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  • Guide to shopping in Phnom Penh: Best markets and malls

    Guide to shopping in Phnom Penh: Best markets and malls

    Phnom Penh is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a fantastic shopping experience. Whether you’re on the hunt for electronics, gadgets, unique souvenirs, or everyday essentials, there’s something for everyone. With 2024 just around the corner, here’s an updated guide to help you get the best deals and make your shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.

    Living or visiting Phnom Penh means enjoying an ever-growing array of products from around the world. Whether you’re browsing the colorful stalls of local markets or perusing high-end electronics in a sleek mall, the city’s vibrant shopping scene has you covered.

    This guide ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and tips to shop smartly, avoid pitfalls, and leave Phnom Penh with not just great buys but unforgettable memories. Love shopping in Phnom Penh? Here’s how to make the most of it.

    Why Phnom Penh is a shopper’s paradise

    Phnom Penh markets and shopping malls you should know

    he Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmey)
    One of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks, the Central Market remains a favorite for both locals and tourists. Renowned for its fresh seafood, it is the go-to spot for crabs, squids, and lobsters. The best time to shop is in the afternoon when prices drop slightly. Beyond seafood, the market offers an array of jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. In 2024, the Central Market’s charm is further enhanced by improved facilities, making shopping more convenient for visitors.

    Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tumpoung)
    Popular among expatriates and tourists, the Russian Market is famous for affordable international brand clothing and shoes produced in Cambodia. It’s an excellent place to find bargains on jeans, t-shirts, and handcrafted souvenirs. The market also offers a delightful selection of Cambodian street food and snacks. Renovations in 2023 have added better lighting and ventilation, making it a more comfortable shopping experience.

    Phnom Penh Night Market
    Located on Sisowath Quay by the riverside, the Phnom Penh Night Market is a vibrant spot for locals and visitors. It’s ideal for shopping for Cambodian-made crafts, clothes, and accessories. The market’s open-air food court continues to be a highlight, offering authentic Cambodian dishes accompanied by live music performances.

    Thai Huot Market
    Thai Huot has grown significantly since its early days. As of 2024, it operates multiple locations, including Monivong Boulevard, Boeung Keng Kang, and Sen Sok. Known for its high-quality imported products, especially from the United States, it’s a favorite among expats seeking familiar brands. The market also features a robust selection of organic and health-conscious items.

    Bayon Market
    Bayon Market continues to rival Thai Huot with its range of imported goods. With branches in central Phnom Penh and Tuol Kork, it’s a convenient choice for locals and expats. The market has expanded its product lines to include more eco-friendly and organic options in response to growing consumer demand.

    Aeon Mall
    Phnom Penh now boasts three Aeon malls:
    1. Aeon 1: The first and most centrally located mall on Sothearos Boulevard remains a hub for shoppers and diners.
    2. Aeon 2: Opened in 2018 in Sen Sok District, this larger mall features more retail options, entertainment, and dining choices.
    3. Aeon 3: Recently inaugurated in 2024, this newest addition in Chroy Changvar District offers high-end stores, a luxury cinema, and a rooftop garden.
    Aeon malls are popular for their modern amenities, international brand stores, and diverse food courts.

    Olympia Mall
    Strategically located near the Olympic Stadium, Olympia Mall has grown into a bustling shopping destination. With over 150 stores as of 2024, it offers a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Recent additions include a state-of-the-art fitness center and a luxury spa.

    Chip Mong Noro Mall
    Located on Preah Norodom Boulevard, Chip Mong Noro Mall remains a favorite for its lifestyle and dining offerings. It’s part of the growing trend of compact community malls that cater to urban dwellers.

    Fun Mall TK
    Phnom Penh’s post-pandemic retail landscape saw the rise of Fun Mall TK, a family-friendly destination in Tuol Kork. With dedicated play areas, kid-friendly stores, and weekend events, it’s perfect for parents looking for a fun outing with their children.

    Makro Phnom Penh
    Makro continues to dominate the wholesale market scene, offering a wide selection of imported goods, especially from Thailand. Popular items include Thai Mama noodles and bulk snack packages. The bakery section is a favorite among shoppers, known for its fresh bread and pastries. The spacious layout makes it a convenient shopping destination for individuals and businesses alike.

    TK Avenue
    Tuol Kork’s first open-air mall, TK Avenue, remains a popular choice for residents. Known for its boutique shops and fine dining options, it provides a more relaxed and upscale shopping environment compared to larger malls. Regular events and promotions keep it lively throughout the year.

