I get really tired of people who have never been to Cambodia, warning people that it's dangerous or pointing out that the Prime Minister is a former Khmer Rouge. Lots of former KR around and the country has moved on. Cambodia is poised to replace Thailand as a choice retirement destination. Easy visa terms and low rental costs.
Spent 3 months in Phnom Penh. It came at a higher cost than Siem Reap. And the city hustle wears off quickly. Been in Siem Reap for several months now and we’re very pleased. After paying $1600 a month for an unfurnished 1 bedroom condo back in the US, we now enjoy a beautiful fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment with free WiFi, cold AC, swimming pool, 24/7 security and private parking for $400 usd a month. We pay for electricity and a flat $5 per month for unlimited water use. Siem Reap, the Khmer people and it’s laid back feel has been wonderful 🌺 Traveling everywhere on scooters is an adventure in itself. You can rent them for about $30 a month. But limited to riding within the city limits only. So we bought used scooters that take us to beautiful places that tourists may never experience.
Just found your channel and subbed to it. I lived in Chiang Mai for 18 months, my budget / expenses were between $800 - 1200 per month. Back in the US for a while but plan on coming to Cambodia in June to see how it is there. Thailand was an experiment for me, see how well I could adapt to the culture and how cheap I could live. It was a good life lesson and there are many things I miss since being back in the states for only 2 months now. Your channel is good, common sense and logical, IMHO we need more bloggers like you.
The cost of rent is the big saving, about 1/4 of Australian rentals, and nicer apartments. The fresh fruit and vegetable markets are great value, and interesting. Good evaluation of the expat community, I would add a 5th group, those who ran out of money years ago and survive on a few dollars a day.
It's funny how the apartments in Cambodia have this open, well-lit feel that looks so much nicer than any I've lived in in the States yet cost far less. I agree on the 5th group as well.
I land in group 3,but my needs are modest. My interest in relocating is to get away from the western lifestyle. I want to shop at the wet markets and eat street food and cook, some restaurant food, experiencing local living and exploring new places is what interests me. Thanks for the video! Good breakdown.
Thank you! I wonder if I may be between 3 and 4. I'll be getting a couple of guitars because I need to play, as well as a gaming laptop. But probably not much more than that. I know I'll eat cheaply!
The 3rd group & the 4th group combined seems like a good fit for me. Some from each. Hoping I can get by on $1000 - $1300 most months and from others who live there in SR it sounds very doable. My SS is $1500/mo. and I can't find any cheaper more desirable place on earth better than Siem Reap ! Over 55 have it made there compared to about all other countries. Dave says he thinks a fairly comfortable life can be had on about $800. Perhaps the $50/mo. room rent is why ? Frugal living can be done unlike in the US anywhere ! -- Biggest challenge for me will be the heat. Might need some ac to just keep from sweating - I don't need it 'cold' ! A small frugal studio is cheap easy to clean & keep cool. -- Appreciate the explanation. You seem quite comfortable and content with your lifestyle ? A minimalist has a good life in my opinion. Discerning a need from a want is the trick.
If you're going the minimalist route, you can live like a king on $1000+. Dave's right as well. At 55 you can get the ER visa for under $300 for the year, and it's not hard to find apartments around $150-$200. I was quite happy with the place I had for $170 and I'm aiming for about that range when I get back into Siem Reap in May. In the mornings I'd get pork and rice for about $1.50. Lunch and dinner were rarely over $3. I'd go to wet markets and get food to cook at home. Beers are $.50 to $1 in many places. It's a nice life!
@@cambodiyeah1-- Yep - it all sounds ideal for my liking in SR. Thanks for the confirmation ! -- A '''splurge''' every 6 months could easily be done with cheap flights to Bangkok available for fun & some high quality medical care. - ? - I'm even considering buying a 3 wheel Bajaj tuk tuk for personal transportation instead of a scooter. - ? - Looks ideal for exploring the city and the area hauling groceries & 'stuff' + keep you dry when raining & shade from the sun ???
