From left: Mao Zedong, Peng Zhen, Norodom Sihanouk and Liu Shao…

National Highway 4 (the road from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville)

Angkor Wat, the front side of the main complex, photographed in…

This 18th-century map of Vietnam, derives from a map of southea…

Trees flooded during the high water season of Tonle Sap Lake in…

Cambodia

Country Information of Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation located in the Indochina peninsula, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The country covers approximately 181,035 square kilometers and is home to nearly 17 million people, with the Khmer ethnic group comprisi...

Capital

Phnom Penh

Languages

Khmer

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Phnom Penh,Battambang,Siem Reap,Kampong Cham,Kampong Chhnang,Prey Veng,Pursat,Sisophon,Kampot,Koh Kong

Major Cities

What Expats Say About CambodiaBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Cambodia. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Cambodia

Life Expectancy

69.0

Population

16,718,971

Religions

Currently under research

Ethnic Composition

Khmer

95.4%

Cham

2.4%

Chinese

1.5%

others

0.8%

Climate & Weather in Cambodia

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Safety & Security in Cambodia

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

MODERATE

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Asia Average

Moderate57/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Cambodia

Asia Average

Safety Index

Moderate

Safety from Crime

Moderate

Safe Alone (Day)

Good

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Moderate

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Adequate

Healthcare Quality

Adequate

Emergency Response

Adequate

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 117 (universal emergency)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes urban, 45-60 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system with regional variations

• Trauma Centers: Limited facilities in Phnom Penh and major cities

• Language Support: Limited English availability in emergency services

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 117

• Medical: 119

• Police: 117

• Fire: 118

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~25 minutes

• Rural areas: ~55 minutes

Hospital System:

Limited public healthcare system with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Private hospitals concentrated in major cities

Major Trauma Centers:

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Language Support:

Very limited English support in emergency services. International visitors should have translation assistance

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Cambodia

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

Photo Gallery of Cambodia

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Cambodia

Cambodia offers an extremely low cost of living, with expenses approximately 70% lower than Western countries and very affordable housing and food prices.

Crime & Safety in Cambodia

Moderate safety levels with petty crime risks in urban areas, but generally peaceful with low rates of violent crime.

Safety Index: 50.30 | Crime Level: 49.70

Health System in Cambodia

Limited public healthcare system with basic services; most expatriates rely on private medical facilities in major cities.

Quality Rating: 4.5/10

Advantages in Cambodia

Extremely low cost of living for budget-conscious expats
Warm tropical climate with year-round pleasant temperatures
Rich cultural heritage and historical attractions
Friendly local population and welcoming attitude towards foreigners

Disadvantages in Cambodia

Underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure with limited medical facilities
Significant income inequality and economic challenges
Limited job opportunities for non-specialized expatriate workers
Potential language barriers outside major urban centers

Government & Politics in Cambodia

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Economic Overview in Cambodia

Index

GDP

$29.96B

HDI

0.6

Quality of Life

31/100

-12 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

10/100

-32 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Cambodia. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Cambodia

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2-10 KHR

Avg: 6 KHR

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

20-50 KHR

Avg: 35 KHR

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6-8 KHR

Avg: 7 KHR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

0.75-2 KHR

Avg: 1.38 KHR

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

300-667.24 KHR

Avg: 483.62 KHR

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

200-350 KHR

Avg: 275 KHR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

500-1200 KHR

Avg: 850 KHR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

300-800 KHR

Avg: 550 KHR

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.4-2 KHR

Avg: 1.2 KHR

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

2.25-6 KHR

Avg: 4.13 KHR

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

9.2-10 KHR

Avg: 9.6 KHR

Gasoline (1 liter)

1-1.2 KHR

Avg: 1.1 KHR

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

57.95-150 KHR

Avg: 103.98 KHR

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

15-50 KHR

Avg: 32.5 KHR

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

4-10 KHR

Avg: 7 KHR

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

1.2-2.5 KHR

Avg: 1.85 KHR

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

1.1-3 KHR

Avg: 2.05 KHR

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.44-2.4 KHR

Avg: 1.92 KHR

Local Cheese (1kg)

10-20 KHR

Avg: 15 KHR

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

15-65 KHR

Avg: 40 KHR

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

5-11 KHR

Avg: 8 KHR

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

3-8 KHR

Avg: 5.5 KHR

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

200-450 KHR

Avg: 325 KHR

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Cambodia

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Cambodia

Cambodia's transportation landscape features a growing road network with recent expressway developments like the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville E4, serving its 16.7 million population on the right-hand driving side. Key strengths include three international airports and rehabilitated railways for freight and passengers, while challenges persist in limited public transport, rural road conditions, and logistics gaps. Residents and visitors rely on buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, and domestic flights for mobility, with ongoing investments in corridors and hubs enhancing connectivity.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Moderate

Public Transport

3.2/10

Basic public transport limited to Phnom Penh's 13 city bus routes since 2015. No metro or urban rail; regional trains on southern Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville line (passenger services since 2016) and northern freight line. Poor integration and coverage outside capital.

