Capital city, Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Cambodia's busy capital: riverfront cafés, markets, history museums and a big expat and nomad scene. Cheap and varied, but hot, congested and noisy, with bag-snatching and heavy traffic.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,200–2,000Comfortable, one person · $1,200–2,000Details
- Value for money33/100Better value than 32% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Mar, 37°CDetails
- Air quality19 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet55 MbpsFixed broadband, Cambodia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledThe city water authority says tap water is treated, but most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–70Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashDollars everywhere; cards in hotels, malls and chains, cash for tuk-tuks, markets and local eateries.Details
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang) | Nomads and expats: cafés, coworking, apartments, restaurants |
| Riverside and Daun Penh | First-timers: riverfront, palace, hostels, Night Market |
| Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) | Cheaper stays, local food, markets |
| Tonle Bassac | Upscale condos, cafés and river views |
Apps that work in Phnom Penh
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Telegram
- Bakong Tourists: Pay KHQR codes with a foreign card
- Taxis: Street tuk-tuks quote tourist prices; use an app or agree the fare first. Taxis are few and rarely metered.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cambodia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Dollars everywhere; cards in hotels, malls and chains, cash for tuk-tuks, markets and local eateries. KHQR works at many shops.
- Currency: Riels (KHR). US$1 ≈ ៛4,053.39 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense US dollars and usually charge foreign cards about $4–6 per withdrawal.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up, $1–2 for tuk-tuk drivers and hotel staff, more for guides.
- Paying by phone: KHQR codes are everywhere; the Bakong Tourists app lets visitors pay them with a foreign card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Flying in: submit the free Cambodia e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days before arrival.
- Tourist e-Visa (30 days) at evisa.gov.kh at least 4 days ahead; visa on arrival also exists, paid in US dollars.
- Land crossings with Thailand have been suspended since the 2025 border fighting; Vietnam and Laos crossings work.
Emergency numbers
Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118
Plugs
Type A, C, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport kiosks and phone shops sell tourist packs with large data allowances for about $5–15; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Cambodia
Going to Phnom Penh solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phnom Penh meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.