@@frankkluz9787 I'm thinking about a moto, but I'll have to rent one a few times to get used to driving one before I take the plunge and buy one. I'm planning the same thing with travels. I definitely want to go to Osaka and explore all over SE Asia. I just want my home base to be in Siem Reap because I need to rest between travels and can'[t do the digital nomad thing.
Yep it’s hot in all of SE Asia. What helps is understanding the wet and dry seasons. Cambodia and the adjoining countries wet season (monsoon) is from May thru November, hot and humid. Late November thru March is more bearable. We even had some nights that dipped into the upper 60s Fahrenheit. On the flip side are Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The monsoon months are opposite of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. In March we will travel to Malaysia and Indonesia for 6 months and return to Cambodia for 6 months. Then repeat the process annually. Malaysia offers 3 month visa free to US citizens. Indonesia offers visa on arrival with the option to extend up to 6 months.
Seller in Cambodia they sell low price support Cambodian GDP, and they sell high price for foreigners, Example: T-shirt they sell 15$ for foreigners, and they sell 8$ for Cambodia people. if foreigners they got family with Cambodian , or they Can speak Cambodia language , seller in Cambodia they sell simple price for this foreigners the same Cambodia people too.
I run my air con every night but not in the day and only pay $70 per month electricity for a family of 4. And I have an old car which is cheap to run. Annual license fee is $25. Mechanics are cheap too. Get a flat tyre repaired for $5. I still spend $2,000 a month overall on average including fixing stuff and clothing for the family, which is cheap. No rent. Take the occasional trip away, eat out and stay in a hotel a few days, buy the wife some jewelery now and then. It's probably too much but I don't want to eat rice and noodles every day. $24,000 a year is not much for a comfortable lifestyle in my opinion and it's way less than my income. When I go to my own country I can never save. Everything goes on expenses. In Cambodia I save heaps.
$2k per month for 4 people is pretty damn good! Doesn't sound like you're being at all frivolous. I'm glad to know the AC is on $70/mo. I only ran it for maybe an hour per day because I was afraid of running it up too much. I may run it a bit more when I return and pay a little more to be comfortable.
Some time Cambodia people they sell different price to foreigners, mean higher price for foreigners and Cheap price for Cambodian people support GDP. Example: Cocacola they sell 2000 riel for Cambodian , and Cocacola they sell 1$ for foreigners.
Thanks for a really good video, I appreciated the way you presented the information! You mentioned that your budget was $600 to $700. Does that include health insurance? Thank you
My budget will be around $600-$700, however, I'm going to have a nest egg set aside for medical situations because it would cost me more to pay monthly premiums on expat medical insurance than to take care of most issues myself. Plus, doctors in Cambodia don't tend to be on the insurance networks. At my age, insurance is just too expensive.
Good practical information. My budget is £500, a bit under the $600 figure you mentioned for group 4. I lived with this same budget in my 2 previous countries( beginning in 2019) , republic of Georgia and Mexico...from what other bloggers are saying plenty of apartments are available that fit with my budget... hopefully everyone doesn't rush in all at once lol...onwards and upwards to Siem Reap in this spring! Not been to Cambodia since 2001, when PP was all dirt roads and generators and the transport up to Siem reap was the back of a truck..good times.
Hey! We're coming to Cambodia In roughly September this year, being there from two months up to a year, depending on how much we like it. We live in Norway, and that's expensive as ****, if you get my drift. I guess we are not rich, at least in Norwegan standard, but we have approx 2900 dollars a month total. I would put us in the category 3 or 4, though I hope to be in the 4th eventually.. 😅 What is the expensive things there? I really hope we can eat at food stalls in time, but we might have to build up an immune system for it, right? We are so afraid of getting sick 😂🫣 do you have any tips on how we go about that? And how long did it take you to be able to live with the heat? Thanx for the videos 🙏 find them very helpful!