Road Infrastructure

5.1/10

19,795 km national/provincial roads (2022), with major roads paved and Asian Highways AH1, AH11, AH21. One expressway (E4 Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville, 187 km, opened 2022); more under construction. Urban roads adequate, but rural maintenance issues and traffic bottlenecks persist.

Internet Speed

4.2/10

Average fixed broadband speed around 35 Mbps (2024 data), with mobile at 25 Mbps. Fiber expanding in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but limited rural coverage and urban-rural gap. Investments growing, yet below regional averages.

Avg: 35+ Mbps • Available in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; limited in rural areas, expanding via government initiatives

Airport Connectivity

5.8/10

17 total airports, 5 major including international hubs Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (SAI), Sihanoukville. Good regional links to SE Asia, domestic flights; new Techo International Airport planned. Moderate global connectivity.

Hubs: Phnom Penh International (PNH), Siem Reap Angkor (SAI), Sihanoukville (KOS)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro)
Bus Trip: 1,000-1,500 KHR ($0.25-0.38) per ride in Phnom Penh
Taxi: 2-4 USD start + 1-2 USD/km (tuk-tuks/remorque common)
High-speed Train: N/A (no high-speed); Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville train 8-12 USD

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Deployed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville; expanding to major provinces 2024-2026 by Smart, Cellcard

4G Coverage: Over 95% population coverage, strong in urban and main roads, good rural penetration

Reliable networks from Cellcard, Smart, Metfone; high urban speeds (30-50 Mbps), variable rural quality with improving infrastructure.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

International Driving Permit required with valid foreign license for visitors (up to 3-6 months). Long-term residents need local conversion via MPWT exam/ process. Right-hand driving.

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Work & Business in Cambodia

Cambodia's work and business landscape features a young workforce and robust growth in manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, with GDP projected at 5% in 2026 amid diversification into electronics, renewables, and agro-processing. Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs in tech, fintech, and special economic zones, though challenges like informality, corruption, and skill gaps persist. Key strengths include export momentum, foreign investment incentives, and RCEP integration, driving job creation in industry and services.[1][2][3][4]

Employment Rate

62.0%

Moderate employment rate supported by informal sector absorbing shocks and migrants. Tourism recovery and exports drive jobs, but youth underemployment and low formalization pose challenges. Dynamic exports and remittances bolster household consumption.[1][4][7]

Startup Ecosystem

42.0%

Emerging ecosystem with government incentives, digital transformation push, and opportunities in fintech and agrotech. Limited VC funding and incubators, but special economic zones and partnerships aid entry. High administrative barriers hinder formalization.[1][2]

Average Salary Range

KHR 14,400,000 - KHR 72,000,000 annually

Average salaries range 12-60 million KHR annually (~$3k-15k USD), varying by sector: low in garments/agriculture, higher in tech/manufacturing. Low cost of living aids purchasing power, but informality suppresses formal wages. Regional gaps favor Phnom Penh.[1][2][4]

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens get 30-day visa-free entry; business visa (E-class) extendable to 12 months. Work permit required via employer sponsorship for employment.

Non-EU Citizens:

Visa on arrival or e-visa for 30 days; work permits mandatory for employment, categorized by skill level. Employer applies via MOLVT; processing 1-2 months.

Cambodia offers liberal visa policies with E-class business visas for investors/entrepreneurs (6-12 months). Work permits tied to contracts, renewable annually. No digital nomad visa; skilled workers via Q-class. Documentation: passport, photos, health check. Timelines: 10-30 days.[4]

Business Registration

Timeline:

7-14 business days

Online via Ministry of Commerce (MOC) portal for name reservation, incorporation (LLC/QS most common). Requires articles of incorporation, shareholder docs, tax/VAT registration. Costs ~$300-500; incentives in SEZs. Complex procedures and admin costs barriers per World Bank. Liberal FDI regime.[1][2][4]

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work law; governed by 1997 Labor Law. Work permits required for foreign remote workers employed locally.

Growing digital adoption supports remote work in tech/fintech, but prevalence low outside Phnom Penh. Co-working spaces in capital; employer attitudes positive post-COVID. Cross-border remote ok without local employment, but tax implications apply. No digital nomad program.[2]

Key Industries

Garments & Textiles

Tourism

Agriculture

Electronics Manufacturing

Construction Materials

Renewable Energy

Automotive Parts

Job Opportunities by Sector

Manufacturing:

High demand in garments, electronics, auto parts; 630 new projects to create 500k jobs. SEZs attract FDI; skills in assembly/machining needed. Wages 200-400 USD/month; growth via diversification.[3]

Tourism & Hospitality:

Recovery driving hotel, guide, service roles; multilingual skills valued. Seasonal peaks; supports household consumption. Moderate salaries, strong domestic tourism growth.[4][7]

Agriculture & Agribusiness:

Opportunities in processing, mechanization, sustainable farming. Rural jobs dominant; tech adoption rising. Low wages but stable; export focus via RCEP.[2][3]

Technology & Fintech:

Digital transformation fuels developer, e-commerce, fintech roles. Young population aids; government push. Higher salaries ~500-1000 USD/month; emerging hubs in Phnom Penh.[2]

Renewable Energy:

Expanding solar/wind projects create engineering, installation jobs. Investment surge; skilled labor shortage offers expat opportunities. Growth potential high.[3]

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Retirement & Senior Living in Cambodia

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Legal & Administrative in Cambodia

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Environment & Sustainability in Cambodia

Cambodia faces significant environmental challenges including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerabilities like floods and droughts. The country has committed to ambitious GHG reduction targets in its 2025 NDC 3.0, aiming for 55% reduction by 2035 with conditional support, while advancing renewable energy to 72% and halving deforestation by 2030. Air quality remains stable but data limited; high hazard exposure affects 90% of population.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality data is limited with current AQI and PM levels N/A; 6-month trend stable. Cambodia held a 2025 clean air event advancing science-based solutions. Urban areas face pollution from traffic and industry, rural less affected; government initiatives focus on monitoring and clean technologies.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Water quality faces challenges from agricultural runoff, pesticides, and soil degradation; 70% of pesticide users report soil issues impacting water. Access to clean water varies, with rural areas relying on surface sources vulnerable to pollution. Government monitors via environment ministry but treatment standards need strengthening.

Drinking water safety concerns in rural areas due to contamination; urban supplies treated but quality inconsistent.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure limited with average rate N/A%; no specific types listed in database. Waste sector targets 59% GHG reduction by 2035 via segregation, composting, reduced burning. Challenges persist in collection and management.

Green Spaces

Forests degrading rapidly; 64% women, 58% men report primary forest loss. NDC targets halving deforestation by 2030, expanding forest cover. Protected areas exist but biodiversity declining; agroforestry scaled up.

Forest Coverage: 52.0%

National Parks: 6

Key protected areas include Virachey National Park and Cardamom Mountains; facing encroachment and degradation.

Environmental Policies

Cambodia's NDC 3.0 sets 16% unconditional, 55% conditional GHG cuts by 2035. Policies cover energy efficiency, renewable adoption, waste management, FOLU protection. Submitted NAP in 2021; engages Paris Agreement and funds like GCF.

Key Policies:

•NDC 3.0 GHG Reduction
•National Adaptation Plan 2021
•REDD+ Framework

Renewable Energy: 72% renewable share by 2035 (80% conditional), phase out coal, grid modernization.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

High exposure: 90% population in high-risk areas, 99% experienced at least one hazard. Common disasters: floods, droughts, storms.

floodsdroughtsstorms

Climate Change Impacts: Climate change drives agricultural yield drops, increased pesticide use leading to degradation. Forests disappearing rapidly, reducing resilience. Precipitation patterns shifting with more extremes; coastal sea level rise threatens Mekong Delta areas. Temperature rise over 1°C last 20 years in SE Asia per regional trends, increasing heatwaves and flood frequency.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Target 72% renewable energy in installed capacity by 2035 (80% conditional), promote clean cooking (60% adoption), energy efficiency, grid modernization, phase out coal.

Waste Management

59% GHG reduction in waste sector by 2035 via segregation, collection improvements, composting expansion, reduced open burning, landfill optimization.

Forestry

Halve deforestation by 2030, expand forest cover, scale agroforestry, REDD+ projects.

Wildlife & Nature

Siamese CrocodileCritically Endangered

Eld's DeerEndangered

Giant IbisCritically Endangered

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Geography in Cambodia

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Phnom Aural

Lowest Point

Gulf of Thailand

National Flag

Quick Facts for Cambodia

Population

16,718,971

Currency

KHR

Timezone

UTC+07:00

Calling Code

+855

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

N/A

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.