Phnom Penh, Cambodia 🇰🇭
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | The capital city of Cambodia, located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 Cambodian Riel (KHR); US Dollar is widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Smart, Metfone, and CellCard offer good coverage; SIM cards from $5. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like ABA, Acleda, and Canadia support international cards; online banking options available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to luxury apartments; Airbnb and local sites like Phnom Penh Property. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some businesses accept card payments, but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites provide various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Yes Inn and Mad Monkey offer affordable lodging around $10-15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace for Wanders in BKK1 offers great facilities and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brown Coffee & Bakery - a popular spot with good Wi-Fi and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by CAMBA and Cambodia Startup Network provide great opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Phnom Penh' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting scooters is common; companies likeWAH offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Serendipity Beach in Sihanoukville is a 4-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cambodia Angkor Air connects to major regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines like AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines serve the city. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include National Road 1 & 5 for easy travel to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Phnom Penh Railway Station connects to local and regional train networks. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal system; local buses are very inexpensive, costing around $0.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like Giant Ibis and Mekong Express offer options to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Phnom Penh Hospital is one of the top facilities with international standards. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Phnom Penh offers various classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Places like The Place and California Fitness are popular among expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local services like Queen Laundry offer affordable washing and drying. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Nham24 are popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish Amok is a must-try traditional Khmer dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Vego serve delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Leaf is known for its delightful pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Phsar Tuol Tom Poung (Russian Market) has a range of affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shop.com.kh are popular online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Groceries ranging from local to international products can be delivered via ACE Market or Suppers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Street 51 and Bassac Lane are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cambodia Brewery produces Angkor Beer, available throughout the city. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Cheese offers a great selection of wines in an upscale setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offering skewers and noodle dishes are abundant, especially near markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Chop Steakhouse offer excellent Western options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are essential cultural sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Phnom Penh Art Center host fascinating exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provide important historical context. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phnom and Wat Ounalom are significant Buddhist temples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Water Festival in November is a major cultural event, attracting thousands. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Phnom Penh has vibrant neighborhoods like BKK1 known for their cosmopolitan atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Phnom Penh Center and various local theaters host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market and Night Market are great places to explore local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Occasional concerts at venues like Meta House promote local and international music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban art can be found throughout the city, especially in the Bassac Lane area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes at the Cambodian Cooking Class offer hands-on experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The French Institute of Cambodia hosts various art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Post Office showcases French colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Naga and Apsara dancers are cultural icons representing Cambodia's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre offers a natural retreat. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ream National Park is around 3 hours away, perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the riverfront Promenade is popular with locals and tourists alike. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The riverside offers beautiful views of the sunset over the Mekong. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at the Tonle Sap Lake is rewarding for enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along the riverbanks allow for bonfires, especially during events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local couriers offer reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in markets offer repairs for devices at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Cambodian Language Institute offers Khmer language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Institute of Technology and several cafes serve as good study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Places like the Meta House host various cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports gaming lounges are popping up, especially in the BKK area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | NagaWorld is the major casino in Phnom Penh with various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system for residents up to 20%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate for high earners reaching up to 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules; generally favorable for businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, approximately 0.1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% tax applied during property purchases. |