    Global House Cambodia
    Global House continues to serve as Phnom Penh’s one-stop shop for building materials, home appliances, and garden supplies. Located in Sen Sok, it’s an essential destination for homeowners and contractors. In 2024, the store expanded its product range to include more energy-efficient and sustainable options.

    Exchange Square
    Exchange Square remains a premium shopping and office complex in the city center. The 19th-floor views are a standout feature, offering stunning perspectives of Phnom Penh’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Central Market and the riverside. Its luxury shops and fine dining options attract an upscale clientele.

    Tips for a rewarding shopping experience in Phnom Penh

    1. Embrace Bargaining Culture
    Bargaining remains a vital part of shopping in Cambodia, particularly in local markets and smaller shops. Sellers often set an initial high price, so don’t hesitate to negotiate. A polite and friendly approach can go a long way in securing a great deal.

    2. Beware of Counterfeit Goods
    Phnom Penh is known for its bustling markets, but some may sell counterfeit items. Be cautious, especially when buying branded goods at extremely low prices. Stick to reputable shops and authorized dealers to ensure quality and authenticity.

    3. Inspect Quality and Authenticity
    For items like gemstones, textiles, and traditional handicrafts, inspect the products carefully. Research beforehand to understand what to look for in terms of quality. Knowledge is your best tool when shopping for unique items.

    4. Stay Alert to Pickpocketing
    Like any busy city, Phnom Penh has its share of opportunistic theft. Keep your valuables secure, carry bags in front of you, and avoid displaying expensive items in public to minimize risks.

    5. Carry Both Riel and Dollars
    While US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, having Cambodian Riel on hand is helpful for smaller transactions. Double-check your change to avoid receiving counterfeit notes.

    6. Shop Around Before Buying
    Prices can vary significantly from shop to shop, even for similar items. Take your time to explore different stores and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

    7. Look for VAT Refunds
    If you’re planning substantial purchases, ask about Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Some stores participate in this scheme, allowing you to claim a portion of the taxes on eligible items when you leave Cambodia.

    8. Respect Local Customs
    Be culturally sensitive while shopping. Dress modestly and avoid aggressive haggling, which may come off as disrespectful. Treat vendors with kindness to create a positive experience for both parties.

    Conclusion
    Phnom Penh’s shopping scene continues to evolve, blending traditional markets with modern malls. Whether you’re hunting for bargains, indulging in luxury, or exploring Cambodian crafts, the city offers something for everyone. With ongoing developments and new additions, 2024 is an exciting year to explore Phnom Penh’s retail and cultural landscape.

  • How to apply for a Cambodian driving license as an ASEAN citizen

    How to apply for a Cambodian driving license as an ASEAN citizen

    Applying for a Cambodian driving license as an ASEAN national is straightforward if you follow these steps. By having the necessary documents and understanding the process, you can ensure a smooth transition to driving in Cambodia. Whether you’re staying short-term or long-term, securing a valid license ensures you comply with local laws and drive safely.

    Here’s a comprehensive guide on how a national citizen of an ASEAN country can apply for a Cambodian driving license, perfect for a blog post:

    How to Apply for a Cambodian Driving License as an ASEAN Citizen

    If you’re an ASEAN national and plan to drive in Cambodia, you’ll need to ensure you have a valid Cambodian driving license. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

    Step 1: Check If Your Home License is Valid in Cambodia
    Cambodia recognizes driving licenses from some ASEAN countries for short-term visits. However, if you plan to stay longer or drive frequently, you may need to either exchange your license for a Cambodian one or take the driving test.

    – International Driving Permit (IDP): If you hold an IDP issued by your home country, it is valid for use in Cambodia. However, this is a temporary solution.
    – Home License Exchange: ASEAN agreements may allow you to exchange your existing license without needing to take a driving test.

    Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
    To apply for a Cambodian driving license, ensure you have the following:

    1. Valid Passport (original and copy)
    – Include your visa or residence permit showing your legal status in Cambodia.
    2. Home Country Driving License (original and copy)
    3. Translation of License (if it’s not in English or Khmer)
    – You can have this done at your embassy or an authorized translation service.
    4. Passport-Sized Photos
    – Typically 4×6 cm, with a white background.
    5. Application Form
    – Obtain this form from the General Department of Public Works and Transport (GDPWT) or a local driving school.
    6. Medical Certificate
    – This can be issued by a recognized clinic or hospital in Cambodia, confirming you’re fit to drive.

    Step 3: Visit the General Department of Public Works and Transport
    The GDPWT is the main authority for issuing driving licenses. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Submit Your Documents:
    – Head to the nearest GDPWT office with your complete set of documents.
    2. Pay the Fee:
    – The processing fee varies but is generally between $20 and $40.
    3. License Conversion (if applicable):
    – If your license is eligible for conversion, you won’t need to take the driving test.

