Phnom Penh Guide — Cambodia Ready TESOL Australia

The City

Phnom Penh — Cambodia's Capital & Biggest Opportunity

Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of four rivers and is home to over 2 million people. It's a city that has rebuilt itself from almost nothing in the last 40 years — and the energy, ambition, and warmth of its people are palpable.

For English teachers, Phnom Penh is ideal. There are hundreds of English language schools, international schools, and corporate programmes all actively seeking teachers. The city is well connected, easy to navigate, and has a thriving expat and teacher community.

2M+

Population

$2

Local meal cost

USD

Main currency

32°

Average temp

Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh riverside at sunset

Budget Guide

Cost of Living in Phnom Penh

Cambodia is genuinely affordable. Here's what a typical month looks like on a teacher's salary.

Item	Budget Option	Comfortable Option
Accommodation	$200–350/month	$500–900/month
Food (eating out daily)	$100–150/month	$200–350/month
Transport (tuk-tuk / Grab)	$30–50/month	$60–100/month
Internet / phone	$10–15/month	$20–30/month
Entertainment / social	$50–80/month	$150–250/month
Estimated Monthly Total	~$400–650	~$900–1,600

All prices in USD. Cambodia uses USD widely alongside Cambodian Riel.

Transport

Getting Around Phnom Penh

🛺

Tuk-Tuks

The classic Cambodian transport. Cheap, everywhere, and part of the experience. Always negotiate before you get in — or use PassApp for metered fares.

PassApp & Grab

App-based ride hailing — just like Uber. Safe, reliable, and the price is set upfront. Most teachers use PassApp for daily commuting. Available everywhere in Phnom Penh.

🛵

Motorbike Rental

Once you're settled, many teachers rent a motorbike. Around $50–80/month. Chantrea advises on this once you arrive — it's not essential for the first few weeks.

Food & Dining

Eat Well. Spend Less.

Phnom Penh is a food lover's city. At the low end, a filling rice or noodle dish at a local market stall costs $1.50–3. At the high end, you can enjoy a fine-dining meal for less than you'd pay for a casual dinner in Sydney.

🍜Local Cambodian food — amok curry, lok lak beef, bai sach chrouk (grilled pork rice) — filling, delicious, $2–4
☕Western cafés — BKK1 is full of excellent coffee shops and brunch spots. A full brunch with coffee: $6–12
🌃Night markets — Phnom Penh's night markets are a highlight. Street food, cold drinks, and the best people-watching in the city
🍺Cold beer — Angkor or Cambodia beer, $0.75–1.50 at most local restaurants

Weather & Seasons

What to Expect — Climate & What to Pack

☀️ Dry Season (Nov – Apr)

The most comfortable time to be in Cambodia. Hot and sunny, relatively low humidity. November through February are particularly pleasant — warm days, cool evenings. Ideal time to arrive.

Avg: 28–34°C

🌧️ Wet Season (May – Oct)

The monsoon season brings daily afternoon rain, lush green landscapes, and cooler temperatures. Flooding can occur in some areas. The city stays very functional and life continues normally.

Avg: 26–32°C

👕 What to Pack

Light, breathable clothing. Cambodia is conservative — cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and in some schools. Bring good sandals. A light rain jacket for wet season. Sunscreen — always.

Chantrea will give you a detailed packing list before you fly.

Explore

Must-See Phnom Penh & Beyond

🏛️ Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Cambodia's most iconic landmark — the Royal Palace complex sits along the riverside and is unmissable for any new arrival. Open to visitors most days.

🌊 Sisowath Quay (The Riverside)

The social heart of Phnom Penh for expats and locals alike. Lined with cafés, restaurants, bars, and excellent sunset views. This is where teachers unwind after work.

🛒 Central Market & Russian Market

Two of Phnom Penh's most famous markets. Central Market (Phsar Thmei) for a local experience; Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) for handicrafts, second-hand clothes, and street food.

✈️ Day Trips & Weekend Escapes

Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) is a 5-hour bus or 45-minute flight away. Koh Rong's beaches are 4–5 hours by bus and boat. Weekend adventures are cheap and unforgettable.

Safety & Practicalities

Staying Safe & Healthy in Phnom Penh

🛡️ General Safety

Phnom Penh is generally safe for foreigners, particularly in the areas where teachers live and work (BKK1, riverside, Toul Tom Poung). As with any city, use common sense at night and be aware of bag snatching from motorbikes in tourist areas.

Chantrea gives every arrival a detailed safety briefing covering which areas to avoid at night, how to handle common situations, and who to call if you have a problem.

🏥 Health & Medical

Phnom Penh has several good private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and SOS International Medical Centre are commonly used by expats. Travel insurance is essential.

Before travelling, consult your doctor about vaccinations — Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are commonly recommended. Anti-malarials are not usually needed in the city.

💊 Health Tips

✅ Drink bottled or filtered water only
✅ Use high-SPF sunscreen daily
✅ Use insect repellent in the evenings
✅ Be cautious with street food initially — your stomach needs a week to adjust
✅ Most pharmacies stock common medications without a prescription

🌐 Expat & Teacher Community

Phnom Penh has a large and well-connected expat community. Facebook groups like "Expats in Phnom Penh" and "Teachers in Cambodia" are active and helpful. Chantrea introduces you to other Cambodia Ready graduates when you arrive — you'll have friends from day one.

Your Guide to Life in
Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh — Cambodia's Capital & Biggest Opportunity

Cost of Living in Phnom Penh