Moving to Phnom Penh: A Practical Guide for Expats

Your moving-to-Phnom-Penh checklist

Build a shortlist around your daily routine before choosing a building. A home that photographs well may still be a poor fit for your school run, work calls or evening commute. If you cannot visit before moving, request a current video walkthrough of the exact unit.

1. Before you travelSet an arrival window, monthly housing budget and preferred lease length. Confirm your entry plans, insurance and any work-related requirements with the appropriate providers or authorities.
2. Before choosing a neighborhoodMark your workplace, school or other frequent destinations. Compare actual journeys from each shortlisted building, rather than distances on a map alone.
3. Before signingView the unit, obtain an itemized quote, read the lease and agree the inventory, repair responsibilities and move-in arrangements in writing.

For arrival tasks in more detail, read our guide to setting up your life in Phnom Penh.

How much does it cost to live in Phnom Penh?

Your budget depends on household size, the home you choose and your day-to-day routine. Start with rent, then add the costs that are not included in the advertised price. Keep one-off moving expenses separate from recurring monthly costs.

Use our Phnom Penh condo rent guide for housing-budget context, then check rental listings and request an up-to-date quote. Listing prices and availability can change.

Where should expats live in Phnom Penh?

Our rental search focuses on BKK1, Tonle Bassac and Koh Pich. Treat the following as questions to investigate when viewing homes, rather than a ranking: the right area depends on where you need to go and how you want to live.

Read the BKK1 vs Tonle Bassac comparison and our guide to choosing a condo in Phnom Penh. Once you have a shortlist, use the area filter in the rental search.

Renting an apartment or condo in Phnom Penh

Compare the total offer, not just the rent shown in a listing. Ask whether the photographs show the available unit, what furniture stays, when it will be ready and which services are included. If you work from home, test the internet connection and mobile reception inside the unit.

Questions to ask at a viewing

• What are the lease length, deposit, payment schedule and renewal terms?
• How are electricity, water, internet and parking billed?
• Who handles repairs, and how do you report a problem?
• Are pets, visitors, smoking or working from home subject to building or lease rules?
• Can you inspect air conditioning, appliances, water pressure, locks and windows?
• What inventory and condition record will be agreed at handover?

Keep written copies of the terms you agree and record the unit condition when you move in. See our building management guide for questions about maintenance and day-to-day service.

Moving with family and planning daily life

Schools and the school run

Speak to schools about year-group availability, curriculum, admission requirements and total fees before choosing a home. Test the school journey from the buildings you are considering. Our international schools guide is a starting point for your shortlist; obtain current details directly from each school.

Healthcare and insurance

Ask your insurer which providers are covered, how claims work and what arrangements apply to existing health needs. Identify suitable providers before moving and discuss any ongoing care with your clinician. Keep policy details and emergency contacts accessible.

Transport and everyday errands

Think through a normal weekday: commuting, groceries, exercise and evening travel. A short trial stay can help you check whether a neighborhood suits that routine before committing to a longer lease. Explore our Phnom Penh transport guide and family living guide.

Entry documents and work planning

Check current requirements for your nationality, intended length of stay and activities before booking your move. For official information, start with the Cambodia e-Visa portal and Cambodia e-Arrival portal. Direct work-related questions to your employer and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training's foreign worker portal.

This housing guide does not determine visa eligibility or permission to work. Confirm your own circumstances with the relevant authorities or a qualified adviser.

Your first week in Phnom Penh

• At handover: agree the inventory, photograph the condition and record meter readings.
• In your building: save the management contact and confirm access, deliveries, waste disposal and emergency procedures.
• For daily life: test your commute, phone connection and internet, and locate the shops and services you will use regularly.
• For ongoing costs: confirm payment dates and keep your lease, receipts and utility arrangements in one place.

Use the arrival and setup guide to continue planning beyond the move-in day.

Common questions about moving to Phnom Penh