The most expensive things I can think of are things that have to be imported. I couldn't really make Mexican food because one can of refried beans was about $4-$5 when it's less than $1 in the States. Anything having to do with automobiles would be expensive and everyone except the very rich just takes Grab or PassApp. Perhaps electricity is the most expensive thing. 25 cents per kw/h. As far as street food goes, you may have a little stomach upset at first, but as long as you stick to street food that other people are eating at, you'll be fine. Street food is safer than restaurant food because the ingredients are fresh every day and not stored past when they're good. Just make sure to use straws in canned drinks and don't drink directly from the opening. The heat is easy for me, but the humidity is what got to me. Take things slowly and wear the lightest fabrics you can.
There aren't any, really. I think they expect it a little from foreigners. When I told the landlord I had to return to America he said he'd talk to his wife to see how much of the deposit he could get back for me and I told him to just keep it since I was breaking the lease.
If we could travel, eat, or at least sleep like locals, we could stretch our mighty dollar much further. Be mindful and be kind whenever possible. No matter where we live, there are always pros and cons. Sharing is caring. Peace out from a genocide survivor under Pol Pot killing machine!
Thank you! They vary quite a bit. You can get used ones for as low as $500 or even cheaper but you'll want to do a lot of research and/or have a local friend be there with you to help out. New ones are much more expensive and can be up in the thousands but it's a lot easier.
just subscribed you and good luck with your blog, can i get mosquito repellent plug in liquid vaporiser also can you please recommend any other wet market not far from siem reap city? coming to siem in january
There are several in Siem Reap. The largest is Phsar Leu, and there are several other good ones: Phsar Samaki, Phsar Nhae, Phsar Po Leangka, Phsar Krous, Phsar Kraom, and others. Check Google Maps for locations.
I just moved in Phnom Penh for a few days, haven't yet go around, in Siem Reap when I go to the wet market, they even charge me higher than Angkor Market, actually some groceries are cheaper than them can deliver home😂😂😂😂
You can get meds without a prescription and there are a couple of clinics and hospitals for minor things, checkups, bloodwork, etc. However, I'd go to Bangkok for anything truly serious.
@@memories511 Many expats get expat medical insurance. It should cover being airlifted to Bangkok. However, there are clinics and hospitals that can handle broken bones and the like. You'd only have to go to Bangkok for something like cancer or major surgery or a very serious injury.
Siem Reap is like disney land ) that many foreigners there, i felt like i was back in the west, Couldn't live there, but it is cheaper than Phnom Penn in both housing and food.
I haven't been to Florida, however, I have lived in Hawaii, and the heat and humidity are both much more in Cambodia. Many expats avoid being out too much in the afternoon.
Hi...I just subscribed. I am probably in group 3. This is doable on $1500 USD a month without much problem?? I am fine with local food and wet markets, but...I do like some a/c at night for sleeping.
I get really tired of people who have never been to Cambodia, warning people that it's dangerous or pointing out that the Prime Minister is a former Khmer Rouge. Lots of former KR around and the country has moved on. Cambodia is poised to replace Thailand as a choice retirement destination. Easy visa terms and low rental costs.
I feel the same way. I also tend to leave politics out of my videos so you won't have to worry about that from me. :)
It is se Asia’s new Chiangmai in the making 👍🏻
Spent 3 months in Phnom Penh. It came at a higher cost than Siem Reap. And the city hustle wears off quickly.
Been in Siem Reap for several months now and we’re very pleased.
After paying $1600 a month for an unfurnished 1 bedroom condo back in the US, we now enjoy a beautiful fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment with free WiFi, cold AC, swimming pool, 24/7 security and private parking for $400 usd a month. We pay for electricity and a flat $5 per month for unlimited water use.
