Daily Digital Nomad Life in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Data last checked: March 2024
Phnom Penh offers a truly unique experience for digital nomads. This busy city provides a low cost of living and a growing community of expats. If you're looking for a home base for your remote work in Southeast Asia, Cambodia can be a very appealing choice.
Living here means you'll balance modern comforts with traditional Cambodian charm. You'll find that being a digital nomad in Cambodia, especially in its capital, is quite an adventure. It combines affordability with an energetic atmosphere.
Quick Take
- Phnom Penh offers a low cost of living for digital nomads, particularly for local food and transport.
- Internet speeds are generally reliable. 4G/5G is widely available, and many areas have fiber optics.
- Coworking spaces like Workspace1 at Factory, along with many cafes, serve remote workers.
- There isn't a specific Cambodia digital nomad visa. Most people enter on an e-visa and then extend to a business visa.
- BKK1 and BKK3 are popular neighborhoods for expats, offering plenty of amenities.
- The city can be busy during the day, but it quiets down quite a bit by 9 PM.
- Street food is abundant and cheap, though Western dining options are also widely available.
What I Wish I Knew
When I first arrived in Phnom Penh, I had a lot of assumptions. I quickly learned some important lessons. These insights would have made my initial weeks much smoother.
First, I wish I knew just how loud the city truly is. The constant traffic noise, especially from motorbikes, can feel overwhelming. Earplugs quickly became my best friend for focused work and peaceful sleep.
Second, walking around isn't always easy. Sidewalks are often blocked by vendors, parked motorbikes, or construction. You learn to navigate uneven surfaces and crowded paths quickly.
Third, while USD is widely accepted, carrying small Riel denominations is essential. Many local vendors prefer Riel for small purchases. This helps avoid awkward change situations or overpaying.
Fourth, I underestimated how important a good power bank is. Power outages aren't frequent, but they do happen. Having a charged device ensures your work won't be interrupted.
Finally, I wish I understood the art of tuk-tuk negotiation better from day one. Agreeing on a price before starting the ride saves you money and hassle. Always use ride-hailing apps for transparent, fixed fares if you prefer.
Cost of Living for Digital Nomads
Everyday prices at a Phnom Penh market
Phnom Penh is known for being affordable. Your digital nomad experience in Cambodia can be budget-friendly, though this depends heavily on your lifestyle choices.
Accommodation will be your biggest expense. A studio apartment in a popular expat area like BKK1 costs about $350 to $500 per month. This is as of March 2024. If you look outside these areas, you can find cheaper options, sometimes as low as $250.
Food costs are low if you eat local. Street food meals average $2 to $5. Western-style restaurant meals typically range from $8 to $15. Groceries for home cooking are also affordable. A SIM card with plenty of data costs $5 to $10 per month, offering great value.
Transport is inexpensive. Tuk-tuk rides within the city usually cost $1 to $3. Using ride-hailing apps like PassApp or Grab provides fixed prices. You can also rent a scooter for around $60 to $100 per month.
Work Environment and Internet Speed
Phnom Penh offers a solid work environment for remote workers. You'll find various options for getting your tasks done. The city provides a good mix of connectivity and work-friendly spaces.
Many cafes also serve as impromptu coworking spots. Places like Suzy Anti-cafe are popular among remote workers. They offer comfortable seating and reliable Wi-Fi. You can often work for hours with just a few coffee purchases.
Dedicated Phnom Penh coworking spaces are also available. Workspace1 at Factory is a well-known option. Daily passes typically range from $10 to $15 as of March 2024. These spaces offer stable internet, meeting rooms, and a professional atmosphere.
Internet speed in Cambodia is generally good. 4G and 5G mobile data are widely available and fast. Many apartments and coworking spaces have fiber optic connections. This ensures smooth video calls and large file uploads. You shouldn't face major connectivity issues for most remote work needs in Cambodia.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Navigating Phnom Penh is an experience in itself. City traffic is often dense and chaotic. However, several convenient options exist for getting around.
Motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are the most common choices. They are readily available everywhere. Always negotiate your fare before starting your journey if you flag one down. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps for fixed prices and ease.
