Battambang, Cambodia 🇰🇭
#687
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Battambang is the second-largest city in Cambodia, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, with availability in most cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. 1 USD ≈ 4,085 KHR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type A/C plugs in use. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone; prepaid SIM cards are easily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; banks include ABA and Wing. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses and hostels to serviced apartments, particularly in the Riverside area. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many places, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Places like Khmere Maison d'Angkor offer budget-friendly stays starting around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Riverside area is preferred for its accessibility to eateries and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Phsar Nath area is popular due to its amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sangkat 3 Coworking, which offers reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Oasis, well-known for its coffee and fast internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital nomad meetups are organized monthly via local online groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Battambang group on Facebook hosts regular gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular app for ride-hailing in Battambang. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Various local shops offer bike rentals, such as Battambang Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sihanoukville beach is approximately 10 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cambodia Angkor Air provides regional flights from Battambang. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Siem Reap International Airport is the nearest major international airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 5 connects Battambang to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Battambang Station serves as the primary rail hub in the region. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mostly through tuk-tuks; no formal passes exist. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and private taxis are common for regional travel, with services from companies like Giant Ibis. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Phnom Penh Hospital provides quality healthcare, though limited in specialized services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Khmer Yoga offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Battambang Fitness Center provides modern workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries like Laundry House offer affordable washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is the most widely used food delivery service in Battambang. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Samlor Korko, a traditional Cambodian soup, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian-friendly places like Vibe Cafe serve a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Battambang Milk Tea offers unique dessert options, including traditional Khmer sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Phsar Nath market for local ingredients and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Facebook Marketplace is popular for local buying and selling. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services like Wing provide grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pub Street offers a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Battambang Brewery is known for its local beer production. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Cellar is a known spot for a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Phsar Nath offer affordable local eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta & Pizza serves Italian food and is a favorite among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the stunning Wat Banan temple and its ancient ruins. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Battambang Provincial Museum features local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Colonial Buildings in downtown Battambang reflect its rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The famous Wat Ek Phnom showcases beautiful Khmer architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Battambang River Festival held annually attracts many locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Riverside area is lively with arts and cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Phare Ponleu Selpak offers circus performances by local artists. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Phsar Nath Market is a bustling market with local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often host live music events, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features several murals and graffiti pieces by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Malis Cooking Class teaches traditional Khmer cooking techniques. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Theertha International Artists Residency offers exhibitions and events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Governor's Residence showcases splendid colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The presence of traditional Cambodian crafts reflects Battambang's rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The beautiful Sangke River offers opportunities for boat trips and relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Phnom Sampeau National Park is a preserved area with stunning vistas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the countryside roads provides scenic views and fresh air. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Banan Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Battambang are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the riverside are great for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services and companies like DHL offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix provides electronics repair services in Battambang. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cambodian Language School offers Khmer language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Battambang Library provides resources for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events for locals and expats alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports Battambang is popular for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | NagaWorld Casino in Phnom Penh is the closest major casino, about 6 hours away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% applicable on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident income tax is based on a progressive tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Cambodia has CFC rules for taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on a property's annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transactions are subject to a 4% tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives are available for startups and small businesses. |