City in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
Sihanoukville
Port city and ferry hub for Koh Rong, with beaches at Otres and Serendipity. Heavily changed by casino construction and a reputation for scam-compound crime; most visitors use it only to pass through.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,000–1,600Comfortable, one person · $1,000–1,600Details
- Value for money55/100Better value than 54% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Air quality19 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet55 MbpsFixed broadband, Cambodia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; most hostels and cafés have refill stations.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashDollars everywhere; cards in hotels and bigger restaurants, cash for tuk-tuks, markets and ferries.Details
Where to stay in Sihanoukville
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Otres Beach | Quieter backpacker and expat beach, 10 min from the city |
| Serendipity Beach | Ferries, hostels, bars; noisy and busy |
| Ochheuteal and Victory Hill | Beach resorts and cheaper nightlife |
| Downtown (Mittapheap) | Local life; markets, banks, bus station |
Apps that work in Sihanoukville
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Cars and tuk-tuks; fewer drivers than Phnom Penh |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GrabFood | Covers the beaches and center |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Telegram
- Bakong Tourists: Pay KHQR codes with a foreign card
- Taxis: Street tuk-tuks inflate prices at night; 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 and bigger restaurants, cash for tuk-tuks, markets and ferries. ATMs in town and at Serendipity.
- 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
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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.