Tourist facilities and amenities in Phnom Penh have improved dramatically over recent years with modern infrastructure supporting millions of annual international visitors. The capital city provides comprehensive services from reliable transportation networks to quality healthcare facilities and widespread banking options. Phnom Penh’s tourist infrastructure rivals other Southeast Asian capitals whilst maintaining affordable pricing that appeals to budget-conscious and luxury travellers alike.
Planning essential connectivity before arrival ensures immediate access to navigation apps, translation services, and booking platforms throughout the city. Securing a cambodia esim eliminates arrival stress whilst providing instant digital access to essential tourist services.
- Phnom Penh International Airport sits 10 kilometres west of city centre with £7-10 taxi transfers
- Over 500 ATMs operate throughout central districts accepting international cards with £3-5 withdrawal fees
- Public WiFi coverage extends across 70% of tourist areas including hotels, cafes, and shopping centres
The city’s tourist facilities operate year-round with extended hours during peak November through March season.
Is a Cambodia eSIM Better Than a Local SIM Card for Tourists
Connectivity choices depend on individual travel needs though travel eSIMs offer distinct advantages for international tourists visiting Phnom Penh. An esim for cambodia activates instantly without visiting mobile shops, dealing with language barriers, or handling physical SIM cards. Digital eSIMs maintain home country numbers whilst providing local data connectivity essential for navigation and communication.
Local SIM cards require purchasing at airport kiosks or mobile shops with potential communication difficulties and passport documentation requirements. Physical SIMs involve removing existing cards risking loss whilst eSIMs operate alongside primary numbers seamlessly.
Travel eSIM advantages include:
- Instant online purchase and activation before departure from home
- No airport queues or unfamiliar mobile shop negotiations required
- Maintain home country number for important calls and messages
- Multiple data package options from short-term to extended coverage
Global tourists particularly benefit from eSIM convenience avoiding arrival complications and immediate connectivity needs.
Transportation Services Throughout Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s transportation infrastructure includes ride-hailing apps, tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals providing diverse mobility options. PassApp and Grab operate extensively offering metered rides eliminating bargaining concerns with transparent pricing. Tuk-tuks remain the most popular tourist transport charging £1.50-3 for central district journeys with negotiation expected.
Motorbike taxis called “motodops” provide fastest navigation through traffic at £0.75-1.50 per trip. Tourist buses connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Vietnam border crossings with comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
Transport options available:
- PassApp and Grab ride-hailing with car and tuk-tuk selections
- Traditional tuk-tuks abundant throughout tourist areas operating 6:00 AM-midnight
- Motorbike rentals from £5 daily requiring valid international driving licences
- Tourist buses to major destinations £4-12 depending on route distance
Walking remains viable for riverside and central palace areas with shaded sidewalks along main boulevards. Bicycle rentals cost £2-3 daily though traffic congestion requires confident cycling abilities.
Medical and Healthcare Facilities
International-standard hospitals and clinics throughout Phnom Penh provide quality medical care with English-speaking staff and modern equipment. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital offers comprehensive services including emergency departments, specialist consultations, and dental care. International SOS Clinic caters specifically to expatriates and tourists with travel insurance coordination.
Pharmacies operate extensively with many medications available without prescriptions though consultation recommended for serious conditions. Medical costs remain significantly lower than Western countries with doctor consultations £30-50 and emergency treatments £100-300.
Healthcare facilities include:
- Royal Phnom Penh Hospital 24-hour emergency services with international standards
- International SOS Clinic travel insurance direct billing and emergency evacuations
- Pharmacies throughout tourist areas open daily 8:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Dental clinics offering treatments at 30-40% Western prices
Travel insurance proves essential as medical evacuation costs exceed £10,000 to Bangkok or Singapore facilities. Most tourist hotels maintain lists of English-speaking doctors and emergency contacts.
Banking and Currency Exchange Services
ATMs accepting international cards operate throughout Phnom Penh with major banks including ANZ, Canadia Bank, and ABA Bank. Withdrawal fees typically cost £3-5 per transaction with daily limits around £200-400 depending on issuing banks. Cambodia operates dual currency system with US dollars widely accepted alongside Cambodian riels.
Currency exchange counters at markets and shopping centres offer competitive rates though official banks provide secure transactions. Credit cards gain acceptance at hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls though cash remains preferred at smaller establishments.
Banking services available:
- 500+ ATMs throughout central districts operating 24 hours daily
- Currency exchange at banks, hotels, and licensed money changers
- Credit card acceptance at major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres
- Mobile payment apps including ABA Pay gaining popularity locally
Carrying mix of US dollars and small riel denominations facilitates transactions as change often provided in riels. Damaged or heavily worn US notes frequently rejected requiring pristine condition bills.
