Electricity in Cambodia: A Real Budget Consideration

If you decide to settle in Cambodia for the medium or long term, know that electricity comes at a cost—and it's not negligible. The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) typically ranges between 750 and 850 riels, though some landlords may inflate it to 1,000 riels, equivalent to about 25 cents USD per kWh, to take a margin. If this is the case, don't hesitate to negotiate with them. There's always room for arrangement! Such tariffs should be understood in relation to the population's modest average income. Needless to say, the average Khmer household doesn't use air conditioning at home!

Voltage, Outlets, and Adapters

Cambodia operates at 220 volts/50 Hz, the same as France. Outlets are also identical, though some hotels are equipped with Type G (British) plugs. If you need to purchase one or more adapters, you can easily find them in shops or at local markets.

An Unreliable Service

Despite a 75% improvement in electricity production in Cambodia over recent years, power outages remain frequent, especially during periods of intense heat. To mitigate this, most hotels, restaurants, and some apartment buildings are equipped with backup generators. Outages can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. We recommend carrying a flashlight with you in case you find yourself in the dark at night.