Phnom Penh - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Phnom Penh just lost 10% COLA, and it's considered comparable to DC. However, there are some still very pricey items that are more expensive than in the US, especially quality dairy products and processed meats (lunch meats, bacon), hummus. Seasonal and local/regional produce is plentiful and affordable, just not what you might be used to (great tropical fruit, but expensive grapes and strawberries). You can find almost everything and US/European products at SuperDuper and other specialty stores, even refried beans, tortillas, and salsa: you'll just have to pay a bit more for it. - May 2024
You can find many that are sold in America here. The grocery store Super Duper tends to stock (for a marked up price) many items you might miss from home if you're particular about brands. If you're not particular about brands, you'll be able to find almost anything at one of the many grocery or specialty stores here. - Jul 2021
Groceries and other supplies are expensive. You can get almost anything if you’re willing to shop around and be flexible with brands. - Nov 2020
There are several Western-style supermarkets which sell almost anything you could want, as long as you aren't especially picky about brands and don't mind paying a bit of a premium. French, Thai, and Vietnamese brands predominate but you can sometimes encounter lovely surprises like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Some products are consistently available but a few are random in their appearances. It can be a little frustrating to be unable to read labels. I imagine it's even more so for someone with dietary restrictions. The Khmer markets are good for produce and are much cheaper. A single person could expect to spend $50/week on groceries if you shop at the local markets as much as possible. - May 2017
You can get anything you need or want in Phnom Penh though you may not find it all in one place. Of course you may not find exact brands. Imported items like berries are expensive but overall things are moderately priced. shopping in local markets for local fruits and vegetables is very cheap. There are decent grocery stores in addition to many markets and now big malls. - Oct 2016
Can buy things but not always in stock. Pencil carries a good variety of Thai or Vietnamese-made household stuff. AEON Mall has a grocery store with Japanese products. Thai Hout carries a lot of French household products and food. - May 2015
If you shop local, it will be cheap. If you shop for Western products, it will probably be more expensive and you may have to drive to several stores to find what you're looking for. If you have special products/foods you use/eat, bring them. I had a housekeeper who did our shopping for basic groceries and cleaning supplies, which made life easier and cheaper for me. - Feb 2015
You can get anything here, for a price. Groceries (especially fresh fruit) that has to be shipped here can be very high priced -- but it is available. It's better to eat fruit that is in season here as it is very cheap and delicious. Same goes for household supplies, use the local brands and it won't cost much, but can be cheaply made too. If you are not wanting to switch brands then I would suggest either shipping consumables in advance or preparing to spend a lot of money. - Aug 2013
Very cheap compared to the west, though prices can be high if you go only for stuff imported from outside the region. There are plenty of good grocery stores, foreign bakeries, foreign butchers, wine shops, liquor stores, and other specialty shops. You can find almost anything, though you often have to make more than one stop while you're shopping. - Jan 2012
There are U.S. products but it's very limited and pretty expensive. You will most likely have to go to 2 or 3 different places to complete your grocery shopping. We ordered alot through amazon. - Aug 2011
There are three supermarkets in town, it takes a few hours to find everything one needs, lots of driving around. Local markets sell fresh fish and vegetable. - Aug 2011
I don't know how much groceries cost, my maid did most of my shopping. But, if you choose to shop at the markets for foreigners you will pay more than you would in the States - still the prices aren't totally outrageous. - Oct 2010
Local and regional products are cheap and available.There are lots of imports from Europe and U.S. but they are more expensive. Wine and booze is very cheap. - Feb 2008
