How to Find Housing in Phnom Penh

Night One: Emergency Guesthouses

If you have nothing arranged, head to the BKK1 or Riverside area in Phnom Penh. Budget guesthouses charge $10–20/night and accept cash. No ID required at most.

• • Riverside (Sisowath Quay area) — tourist-friendly, safe, many options
• • BKK1 neighborhood — central, slightly more expensive but cleaner
• • Toul Tompoung — Khmer-heavy area, very cheap local guesthouses

How to Find a Room

• • Facebook Groups: Search "Phnom Penh Rooms for Rent" or "Cambodia Expat Housing" — most landlords post here
• • Khmer24.com: Cambodia's biggest classifieds site — rooms, houses, and apartments
• • Walk the streets: Signs in Khmer saying "ជួល" (rent) are common in residential areas
• • Ask your guesthouse: Many guesthouse owners know landlords nearby
• • NGO referrals: Caritas and Don Bosco sometimes have connections to safe housing

What to Know Before Signing

• • Most leases are month-to-month or 6-month contracts — no deposit required at the cheapest places
• • Utility bills (electricity ~$0.15–0.20/kWh) are often billed separately
• • USD is widely accepted — most landlords quote in USD
• • Always see the room before paying — photos online may be outdated
• • Negotiate — landlords often accept lower rent for 3+ month commitments