Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, is a popular destination for expats who want to live and work in a dynamic and diverse environment. The city offers a range of opportunities and challenges for expats, as well as a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences. However, finding a suitable accommodation in Phnom Penh can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers who are not familiar with the city’s geography, culture, and market. In this article, we will provide some tips and advice on how to find a suitable accommodation in Phnom Penh for expats.
1. Determine your budget and requirements
Before you start looking for an accommodation in Phnom Penh, you should first determine your budget and requirements. Your budget will depend on your income, expenses, and lifestyle, as well as the location, size, type, and quality of the accommodation you want. Your requirements will depend on your personal and professional needs, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities, facilities, security, parking, etc. You should also consider your preferences, such as the style, design, furniture, decoration, etc. of the accommodation you want.
According to Expat.com, the average monthly rent for an accommodation in Phnom Penh ranges from $200 to $2,000 USD, depending on the factors mentioned above. The rent usually includes water and electricity bills, internet access, cable TV, garbage collection, and cleaning services. However, some landlords may charge extra fees for these services or require a deposit or advance payment. Therefore, you should always check the contract and the terms and conditions before signing it.
2. Choose your preferred location and neighborhood
Another important factor to consider when looking for an accommodation in Phnom Penh is the location and neighborhood. The location and neighborhood will affect your commute time, transportation options, access to amenities and services, safety and security, social and cultural environment, etc. You should choose a location and neighborhood that suits your needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
According to Expat.com, some of the most popular locations and neighborhoods for expats in Phnom Penh are:
• BKK1: This is one of the most central and upscale areas in Phnom Penh, where you can find many modern apartments, condos, villas, hotels, and serviced residences. The area is also home to many embassies, NGOs, international schools, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and supermarkets. The area is ideal for expats who want to live in a convenient and comfortable environment with easy access to everything they need.
• Toul Tom Poung: This is another central and trendy area in Phnom Penh, where you can find many traditional houses, apartments, and guesthouses. The area is also known as the Russian Market area, as it hosts one of the largest and most famous markets in the city, where you can buy anything from clothes, jewelry, antiques, to food, fruits, and vegetables. The area is ideal for expats who want to live in a lively and colorful environment with a local flavor.
• Tonle Bassac: This is one of the most developed and modern areas in Phnom Penh, where you can find many luxury apartments, condos, serviced residences, and hotels. The area is also known as the Koh Pich or Diamond Island area, as it hosts a man-made island that features many attractions and entertainment venues, such as malls, cinemas, casinos, parks, and exhibition centers. The area is ideal for expats who want to live in a sophisticated and cosmopolitan environment with a lot of options for leisure and recreation.
• Daun Penh: This is one of the oldest and most historic areas in Phnom Penh, where you can find many colonial buildings, temples, pagodas, museums, and monuments. The area is also known as the Riverside area, as it borders the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers that offer scenic views and breezes. The area is ideal for expats who want to live in a cultural and heritage environment with a lot of charm and character.
Of course, there are many other locations and neighborhoods in Phnom Penh that may suit your needs and preferences. You can explore them online or offline by using various sources and tools.
3. Use various sources and tools
There are various sources and tools that you can use to find an accommodation in Phnom Penh.
Some of them are:
• Online platforms: There are many online platforms that list various types of accommodations in Phnom Penh for rent or sale, such as Expat.com, Realestate.com.kh, Khmer24.com, and IPS Cambodia. You can browse these platforms by using filters such as location, price, size, type, etc. to narrow down your search and find the best matches for your needs and preferences. You can also contact the landlords or agents directly through these platforms and arrange a viewing or a booking.
• Agencies: There are many agencies that specialize in finding accommodations for expats in Phnom Penh, such as IPS Cambodia, CBRE Cambodia, and Knight Frank Cambodia. You can contact these agencies by phone, email, or visit their offices and tell them your budget and requirements. They will then provide you with a list of suitable options and help you with the whole process of renting or buying an accommodation, including negotiating the price, signing the contract, paying the fees, etc.
• Word-of-mouth: One of the most effective ways to find an accommodation in Phnom Penh is by word-of-mouth. You can ask your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or other expats who live or have lived in Phnom Penh for their recommendations or referrals. They may know some great places or agents that are not advertised online or elsewhere. They may also share their experiences and tips with you and help you avoid any potential problems or scams.
4. Inspect the accommodation carefully: Before you decide to rent or buy an accommodation in Phnom Penh, you should inspect it carefully and make sure it meets your expectations and standards. You should check the following aspects:
• The condition and quality of the accommodation: You should check if the accommodation is clean, well-maintained, and fully-furnished. You should also check if the appliances, fixtures, and utilities are working properly and safely. You should also check if there are any damages, defects, or pests that need to be repaired or eliminated.
• The location and neighborhood of the accommodation: You should check if the accommodation is located in a convenient and safe area that has easy access to transportation, amenities, services, etc. You should also check if the neighborhood is quiet, friendly, and secure. You should also check if there are any issues or problems that may affect your comfort or well-being, such as noise, pollution, traffic, crime, etc.
• The contract and terms of the accommodation: You should check if the contract and terms of the accommodation are clear, fair, and legal. You should also check if there are any hidden fees, charges, or clauses that may affect your rights or interests. You should also check if there are any rules or regulations that you need to follow or respect.
If you are satisfied with the accommodation after inspecting it, you can proceed to rent or buy it. However, if you are not satisfied with it, you can look for other options or negotiate with the landlord or agent for a better deal.