Apps like PassApp, Grab, and Foodpanda offer motorbike rides, tuk-tuks, and car services. They are easy to use and widely accepted. This helps avoid language barriers and price haggling.
For longer distances or day trips, you can hire a private car with a driver. This costs around $30 to $50 per day, as of March 2024. You can also rent your own scooter. Be aware that traffic can be intense, so experience riding in Southeast Asia is a good idea.
Food and Lifestyle
Savoring the local flavors of Phnom Penh between deep work sessions.
Phnom Penh's food scene is diverse and delicious. You can enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine or find international dishes. Your daily diet can be as local or as global as you wish.
Street food is a highlight. You'll find noodle soups, grilled meats, and fresh fruit shakes on almost every corner. These options are incredibly cheap and full of flavor. Look for busy stalls; they usually mean good quality and fresh ingredients.
For those craving Western comforts, Phnom Penh has many cafes and restaurants. You can find everything from Italian pasta to American burgers. These spots are often expat hangouts, offering a taste of home and a chance to socialize.
Your lifestyle can be active or relaxed. Many gyms offer affordable memberships. You can find yoga studios and sports clubs. The city also has many markets for shopping. Riverside areas provide a pleasant evening stroll.
Visa for Digital Nomads
Navigating the Cambodia visa process for remote workers.
Cambodia does not currently offer a specific Cambodia digital nomad visa. Most digital nomads enter the country on a regular tourist e-visa. This typically grants a 30-day stay.
To extend your stay for remote work in Cambodia, you'll need to convert to a business visa. This is often called an 'E-class' visa. You can usually get a 1-month extension initially. After that, you can apply for 3, 6, or 12-month extensions. These allow multiple entries.
Applying for extensions is usually done through travel agents or visa services in Phnom Penh. The cost for a 12-month business visa extension is around $280 to $300, as of March 2024. This process is generally straightforward. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Best Cities for Remote Workers
While Phnom Penh is the main hub, Cambodia offers other options for remote workers. The best cities in Cambodia for remote workers depend on what you prefer. Each has a distinct feel.
Phnom Penh stands out for its infrastructure. It has the most coworking spaces, dining options, and expat services. It is the center of business and culture. The networking opportunities are also greater here.
Siem Reap offers a different pace for digital nomads. It's smaller and more relaxed, known for Angkor Wat. Internet is reliable, and there are cafes suitable for work. The cost of living is similar to Phnom Penh, perhaps slightly lower for some things. However, fewer dedicated coworking spaces exist.
Other smaller towns might appeal to adventurous nomads. Kampot and Kep offer tranquil coastal or riverside settings. However, internet speeds and infrastructure might be less developed. They are better suited for short breaks or those seeking extreme quiet.
A Day in the Life: Budget Nomad
Your day begins around 7:00 AM. You wake up in your $350/month studio apartment in Toul Tom Poung, a lively neighborhood. You head out for a strong Cambodian iced coffee from a street cart, costing $1.
You find a quiet corner at a local cafe. Their Wi-Fi is decent, and a pastry costs $1.50. You spend the morning working on your laptop. Around 1:00 PM, you grab lunch at a local eatery. A plate of Lok Lak or fried rice costs $3.
After lunch, you take a $2 tuk-tuk ride to a client meeting or a different cafe for a change of scenery. You work for another few hours. In the late afternoon, you enjoy a walk through a local market. You buy fresh fruit for $2.
For dinner, you explore the street food stalls near your apartment. A bowl of noodle soup or a grilled skewer costs $2.50. You return home around 8:00 PM, ready to unwind. Your total daily spend is roughly $12.
A Day in the Life: Mid-Range Nomad
Your day starts at 6:30 AM with a workout at a gym in BKK1. Your monthly membership costs $30. Afterward, you grab a smoothie from a health cafe for $4. You head back to your $450/month apartment in BKK3.
By 9:00 AM, you are at a coworking space like The Factory. Your daily pass costs $12. You use their high-speed internet and ergonomic chair for focused work. For lunch, you meet friends at a Western restaurant. A main course and a drink cost $10.
In the afternoon, you continue working, taking a break to network with other nomads. After work, you take a $2.50 Grab tuk-tuk to a language class. This costs $50 per month for twice-weekly lessons. You enjoy learning some basic Khmer phrases.
