Cities & Hotspots

Phnom Penh is the work and services hub; Siem Reap is more compact and tourism-led; Kampot is slower and more lifestyle-oriented.

  • Phnom PenhOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • Siem ReapOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • KampotOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

November to February Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Dry-season dust and traffic can be noticeable in Phnom Penh. Siem Reap and Kampot are calmer, but healthcare depth is thinner outside the capital.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Raffles Medical are familiar private starting points. Call 119 for ambulance services and arrange evacuation cover for longer stays.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Smart, Cellcard and Metfone are the main networks. Grab and PassApp cover rides; Nham24 and foodpanda have delivery coverage that varies by city. Telegram is widely used.

  • Mobile networksSmart, Cellcard and Metfone are the main SIM choices. Buy from an official shop and keep passport registration details consistent.
  • Ride appsGrab and PassApp are the most useful transport apps in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; tuk-tuks remain part of daily life.
  • Food deliveryNham24 and foodpanda cover Phnom Penh and some tourist hubs; coverage thins quickly in smaller towns.
  • PaymentsABA Pay is widely used by residents, but bank setup depends on status. Keep cash for small shops and provincial travel.
  • Home internetMetfone, SINET and local fibre providers vary by building. Power and backup data matter for remote calls.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Visa routeCambodia e-visa and visa-on-arrival rules vary by visa type. For long stays, check current ordinary visa and extension categories.
  • ExtensionsUse known visa agencies or official routes; keep passport custody, receipts and extension dates documented.
  • Work statusLocal employment and business activity require proper work-permit and tax handling.
  • TaxLong stays and local activity need local advice. Do not rely on old 'easy visa' reputation.
  • Admin habitKeep printed passport copies, visa copies and landlord or hotel contact details.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People testing a lower-cost base who are comfortable with lighter infrastructure and regional travel for complex care.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.