    Step 4: Take the Driving Test (if required)
    If your license cannot be directly exchanged, you’ll need to pass both:

    1. Theory Test:
    – Study the Cambodian traffic laws. Driving schools offer classes and practice tests in English or Khmer.
    2. Practical Test:
    – Demonstrate your driving skills under the supervision of a licensed examiner.

    Step 5: Collect Your Cambodian Driving License
    Once your application is approved, you will receive your new Cambodian driving license. This license is valid for use within Cambodia and renewable as needed.

    Additional Tips
    – Validity Period: Cambodian driving licenses are usually valid for one year for foreigners. Ensure you renew it on time.
    – Local Driving Schools: For newcomers, attending a driving school can simplify the application process. They can help with document preparation, translation, and scheduling your test.
    – Language Barrier: If you’re not fluent in Khmer, consider bringing a translator or working with someone who can assist you.

  • The best way to send money to Cambodia

    The best way to send money to Cambodia

    If you’re curious about sending and receiving money in Cambodia, this blog post will give you some tips and best ways to do it. This is based on my experience using these available money transfer services.

    There are several ways to send money to Cambodia. You can use your own bank, a specialist money transfer service, an e-wallet, or visit a physical money remittance store. To send money, you need to register for an account and provide your personal information and payment method. You also need to provide the recipient’s name and contact information, and if sending to their Cambodian bank account, their account number, SWIFT or IBAN, and bank branch’s address.

    How do I send money to someone in Cambodia?

    Here are some options for sending money to Cambodia:

    • Xe: Xe offers fast and secure online money transfers with competitive exchange rates.
    • Paypal: Paypal is a popular online payment system that allows you to send money to Cambodia.
    • Xoom, a PayPal service
    • Remitly – Send and receive money online from the United States (lowest fees)
    • MoneyGram

    Online money transfer services

    Companies such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria offer online money transfer services, which can be used to send money to Cambodia. These services are generally faster and more affordable than bank wire transfers, but fees can still be relatively high. You can also use online money transfer services like TransferWise, PayPal, WorldRemit, and others to send money to Cambodia. These services often have lower fees and offer competitive exchange rates.

    1. PayPal: PayPal is widely accepted in Cambodia, and many merchants and businesses accept PayPal as a form of payment. If you have a PayPal account, you can send money to Cambodia by sending it to a recipient’s PayPal account.
    2. Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a digital currency that can be used to send money to Cambodia. This method is fast, secure and has low transaction fees, but it is not yet widely used and accepted in Cambodia, so it’s not a very common way to send money.

    When sending money to Cambodia, it is important to compare fees and exchange rates from different providers before choosing a method, and to make sure that the recipient has a bank account or mobile phone to receive the money.

    Payoneer

    I’ve used Payoneer for several years. It’s one of the easiest way to get your payment deposit in your local Cambodian bank account. The fee has been increased quite a bit since the pandemic. Payoneer is a favorite choice among Cambodia-based freelancers.

    Wise

    Formerly WiseTransfer, this online service makes transfer money abroad easily and quickly with its low cost money transfers. There are many choices of currencies available.

    The good news is that starting in 2022 that Wise has become available for a country like Cambodia. [To create a Wise account is quick and easy](https://wise.com/invite/u/tharumb). You may want to connect to your Cambodian bank debit card or not is up to you.

    Wise is a popular online platform for money transfers because it offers several benefits over traditional banks, including:

    1. Lower fees: Wise typically charges lower fees compared to banks, especially for international transfers.
    2. Better exchange rates: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, which is the real exchange rate, to transfer money between countries. This results in better exchange rates compared to banks who often add a markup to the exchange rate.
    3. Faster transfers: Wise can process transfers quickly, often within one to two business days.
    4. Convenient and easy to use: The Wise platform is easy to use and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
    5. Secure: Wise uses advanced security measures to protect users’ funds and personal information.

    Overall, the combination of lower fees, better exchange rates, faster transfers, convenience, and security make Wise a great choice for people who need to transfer money.

    PayPal

    Is PayPal used in Cambodia?

    Yes, you can sign up for PayPal in Cambodia and link your Cambodian bank card to your PayPal account. This can be done online in a matter of minutes, including verifying your Cambodian phone number and local bank account card linked to your PayPal account ¹². However, PayPal does not work in Cambodia 100% and you still cannot receive PayPal payments directly into a Cambodian bank.

