Guide to electronics shopping in Cambodia
The latest mobile phones can be found here
Although the demand for electronics in Cambodia is quite small, those who know where to look will be able to find what they need without too much trouble. Market stalls in tourist areas of the country such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh often stock essential electronics appliances such as plug adaptors and camera cables, and those who are able to drive a hard bargain will be able to pick up these items for next to nothing.
Some stalls also sell products that have been relinquished by travellers who need to make a little extra cash to continue their journey, and it is often possible to find items such as second hand cameras, mobile phones, MP3 players and a whole host of other gadgets and gizmos here.
Recommended electronics shopping in Cambodia
Travellers to the small city of Battambang should pay a visit to the well-stocked Eang Yanith Electronics Shop, which can be found in the Central Market of town and boasts an array of different gadgets.
This shop features friendly staff, who are well versed on the various features of their products and are able to assist shoppers in selling the best item to suit their needs. Eang Yanith Electronics Shop stocks everything from televisions to mobile phone and cameras and many of the products here are significantly cheaper than the West.
Many of Cambodia’s leading shopping centres feature one or two shops that specialise in electronics, and these are good place to pick up a bargain or two while retreating from the heat. Shopping centres have sprung up in most of Cambodia’s cities in recent years.
Travel tips
Cheap copies of famous electronics brands such as Sony and Nokia can often be found on the market stalls of big cities. Unlike their namesakes, however, these copies are often substandard and travellers should examine all electronic products carefully before purchasing. Those who are planning to shell out big bucks for top of the range electronics should take extra care when travelling back to their hotel or guesthouse and try to ensure that they are not followed.
Located in the city of Phnom Penh, the Sorya Shopping Centre is the country’s largest modern shopping complex. A couple of electronics shops can be found on the third floor of the Sorya Shopping Centre and the staff here speak fairly good English. A wide range of products can be found in these electronics shops, including cameras, laptops and mobile phones.
Products often take several years to make it to Cambodia and travellers who are looking for the latest phone or laptop will probably be out of luck. However, the range available will pleasantly surprise those who are happy to settle for older models of brand names.
There are also a few stalls selling electronics the Old Market area of Siem Reap, while a brand new shopping centre is soon to be completed in Sihanoukville and is expected to feature a couple of electronics shops.
Most shopping centres and markets in tourist areas of Cambodia feature stalls and shops stocked with cheap copies of CDs and DVDs. While the quality of these is quite high, many DVDs come complete with subtitles written in strange approximations of English. The quality of discs varies widely, and it is best to check disks before purchasing if possible.
Visitors in search of a bargain on electronics will find a large selection of products available in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, and both of these countries feature special electronics shopping centres to browse for products in.