Internet and Communication Infrastructure
WiFi connectivity extends throughout tourist areas with hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centres offering free access. Connection speeds typically range 5-20 Mbps suitable for browsing, messaging, and video calls. International calling cards and VoIP services provide affordable communication options for travellers without local connectivity.
Coworking spaces throughout BKK1 and Riverside neighbourhoods offer reliable high-speed internet with day passes £5-8. Public WiFi security concerns recommend using VPN services when accessing sensitive information or banking applications.
Connectivity options include:
- Hotel WiFi averaging 10-15 Mbps with guest room access codes
- Cafe and restaurant WiFi requiring purchases with passwords provided
- Coworking spaces with premium 50-100 Mbps connections and workstations
- Public WiFi hotspots at shopping centres and tourist attractions
Mobile data through local SIMs or eSIMs provides most reliable connectivity when navigating between locations. Coverage extends throughout urban areas with 4G networks standard across tourist districts.
Tourist Information and Assistance Services
Official tourist information centres operate at Phnom Penh International Airport and central locations providing maps, brochures, and assistance. Knowledgeable staff offer recommendations for attractions, transportation, and accommodation with English language support. Many hotels maintain concierge services assisting with tour bookings, restaurant reservations, and transportation arrangements.
Tourism police patrol major attractions and entertainment areas providing security and assistance to international visitors. Emergency contact numbers include tourist police hotline and embassy information for various nationalities.
Information resources available:
- Tourist information centre at airport arrivals hall open 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Hotel concierge services for bookings and local recommendations
- Tourism police patrols at Royal Palace, riverside, and major attractions
- Embassy contact lists available at hotels and information centres
Mobile apps including Maps.me and Google Maps function offline with downloaded city maps. Tourist guidebooks and apps provide comprehensive attraction information and practical travel tips.
Shopping and Retail Facilities
Modern shopping centres including Aeon Mall and Olympia City provide air-conditioned retail therapy with international brands and food courts. Traditional markets such as Central Market and Russian Market offer authentic shopping experiences with handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Convenience stores including Circle K and Lucky Supermarket operate 24 hours throughout tourist areas.
Boutique shopping districts along Street 240 and Street 178 feature contemporary Cambodian designers and artisan products. Bargaining remains standard at traditional markets whilst fixed prices apply at shopping centres and boutiques.
Shopping options include:
- Aeon Mall international brands, cinema, and food court open 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Central Market Art Deco building with jewellery, textiles, and local goods
- Russian Market tourist-oriented handicrafts with bargaining expected
- 24-hour convenience stores for essentials and quick meals
Night markets along riverside operate evenings selling street food, clothing, and souvenirs. Supermarkets including Lucky and Bayon Market stock international products for self-catering accommodation needs.
Safety and Security Services
Phnom Penh maintains relatively safe environment for tourists with standard urban precautions recommended. Tourist police patrol major attractions providing visible security presence and assistance when needed. Hotels offer safety deposit boxes for valuables whilst room safes secure passports and electronics.
Pickpocketing risks exist in crowded markets and tourist areas requiring vigilance with bags and phones. Registered tuk-tuk drivers through hotels provide safer transport than unmarked street vehicles especially during evening hours.
Security measures available:
- Tourist police patrols at Royal Palace, riverside, and major attractions
- Hotel safety deposit boxes and room safes for valuables
- Well-lit main streets with security cameras in tourist districts
- Emergency numbers 117 police, 119 fire, 118 ambulance services
Avoiding displaying expensive jewellery or electronics reduces theft risks whilst keeping photocopies of passports separate from originals aids replacement if lost. Travel insurance covering theft and medical emergencies provides financial protection and peace of mind.
Dining and Food Services
Restaurant options throughout Phnom Penh range from street food stalls to fine dining establishments catering to all budgets and dietary preferences. International cuisines including Italian, French, Japanese, and Indian complement traditional Khmer restaurants. Food delivery apps including FoodPanda and Nham24 provide convenient meal ordering to hotels.
Vegetarian and vegan options increase across restaurants with dedicated plant-based eateries emerging in BKK1 neighbourhood. Food hygiene standards vary with international restaurants maintaining higher cleanliness levels than street vendors.
Dining facilities include:
- Street food stalls serving authentic Khmer dishes £1-3 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants offering international cuisines £5-12 per person
- Fine dining establishments with tasting menus £20-40 per person
- Food delivery apps operating 7:00 AM-11:00 PM with English interfaces
Bottled water remains essential as tap water unsuitable for drinking without filtration. Most restaurants cater to dietary restrictions when requested with allergen awareness improving across tourist-oriented establishments.
Phnom Penh’s comprehensive tourist facilities and amenities ensure comfortable visits with modern infrastructure supporting diverse traveller needs. Securing the best esim for cambodia provides essential connectivity accessing these services throughout explorations. Information reflects current conditions though travellers should verify specific facility details, operating hours, and service availability for the most accurate planning before arrival.