For dinner, you try a new restaurant in the Riverside area. A nice meal with a glass of wine costs $18. You might then go for a drink at a rooftop bar, spending another $8. Your total daily spend is around $55.
Costs
Here is a snapshot of typical monthly expenses in Phnom Penh as of March 2024.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment (BKK1) | $350 - $500 |
| SIM Card + Data (monthly) | $5 - $10 |
| Coworking Daily Pass | $10 - $15 |
| Local Meal | $2 - $5 |
| Western Meal | $8 - $15 |
| Coffee | $1 - $3 |
| Tuk-tuk Ride (short) | $1 - $3 |
| Gym Membership | $25 - $40 |
| 12-Month Business Visa | $280 - $300 |
Travel Medical Insurance
Private clinics in Cambodia handle routine care, but serious injuries or illness often mean a flight to Bangkok. Without proper cover, an emergency can cost thousands out of pocket.
Safety and Scams
Phnom Penh is generally safe, but like any big city, it has its challenges. You need to be aware of common issues. Petty crime is the main concern for expats and visitors.
Bag snatching is common, especially from tuk-tuks. Always keep your bag on the floor or held securely. Avoid using your phone while riding. Be especially careful in busy markets or tourist areas.
Scams exist, but they are often easy to spot. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited tours or deals. Always agree on prices for goods and services before committing. This applies particularly to tuk-tuk drivers and market vendors.
Drug-related scams can also occur. Avoid engaging with anyone offering drugs. Always decline politely and walk away. Staying vigilant and trusting your instincts will help you avoid most problems. Do not flash expensive items publicly. Keep your valuables out of sight.
Protect Your Internet Connection
Public Wi-Fi in Cambodia’s cafes, coworking spaces, and hotels is not always secure. A VPN protects your banking, logins, and personal data.
Common Mistakes
Digital nomads in Phnom Penh can avoid some common pitfalls. Being prepared saves you both money and stress. Learn from others' experiences to make your transition smoother.
One common mistake is not negotiating tuk-tuk fares. If you hail a tuk-tuk on the street without using an app, the driver might quote a higher price. Forgetting to negotiate can cost you an extra $1 to $3 per ride. This adds up quickly over weeks or months. Always agree on a fare before you get in.
Another error is relying solely on credit cards. Many local restaurants, street vendors, and small shops are cash-only. Not having enough Riel or small USD denominations means you might overpay or face inconvenience. Always carry cash, perhaps $20 to $50, for daily expenses. You avoid ATM fees by planning your withdrawals.
Some nomads book the cheapest accommodation without checking reviews. Online listings around $20 to $25 per night sometimes come with issues. These include slow Wi-Fi, lack of hot water, or even unreliable water supply. This can disrupt your remote work and comfort. Allocate a slightly higher budget, perhaps $30 to $40 per night, for a smoother experience.
Finally, neglecting to back up important documents is a risk. Losing your passport or laptop can cause significant problems. Always keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and other important papers. Store them in cloud storage. This helps immensely if you need to replace them.
FAQ
Is Phnom Penh good for digital nomads? Phnom Penh is a great choice for digital nomads. It offers an affordable cost of living, a growing expat community, and reliable internet. You'll find many cafes and coworking spaces suitable for remote work.
What is the average rent for a digital nomad in Phnom Penh? A studio apartment in a popular expat area like BKK1 costs about $350 to $500 per month. Cheaper options are available outside these central neighborhoods. Prices vary based on size and amenities.
Do I need a special visa to be a digital nomad in Cambodia? Cambodia does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Most nomads enter on a tourist e-visa, then extend to a business visa. This business visa allows longer stays and multiple entries for remote work purposes.
What is the internet speed like in Phnom Penh? Internet speed in Phnom Penh is generally good. You'll find fast 4G and 5G mobile data. Many apartments and coworking spaces offer reliable fiber optic connections, suitable for most remote work needs.
Is it safe to live in Phnom Penh as an expat? Phnom Penh is generally safe for expats. However, petty crime like bag snatching can occur. Stay vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid flashing valuables. Always use ride-hailing apps or negotiate tuk-tuk fares beforehand.
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