    PayPal is available in Cambodia, but with limited functionality. You can use PayPal to send and receive money from other PayPal users in Cambodia, but you cannot use it to withdraw money from your PayPal account to a Cambodian bank account. You can also use PayPal to shop online at merchants that accept PayPal, but you may be subject to additional fees.

    If you need to withdraw money from your PayPal account to a Cambodian bank account, you can use a third-party service like Wise or Transferwise. These services allow you to transfer money between different countries at a lower cost than PayPal.

    If you are planning to use PayPal in Cambodia, it is important to be aware of the limitations and fees involved.

    The good thing is anyone in Cambodia can have a Paypal account to send money. Unfortunately, Paypal has not added Cambodia to list of countries with the capability to receive money.

    Paypal users in Cambodia can only send or transfer money, but they cannot receive money through their Paypal yet. While it’s usually safe and secure to transfer money from Cambodia to abroad through a bank, Paypal is also a way that most Cambodians use.

    MoneyGram

    MoneyGram customers can now reach their loved ones in Cambodia in real-time by sending directly to Wing Bank accounts. Wing Bank is a Cambodian bank owned by Royal Group.

    Skrill: Online payments & Money transfers

    Before choosing a money transfer option, make sure to compare the exchange rates, fees, and delivery time of each service to ensure that you get the best deal.

    Fees, exchange rates, and transfer speed vary depending on the method chosen.

    There are several services available you can check out. Some are more costly than the others. Trust and secure are what most people are looking for.

    There are several ways to send money to Cambodia, including:

    Bank wire transfer

    Many banks offer international wire transfer services, which can be used to send money to Cambodia. This method is generally reliable, but can be expensive due to high fees. You can send money to Cambodia through a bank transfer. You’ll need to provide the recipient’s bank account details, including the account name, number, and bank name. It’s also essential to check the exchange rates and transfer fees charged by the banks.

    Money transfer through bank in Cambodia

    The most popular bank in Cambodia right now is Advanced Bank of Asia (well-known as ABA), which is a member of National Bank of Canada Group. Everyone has an ABA.

    You can easily use any of Cambodian banks to transfer money within Cambodia. It’s usually free of charge for the same bank transfer. For example, if you’ve got an ACLEDA account, you can deposit your money for someone who has an ACLEDA account.

    I’ve got an ABA account, so that I can easily swipe its smart phone application to transfer payment for my freelancers. If you and your recipient don’t have the same bank account, there is typically a small bank charge for the transfer service.

    Bakong is also another great solution for mobile money transfer. With a registered account, you can easily and quickly send money from a local bank to another local bank.

    Mobile money transfer services within Cambodia

    Mobile money transfer services like Wing Bank and TrueMoney allow people who have no bank account to receive money. All they need is a phone to get the money at the agents near their home.

    Sending money to a foreign a country from Cambodia

    For example, if you want to send your payment to your business partners in Thailand, you can use Bangkok Bank (Cambodia), which charges about $5 for the amount under $1000. You don’t event need a bank account with this Bangkok Bank branch of Thailand. However, the bank usually asks for all the details about your transfer.

    Unofficial yet reliable, fast, and cheaper to send money abraod This is one of the cheapest ways to transfer money from Cambodia to some countries abroad.

    Sending money from Cambodia to Thailand

    Ly Hour Money Exchanger is the best place to send money to Thailand. Their service is fast, reliable and the service fee is reasonable.

    There are many agents operating this money transfer services just around the Olympic market. These shop houses offer the services to market vendors and business people in Phnom Penh. For the amount of under $1000, the agent charges just $3 for the service to send the money to your recipient with or without a bank account. Is it safe and secure? You get a receipt for your transaction. The transfer speed is fast. In less than 10 minutes, your recipient may be able to confirm receiving your payment.

    Sending money from Cambodia to China It’s unbelievable that there is no service charge from money transfer to China from Phnom Penh.

    Good to read:

    • How to Receive and Send Money in Cambodia
    • Best Way To Send Money To Cambodia 2023 – Exiap. https://exiap.com.my/international-money-transfers/send-money-to-cambodia.
    • A fast, easy way to send money to Cambodia – Xoom. https://www.xoom.com/cambodia/send-money.
    • Send Money To Cambodia | Your Quickest Choices | MoneyTransfers.com. https://moneytransfers.com/send-money/cambodia.
    • Send money to Cambodia | WorldRemit. https://www.worldremit.com/en/cambodia.
    • Sending money to Cambodia and mainly to ABA?
      The thread on Reddit discusses fees associated with different money transfer services to Cambodia. Wise, Remitly, and MoneyGram are all mentioned as options. Some users recommend using a debit card to transfer money to Wing or Emoney for lower fees.