their legal guardians. Minors can also volunteer alongside their parents or guardians.

Who manages IFRE’s volunteer programs?

Will I receive training before the start of my volunteer project in Cambodia?

Yes, you will receive 3-4 hours of training before the start of your volunteer work, and this will be administered after your arrival in Cambodia. Your in-country coordinator and the local field staff will give you the class, and you will learn about your service work, your schedule, customs and culture in Cambodia, and necessary safety measures you will need to keep in mind.

Is there dress a code for the project?

No, there is no strict dress code to follow. However, volunteers are advised to wear modest and decent clothing during their entire stay in Cambodia. Due to the conservative nature of the country, revealing outfits are often unacceptable.

Can I switch projects after starting my volunteer program?

Yes. You can change projects based on availability and a valid reasoning. Any change must be discussed with the in-country coordinator and may involve adjustments to logistics or schedules.

Will I work with local Cambodian staff and volunteers?

Yes, volunteers work closely with local staff, teachers, caregivers, and community members, allowing for cultural exchange and collaboration throughout the project.

Is Khmer language knowledge required for volunteering?

No prior knowledge of Khmer is required. English is commonly used at project sites, and basic translation support is available. Learning a few Khmer phrases is encouraged and appreciated by locals.

Are accommodations located close to the project sites?

Yes, accommodations are arranged close to project locations to minimize daily travel time and ensure convenience for volunteers.

Why should I pay to volunteer in Cambodia?

We do not get external funding to run the volunteer program. As running volunteer program involves many expenses, a fee is needed to cover the cost of running the programs and also to cover your cost of airport pick up, food, accommodation, project donation, field supervision, support and more.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?

IFRE manages to offer affordable and life-changing volunteer experiences abroad at affordable prices because it serves as a non-profit volunteer organization which has an international staff comprised of dedicated humanitarians with a passion for making this world a better place. The fees are just enough to sustain our programs, and money is not a motivating force for us. IFRE remains devoted to maintaining both the quality of our programs as well as the safety of all volunteers involved, even at the lowest of prices.

Can I get a tax deduction for my volunteer abroad project in Cambodia?

Yes, you can get a tax deduction for any of our volunteer programs, as we are an American non-profit 501©3 volunteer organization which collaborates with many orphanages, schools, hospitals and NGOs all across the globe.

Can I get help to raise funds?

Yes, we do help volunteers sharing ideas to raise funds for your volunteer abroad experience. If it helps, we provide a letter of acceptance in the program. You can raise funds through various campaigns. You can also ask for donations to different organizations and volunteering related campaigns.

For further readings:
Cost /money matter
Why to pay for volunteer abroad
How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad
Pay fee directly to host family

When do volunteer programs usually start?

Most volunteer programs in Cambodia start on Mondays, with arrival scheduled for Sunday. Flexible start dates may be available for long-term volunteers upon request.

Are there any hidden costs I should budget for?

No, we do not charge any hidden costs. However, aside from the program fees, volunteers should budget for personal expenses such as snacks, leisure travel, souvenirs, SIM cards, laundry, local transportation and other activities.

Is the registration fee refundable?

The registration fee is non-refundable, as it covers administrative and preparatory costs incurred once your application is processed.

Can I pay the program fee in installments?

The registration fee is paid in two installments: $99 along with your online application, and the remaining balance of the registration fee of $200 is paid a few weeks before your program starts. Regarding the weekly program fee, it is recommended to pay in one go as the local team needs to confirm as per your time frame. Please contact IFRE directly to discuss payment flexibility based on your circumstances.

Is it safe to travel to Cambodia?

You don’t have to worry about your safety or well-being during your volunteering trip in Cambodia. The safety of our volunteers is a top priority for us. We make sure that all of your activities are safe, and our staff members are available for support throughout your volunteer program in Cambodia. With that being said, you should take ordinary precautionary measures, as is true anywhere. Most countries keep up to date advisory websites for international travel, and you should check these out before heading abroad.

What will happen if I get sick in Cambodia?

If you get sick during your volunteer program in Cambodia, you should inform our field staff immediately before anything serious happens. Once you inform the staff about your deteriorating health condition, you will be taken to the nearby hospital or a medical clinic for a thorough check-up. We will do our best to take care of you while you are sick and help you recover as soon as possible. IFRE requires you to purchase reliable health insurance prior to travel, so this should cover any issues that arise. Be sure to bring along your passport and a copy of your insurance policy to present to the physician.

Why must I get travel insurance before departing from my home country?

As per our policies, it is obligatory for all of our volunteers to purchase travel insurance before the beginning of their travel abroad in order to cover you in the event of illness or injury during your trip. If you need help, IFRE can provide you with a reliable and comprehensive policy.

What vaccinations do I need?

Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, chickenpox, cholera, hepatitis B, typhoid, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), meningitis, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia and influenza, rabies and Yellow fever (YF) are some of the most recommended vaccines by the CDC and WHO for foreign travelers and volunteers in Cambodia. No matter where you are traveling to or how healthy you are, you can never underestimate the fact that you may catch an infectious disease which can result in severe illness. Therefore, it is vital to ask your doctor about this before you leave on your trip.

What are the principal health risks in Cambodia?

The principal health risks in Cambodia are mostly the same as other developing Asian countries. You need to be wary of the rampant pollution both in the air and water. You may be exposed to various infectious diseases, so you must get vaccinated before travel. You should avoid eating in places where you are not 100% sure about the quality of the food items. Also, you must never drink tap water.

For further readings:
Vaccination
Volunteer Health and Safety
Safety Tips for Your Volunteer Abroad Trip

What emergency support is available during my stay?

IFRE provides 24/7 emergency support through the in-country coordinator, who can assist with medical emergencies, safety concerns, or urgent logistical issues.

What safety precautions should I personally follow?

Volunteers are advised to follow basic safety measures such as avoiding isolated areas at night, safeguarding valuables, respecting local customs, and following coordinator guidance at all times.

Do I need a visa to volunteer and travel in Cambodia?

Yes, you do need a visa to travel in Cambodia. Getting a visa for Cambodia is relatively easy, and extending it is just as simple. Therefore, you should not have any issue while applying for a Cambodian tourist visa before or after arriving in Phnom Penh – the capital city of Cambodia.

How do I apply for the visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa by visiting the Cambodian Embassy in your home country. Depending on your nationality, you can also get a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh for $30 USD. You will need to bring your original passport with you in order to obtain the visa upon arrival at the airport. However, you will need to do some research online in advance of your journey, as each home country will have its own requirements and you want to be sure you know what yours are.

Can I extend my visa while I am in Cambodia? Can you help me with this?

Yes, if you want to extend your visa and stay a little bit longer for your Cambodia volunteer program, you can extend your tourist visa for one more month without leaving the country. Keep in mind that you can only extend it once and it will cost you around $45. You can’t use your extended visa for re-entry. If you need advice regarding this matter, contact your in-country coordinator.

What type of visa should I apply for as a volunteer?

A tourist visa, is sufficient for short-term volunteer programs. Long-term volunteers may need to extend their visa during their stay.

How long is the Cambodian tourist visa valid?

A standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days within Cambodia.

What happens if my visa expires during my program?

Overstaying a visa can result in fines. Volunteers must monitor visa validity and arrange extensions in advance with support from the in-country coordinator.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator while I am in Cambodia?

You can contact IFRE’s local coordinator through your mobile phone or you can go online and email them your inquiry. Personal contact details will of our local coordinators will be available before the start of the volunteer project.

How can I communicate with my family from Cambodia?

You will have access to telephone and internet services so you can call your family or chat with them on Facebook, WhatsApp or other social media.

Can I use my phone during my volunteer program in Cambodia?

Yes, you can use your personal mobile phone. Be sure to check with your current provider to determine if your phone will function abroad, and be aware that international roaming charges may apply, which can be quite costly.

Can I buy a SIM card in Cambodia?

Yes, you can buy a SIM card easily and cheaply. Again, check with your current provider to ensure the SIM will function in your phone.

How can I get/purchase internet services?

First, you will need to buy a local SIM Card which will only cost around $1 or $2. You will need to have your original passport to buy the SIM Card. Once you have done that, you can check the manual that comes with the SIM Card or purchase a data internet pack. After that, you will be able to access the internet from your mobile phone at any given time.

Is there internet service available everywhere?

Yes, there is internet service available in all the locations where you will be doing your volunteer work in Cambodia.

Can I work or study online while volunteering?

Many volunteer are able to do some online work and studies during free time. However, internet speed may not always be suitable for heavy streaming and frequent video calls.

Is electricity reliable in Cambodia?

Electricity is generally reliable in urban and semi-urban areas, though occasional power outages may occur. Bringing a power bank is recommended.

What do I need to bring with me?

You need to bring medicines, toiletries, travel first aid kit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, diarrhea tablets, indigestion medicine, quick-drying towel, t-shirts, tops, trousers, shorts, loose-fitting long sleeve tops, trousers and long skirts, a universal plug adaptor, your passport, and flight tickets. IFRE provides bedding material, but if you feel a sleeping bag is needed you may bring it along. Make sure you have sorted out the details of your visa prior to travel, as well as your health insurance policy.

Should I bring gifts or donations for the project?

Small, thoughtful donations such as educational supplies or books are appreciated, but large donations should be discussed with IFRE in advance.

Is luggage storage available during my stay?

Yes, volunteers can securely store their belongings at the accommodation, but it is advised to keep valuables locked or carried with you when possible.

What type of clothing is best for volunteering in Cambodia?

Lightweight, breathable, modest clothing is ideal due to Cambodia’s warm climate and cultural norms. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential.