Cambodia

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Low

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (Phnom Penh City Bus, Capitol Tours, Giant Ibis, relatively safe)

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The country's landscape is characterized by a central plain that is surrounded by low mountains and upland areas. The mighty Mekong River, which is one of the world's major rivers, runs through the country and is a key source of fish and irrigation. Cambodia's climate is tropical with a monsoon season, leading to significant rainfall from May to November, and a dry season from December to April. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, which is the political, economic, and cultural center of Cambodia. The city is known for its historical architecture, vibrant markets, and the bustling riverside area. The country has a rich and complex history, with the Angkor period being the most notable era when the Khmer Empire built the famous temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Cambodia. Cambodia has a population that is predominantly rural, with agriculture being a significant part of the economy, particularly rice cultivation. The country has made strides in economic development in recent years, with tourism, textiles, and agriculture driving growth. However, it still faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, and political instability. The culture of Cambodia is deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority of the population. The country is known for its traditional dance, music, and arts, including silk weaving and stone carving. The Khmer language is the official language, and the Cambodian Riel is the currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. Despite its tumultuous history, including the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, Cambodia is a country with a resilient spirit and a growing appeal to travelers seeking to experience its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

B

Expat Lifestyle

B

Private Schools

B

Family Friendly

B

Single Friendly

B-

Senior Friendly

C+

Crime

B-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B

Weather

C

Healthcare

B+

Cost of Living

B-

Recreation

B+

Nightlife

B

Restaurants

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Cambodia is generally low compared to many Western countries. Essentials such as food, housing, and transportation are relatively affordable, making it a popular destination for expatriates and retirees.

Weather

Cambodia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. There are two main seasons: the rainy season from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. The rainy season is characterized by short, heavy downpours often in the afternoon, while the dry season is marked by higher temperatures and humidity.

Educational System Cambodia

The educational system in Cambodia has been undergoing reforms to improve its quality and accessibility. Education is compulsory for nine years, which includes six years of primary education (grade 1 to 6) and three years of lower secondary education (grade 7 to 9). Children typically start school at the age of six. After completing lower secondary school, students can choose to continue to upper secondary education (grade 10 to 12) or enroll in vocational training programs. The school year in Cambodia runs from November to August and is divided into two semesters. The curriculum includes Khmer language, mathematics, science, social science, physical education, arts, and foreign languages, with English being increasingly emphasized. Public schools in Cambodia are free, but there are challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and the need for additional support for students to succeed. Private and international schools are also available, offering different curricula and languages of instruction, which may be more suitable for expatriate families. These schools often provide higher quality education but come with higher tuition fees. The government has been working to improve the quality of education by training teachers, updating curricula, and building more schools, especially in rural areas

"I would like to move to Phenom Phen to teach english to pay most or part of my expenses. I have visited the city and some rural areas and found it fascinating and the people lovely." - minmiller108

Connect with Others on the Cambodia Community

Best Places to Live in Cambodia

Discover the top-ranked towns in Cambodia. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

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Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

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Connect with Our Partners

Connect with our trusted local partners in Cambodia and around the world through our Partner Connect tool. From moving companies to expat health insurance and more, our partners are here to help.

"I would like to move to Phenom Phen to teach english to pay most or part of my expenses. I have visited the city and some rural areas and found it fascinating and the people lovely." - minmiller108

Connect with Others on the Cambodia Community

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Ordinary Visa (E class)

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Ordinary Visa (E class), which allows them to live in Cambodia for an initial 30 days before requiring extension

Obtaining a residency visa in Cambodia is a process that can be straightforward if the applicant is well-prepared with the necessary documents and understands the requirements. The most common type of visa for expats seeking long-term residency is the Ordinary Visa, also known as the E class visa. Upon arrival in Cambodia, expats can apply for an E class visa directly at the airport or at any other entry point. This visa is initially valid for 30 days and can be extended within the country. To extend the Ordinary Visa, expats must choose from one of the following options: EB Visa for business and employment, EG Visa for those seeking employment or who are in between jobs, ER Visa for retirees, and ES Visa for students. The extension process requires expats to present relevant documentation, such as a letter of employment for the EB Visa or proof of retirement income for the ER Visa. The extensions can be for one, three, six, or twelve months; however, only the six and twelve-month extensions allow for multiple entries. The difficulty of the process largely depends on the type of visa extension an expat applies for. For example, the EB Visa requires a work permit, which involves additional paperwork and a separate application process. On the other hand, the ER Visa for retirees may be less complicated, provided that the applicant can demonstrate sufficient funds or a pension. It is important to note that while the process is manageable, it often requires the assistance of a local agent or agency that specializes in visa services, as they can help navigate the nuances of the Cambodian immigration system. Fees for these services and the visa extensions themselves vary, and it is advisable to budget for these costs. Overall, while there may be some bureaucratic hurdles and the need for proper documentation, the process of obtaining a residency visa in Cambodia is considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats who are prepared and seek local assistance when necessary can successfully obtain residency in Cambodia.

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Educational System in Cambodia

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Guide to Residency in Cambodia

Expats Talk about Moving to Cambodia

Living in Cambodia

Movies Set: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Killing Fields, City of Ghosts

Popular Foods: Cambodian cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Rice is a staple, often served with fish, which is abundant from the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. Amok, a coconut milk curry, is a national dish typically made with fish or chicken and steamed in banana leaves. Another favorite is Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice and a fried egg on top. For dessert, sticky rice with mango is a popular choice.

Unusual Eats: Fried tarantulas and red tree ants with beef and holy basil are among the unusual foods enjoyed by locals. The former is a regional delicacy in Skuon, while the latter is a unique blend of savory and spicy flavors that can be surprising to the uninitiated.

Popular Sports: football (soccer), volleyball, traditional boat racing

Popular Teams: Phnom Penh Crown FC (football), Boeung Ket Angkor FC (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When visiting Cambodia, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Visitors should also be aware that the head is considered the highest part of the body, so touching someone's head can be seen as disrespectful. Pointing with one's feet or showing the soles of the feet is also considered rude.

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Culture Shock in Cambodia

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"How do Egyptians get a business visa? I am a America and I had no problems; however 2 of my friends want to come here and they've been told it's early impossible to get a business visa without an employment invitation. They have Bachelors degrees; one is a chef, the other a accountant Thanks for your help!" - habibah

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Healthcare in Cambodia

The healthcare system in Cambodia is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is under-resourced and faces challenges such as a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and modern equipment. Public hospitals and clinics are available but often lack the quality of care found in private institutions. Private healthcare in Cambodia offers higher standards of care with better facilities and more English-speaking staff, but it is more expensive. The cost of healthcare varies widely; public healthcare is often very affordable but may not meet the needs of more serious medical conditions, while private healthcare can be costly. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but many opt for private healthcare or travel to neighboring countries for more complex health issues. Health insurance is highly recommended for expats and digital nomads to cover the costs of private care or medical evacuation.

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