If you’ve ever tried to send or receive mail in Phnom Penh, you’ve likely encountered the infamous Phnom Penh postcode 12000. This seemingly all-encompassing number is widely used, yet few people actually know how Cambodia’s postcode system works—or if it even really works at all.
What is Phnom Penh Postcode 12000?
Technically, Cambodia has a detailed postal system, and Phnom Penh has designated postcodes for each of its districts (khans) and communes (sangkats). However, in practice, 12000 has become the go-to postcode for the entire capital. Need to fill in a form? 12000. Ordering something online? 12000. Don’t know your real postcode? 12000.
While 12000 is officially the postcode of the Phnom Penh General Post Office, it has, for all intents and purposes, become the default city-wide postal code. The reason? It’s easy, universally recognized, and avoids the headache of navigating Cambodia’s inconsistent addressing system.
How Postcodes Work in Phnom Penh (Or Don’t)
Unlike some countries where postal codes help pinpoint exact locations, Cambodia’s system is a bit more, let’s say, relaxed. Officially, every khan and sangkat in Phnom Penh has its own postcode. For example:
- Khan Chamkar Mon:
- Boeung Keng Kang 1 – 120102
- Boeung Keng Kang 2 – 120103
- Boeung Keng Kang 3 – 120104
- Khan Daun Penh (Central Phnom Penh):
- Phsar Thmei 1 – 12201
- Phsar Thmei 2 – 12202
- Phsar Thmei 3 – 12203
These codes do exist, but here’s the catch—almost no one uses them. Businesses, residents, and even government offices will often just slap 12000 onto an address and call it a day. This isn’t helped by the fact that many streets in Phnom Penh have multiple names, or that street numbers can change without much notice.
How Postcodes Work in Other Cambodian Cities
The postcode situation doesn’t improve much outside Phnom Penh. Other major cities like Siem Reap (17100) and Sihanoukville (18000) also have their own designated codes, but much like in the capital, people tend to default to these general city-wide postcodes rather than specific district codes.
Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, technically has multiple postcodes for its different communes, yet 17100 is the one you’ll see most often. The same goes for Sihanoukville’s 18000, which covers everything from the beaches to the port. Even Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, has an official system, but in practice, 20000 is the most commonly used number.
Photo: Loma Technology
Why Does This Matter?
For locals, the postcode system is mostly an afterthought. However, for businesses, expats, and anyone trying to receive international mail, knowing how postcodes work (or don’t work) can be frustrating. Many online forms demand a postcode, and 12000 has become the default answer simply because it’s the most widely recognized.
If you’re sending mail within Cambodia, the postal service usually relies more on landmarks and detailed address descriptions rather than postcodes. But when dealing with international shipping, using the correct postcode can make a difference—though in Phnom Penh, you’re probably safe just sticking with 12000.
So, next time you’re struggling to find the right postcode in Phnom Penh, just remember—when in doubt, 12000 will do just fine.