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Guide
Phnom Penh, Cambodia 🇰🇭
#685
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
👥 Population | Approximately 2.15 million people. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted. 1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advised to drink bottled water. |
🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, and uses A/C type sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart Axiata with affordable prepaid plans. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like ABA and ACLEDA accept international cards; Revolut and TransferWise are also popular among expats. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and long-term rentals on Airbnb and local housing platforms. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted, especially in urban areas. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites like Phnom Penh Real Estate offer various options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels like The Happy House and The Mad Monkey offer budget-friendly lodging. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Riverside area is highly recommended for tourists due to its proximity to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Toul Kork and BKK1 are popular among digital nomads for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace 1 and The Factory are top choices for digital nomads, offering reliable internet and a community vibe. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dayo Coffee and Brown Coffee provide great environments for remote work with good coffee. |
💼 Networking Events | Events are often held at local coworking spaces or via expat groups on Facebook. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Phnom Penh Expats' group on Facebook for meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing service in Phnom Penh. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting a scooter is common; services like Phnom Penh Motorbike Rental can assist. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Otres Beach, about 3 hours away by taxi. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cambodia Angkor Air serves many regional destinations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines connect Phnom Penh with major global cities. |
🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 1 and 5 provide access to other regions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Phnom Penh Railway Station is the main hub for train services. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no standard public transport passes; services are primarily pay-per-ride. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for intercity travel, with companies like Giant Ibis. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Phnom Penh Hospital is the most reputable hospital with international standards. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamboo Island and Yoga Phnom Penh offer yoga classes and wellness activities. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Place and Fitness Cambodia are popular gyms for expats. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are widely available, with local laundromats in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Nham24 and Foodpanda are popular for food delivery in the city. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Amok fish, a traditional Cambodian dish, is a must-try. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan and vegetarian restaurants like Vibe and My Khmer Kitchen are available. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Brown Coffee serves delicious pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Toul Tum Poung Market (Russian Market) is great for budget-friendly food shopping. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online platforms like Shop.com.kh and Jengbeng are popular for e-commerce. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Meal Temple offer grocery and food deliveries. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Street 51 and Bassac Lane are notable nightlife hot spots. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Angkor Brewery produces popular local beer. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar options like The Wine House offer a great selection. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell everything from fish amok to fried noodles throughout the city. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Deli serve various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are iconic attractions. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Cambodia showcases exquisite art and history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are significant historical sites. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phnom is the most famous temple and a must-visit for its history. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Water Festival is a major cultural event celebrated annually. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Russian Market Area for local culture and shopping. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The PP Theater hosts various cultural performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market is a vibrant place to explore local goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | PP House and Meta House host live music events regularly. |
🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen throughout the city, especially in the BKK1 area. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at the Cambodian Cooking Class teach traditional Cambodian cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | SA SA BASSAC represents contemporary Cambodian art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Colonial Buildings in the Riverside area reflect the city's past. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Khmer culture and traditions are prevalent throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, offers a serene nature escape. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is a nearby nature reserve. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverfront promenade is ideal for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Wat Phnom hill offers a great perspective of the city. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Keo Romal Resort offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas near the riverside are available. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and Cambodian Post are available for parcel delivery. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many shops in the city offer tech repair services for phones and laptops. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and schools often have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Cambodian Language Institute offer Khmer language classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Cambodia is an excellent study spot. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Places like The French Institute offer cultural engagement and language classes. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Dota 2 gaming lounges can be found around BKK1. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | NagaWorld is the largest entertainment and gaming center in the city. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% is applied to dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on residency. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% for income above $100,000. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations for foreign companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% for property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |