Phnom Penh is yet another great travel bargain in Southeast Asia. Cambodia has its own currency – the Riel – but all ATMs dispense US dollars and nearly everything is priced in USDs, so you are only likely to deal with riels as small change in place of coins. Generally this city is more expensive than Vietnam, and similar to Thailand, but for most Westerners everything will seem cheap anyway.
Hotels in Phnom Penh can be incredibly cheap, though spending just a bit more money will get you a nicer place that is likely to be worthwhile. High end hotels aren’t much cheaper than they are elsewhere, but mid range places can have great quality and be good bargains.
At most restaurants you’ll see an emphasis on Western food, which is often quite good compared to elsewhere in SE Asia, but local dishes are also on most menus and are usually even better bargains. Draft beer, specifically Angkok Beer, is cheap and cold all over, and often on a happy hour pricing scheme. Bottled beer and hard alcohol aren’t quite as cheap.
Unless you want to hit the firing range near the Killing Fields, all the attractions in Phnom Penh are quite cheap as well, and many are free.
