How to get a Covid-19 test in Phnom Penh as a foreigner? Well it is not too hard, but you will need to pay 3x what a Khmer has to pay to get it – not ideal.
In the interests of this article we are not talking about getting Covid-19 test to fly, that will cost $130 and needs to be done at the National Institute of Public Health.
You can read more on that here
What we are talking about is the regular “fast test” that takes 30 minutes and gives you a certificate.
Why do you need a Covid-19 test as a foreigner?
Ignoring being in contact with infected people, or that kind of funny business, you will need a test for certain types of work, such as jobs that necessitate going to watch football.
To read about watching football in Cambodia click here .
Technically in these situations your employer would pay for this, but we live n strange times, so this may not always be the case.
Where can you get a coronavirus test in Phnom Penh?
Basically you will need to go to the man public hospital in Phnom Penh where the majority of the Khmer Rouge guys died in their old age. Its called the Khmer-Soviet Friendship hospital and was build by the Ruskis back the old days.
To read about Democratic Kampuchea click here
The coronavirus testing part is at the back of the hospital, not the main entrance.
How much does it cost to have a Covid-19 test in Phnom Penh?
The sign clearly says $30, locals get away with paying $20, and foreigners? We are made to pay the made up sum of $60, regardless of your work permit, or visa status. Tea money I believe the term is. The worst part is even on the receipt it has clearly been altered for barang. Classic barring tax.
How to get a Covid-19 test in Cambodia as a foreigner – the process
You arrive, get a number and wait to be called. You hand over your ID and pay the $60 to the smiling money guy, he’s happy with this price. You then wait for 29 minutes or so to get a guy shove two cotton buds up your nose.
After 30 minutes they shout if you are negative, or not and if you are they let you leave. You then return 24 hours later for that all important and expensive piece of paper that says you can work.
Are there monkeys a the Soviet-Khmer Friendship hospital?
Yes there are! Watch the video – it almost makes up for paying 3 times the local rate and twice the advertised rate (in English).