Cambodia Travel Notes
My Phnom Penh stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Khmer · Some English
- Currency
- Cambodian Riel · KHR / USD
- Cash
- Keep Small Cash For Daily Spending.
- Cards
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- Tap To Pay
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Small Tips Appreciated
What To Wear
What To Pack
Choose light clothes for Phnom Penh’s heat, plus shoulders and knees covered for temples and the Royal Palace. Wear shoes you can remove easily at religious sites; carry rain protection in the wet season.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Hotels, larger restaurants, and established tourist businesses usually accept cards. Keep small cash for markets, local food, tuk tuk rides, and tips. Riel and US dollars are both used; when paying in dollars, clean, undamaged notes are important.
Travel Cards
Check whether the merchant charges in riel or US dollars before approving the payment. Carry small, clean cash notes for tuk tuks and food stalls.
Tipping Culture
Tips are optional. A small cash thank you for guides, drivers, and hotel help is welcome. Example: for luggage help, think about a small local drink or snack’s value in riel, then add more for stairs or a long carry. This is an optional thank you, not a fixed airport fee.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Tuk tuks suit short Phnom Penh trips. Confirm the destination pin and fare before moving, and keep bags away from the open side. Do not build an airport transfer around an old PNH address.
Traveling Between Stops
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are different bases. Compare a scheduled coach or flight with the actual door to door time; a temple day in Siem Reap is not a short Phnom Penh taxi trip.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Cambodia
Cambodia is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Save your hotel pin and a screenshot of the agreed tuk tuk fare. A local data connection is useful for bookings; keep the address available offline if your arrival SIM is not yet active.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Phnom Penh’s riverside suits sightseeing on foot; the central BKK1 area suits cafés and restaurants. Compare evening noise and your actual pickup access. These are planning suggestions, not personal hotel reviews.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Phnom Penh flights moved to Techo International Airport, KTI, in September 2025. Check your ticket’s airport. Complete the official Cambodia e Arrival process and confirm your visa eligibility separately. Save the Techo transfer details before landing.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Phnom Penh
Penh House Hotel
One of the most impressive hotels I’ve stayed at in Phnom Penh and honestly everything about it was top tier.
My Travel Stories
