Phnom Penh, Cambodia

• Phnom Penh sits where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. You'll see French colonial buildings throughout the city center. The Riverside pulls in tourists during the day but empties out at night. BKK1 is where expats live and where you'll find most international restaurants and cafes.
• People eat alone all the time here. Cafes are full of laptop workers, and restaurants don't make a fuss about single diners. Most people in BKK1 and tourist areas speak English. Other neighborhoods require more gesturing or basic Khmer.
• The main problem is motorbike bag snatching, especially along the Riverside and near markets. Don't hold your phone while walking near the street. Wear your bag across your body on the side away from traffic. Tourist police speak limited English (023-726158).
• PassApp and Grab work well for tuk-tuks and taxis - expect $1-2 for most central rides. PassApp has more drivers and slightly better prices. BKK1 and Tonle Bassac have decent street lighting and feel okay to walk at night. Riverside doesn't - take a tuk-tuk after dark.

Khmer is the local language. BKK1, Riverside, and tourist areas have good English coverage - hotels and upscale restaurants all have English speakers. Tourist police speak limited English. Emergency services (117, 119) might have some English operators. Cafes and restaurants in expat areas speak English.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples, Royal Palace, and the Killing Fields. In BKK1 and Riverside, dress codes are relaxed, though very short shorts and crop tops still get looks.
• The traditional greeting (Sampeah) involves pressing palms together and bowing slightly. Don't touch people's heads. Don't point your feet at people or Buddha images.
• Tourist areas and BKK1 restaurants have English speakers. Elsewhere, learn 'suostei' (hello), 'aw kohn' (thank you), and 'som toh' (sorry). Eating alone is normal here.
• Everything runs on US dollars and Riel. Prices get quoted in dollars, change comes back in Riel. Use ATMs inside bank branches - the ones on Riverside have higher scam rates. Cover your PIN.

• Use PassApp or Grab for tuk-tuks and taxis. Central rides cost $1-2. PassApp has more drivers and lower prices, but Grab's interface might feel more familiar. Both take cash or card.
• Street tuk-tuks will overcharge you. Apps are easier. Don't leave bags or phones visible in open tuk-tuks - motorbike thieves grab them while you're moving.
• BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and Russian Market area are walkable during the day. Stay on the side away from traffic to avoid drive-by phone snatching. After 10pm, just take a tuk-tuk.
• Don't rent a motorbike unless you're comfortable with chaotic traffic. There are scams where rental bikes get 'stolen' and you're charged thousands for replacement.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Phnom Penh with local guides and curated experiences.