Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Riverside charm with ultra-low cost of living
About Phnom Penh for Digital Nomads
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's bustling capital where French colonial architecture lines tree-shaded boulevards alongside bustling markets and the majestic Royal Palace. For digital nomads seeking rock-bottom prices and a laid-back atmosphere, Phnom Penh delivers. The city has a growing cafe and coworking scene, the Mekong riverfront is magical at sunset, and the expat community is welcoming and diverse.
Amenity Ratings — Phnom Penh
Monthly Cost Breakdown — Phnom Penh (USD/KHR)
| Category | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent (1-bedroom) | $200 | $500 |
| 🍜 Food & Groceries | $100 | $250 |
| 🚌 Transport | $30 | $60 |
| 💻 Coworking Space | $50 | $120 |
| 🎭 Entertainment | $50 | $150 |
| Total Monthly | $430 | $1080 |
Visa Information
Visa on Arrival / E-Visa
Duration: 30 days (extendable)
Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •$30 visa fee
- •Passport photo
- •Proof of accommodation
Climate & Weather
Tropical Monsoon
Temperature range: 25°C to 35°C
Best Months:
Rainy/Off Months:
Internet & Connectivity
Moderate - Improving but occasional outages
Highlights
- ✓Ultra-affordable living
- ✓Beautiful French colonial architecture
- ✓Mekong riverfront sunsets
- ✓Friendly expat community
- ✓USD widely accepted
- ✓Fascinating history and culture
Challenges
- !Unreliable internet in some areas
- !Hot and humid
- !Limited healthcare quality
- !Petty crime in some areas
- !Chaotic traffic
- !Power outages occur
Best Neighborhoods
Popular Coworking Spaces
- 💻TriBe
- 💻Emerald Hub
- 💻SmallWorld
- 💻The Desk
- 💻Impact Hub Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is Best For
Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions — Phnom Penh
How cheap is Phnom Penh for digital nomads?▾
Phnom Penh is one of the cheapest capitals in the world. You can live on $500-$800/month including apartment ($200-$500), food ($100-$250 — local meals cost $1-3), and basic expenses. USD is widely accepted alongside the local Riel. Many nomads live comfortably on well under $1,000/month.
Is Phnom Penh safe for digital nomads?▾
Phnom Penh has moderate safety concerns. Bag snatching from motorbikes is common — keep valuables secure and avoid using phones while walking near roads. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use common sense. BKK1 and the Riverside area are the safest neighborhoods.
Can I use US dollars in Cambodia?▾
Yes! The US dollar is the de facto currency in Phnom Penh. Most businesses price in USD, ATMs dispense dollars, and you can pay for almost everything in US dollars. The Cambodian Riel is mainly used for small change (under $1). This makes budgeting very easy for Western nomads.