Siem Reap, the Khmer people and it’s laid back feel has been wonderful 🌺
Traveling everywhere on scooters is an adventure in itself. You can rent them for about $30 a month. But limited to riding within the city limits only. So we bought used scooters that take us to beautiful places that tourists may never experience.
Just found your channel and subbed to it. I lived in Chiang Mai for 18 months, my budget / expenses were between $800 - 1200 per month. Back in the US for a while but plan on coming to Cambodia in June to see how it is there. Thailand was an experiment for me, see how well I could adapt to the culture and how cheap I could live. It was a good life lesson and there are many things I miss since being back in the states for only 2 months now. Your channel is good, common sense and logical, IMHO we need more bloggers like you.
That's really good to hear, thank you! Yeah, check out Cambodia. It really grows on you.
Good video! TY!
Thank you!
This video actually doesn't suck.. Amazing that someone is honest.
Thank you!
The cost of rent is the big saving, about 1/4 of Australian rentals, and nicer apartments. The fresh fruit and vegetable markets are great value, and interesting.
Good evaluation of the expat community, I would add a 5th group, those who ran out of money years ago and survive on a few dollars a day.
It's funny how the apartments in Cambodia have this open, well-lit feel that looks so much nicer than any I've lived in in the States yet cost far less. I agree on the 5th group as well.
I land in group 3,but my needs are modest. My interest in relocating is to get away from the western lifestyle. I want to shop at the wet markets and eat street food and cook, some restaurant food, experiencing local living and exploring new places is what interests me. Thanks for the video! Good breakdown.
Thank you! I wonder if I may be between 3 and 4. I'll be getting a couple of guitars because I need to play, as well as a gaming laptop. But probably not much more than that. I know I'll eat cheaply!
@@billblackstarr5935 I have camera equipment and a laptop, some programs for the photos and that should do it for me.
Great information, and you are looking more lively. Which is great!
Thanks so much!
Thanks man : )
The 3rd group & the 4th group combined seems like a good fit for me. Some from each. Hoping I can get by on $1000 - $1300 most months and from others who live there in SR it sounds very doable. My SS is $1500/mo. and I can't find any cheaper more desirable place on earth better than Siem Reap ! Over 55 have it made there compared to about all other countries. Dave says he thinks a fairly comfortable life can be had on about $800. Perhaps the $50/mo. room rent is why ? Frugal living can be done unlike in the US anywhere ! -- Biggest challenge for me will be the heat. Might need some ac to just keep from sweating - I don't need it 'cold' ! A small frugal studio is cheap easy to clean & keep cool. -- Appreciate the explanation. You seem quite comfortable and content with your lifestyle ? A minimalist has a good life in my opinion. Discerning a need from a want is the trick.
If you're going the minimalist route, you can live like a king on $1000+. Dave's right as well. At 55 you can get the ER visa for under $300 for the year, and it's not hard to find apartments around $150-$200. I was quite happy with the place I had for $170 and I'm aiming for about that range when I get back into Siem Reap in May. In the mornings I'd get pork and rice for about $1.50. Lunch and dinner were rarely over $3. I'd go to wet markets and get food to cook at home. Beers are $.50 to $1 in many places. It's a nice life!
@@cambodiyeah1-- Yep - it all sounds ideal for my liking in SR. Thanks for the confirmation ! -- A '''splurge''' every 6 months could easily be done with cheap flights to Bangkok available for fun & some high quality medical care. - ? - I'm even considering buying a 3 wheel Bajaj tuk tuk for personal transportation instead of a scooter. - ? - Looks ideal for exploring the city and the area hauling groceries & 'stuff' + keep you dry when raining & shade from the sun ???
@@frankkluz9787 I'm thinking about a moto, but I'll have to rent one a few times to get used to driving one before I take the plunge and buy one. I'm planning the same thing with travels. I definitely want to go to Osaka and explore all over SE Asia. I just want my home base to be in Siem Reap because I need to rest between travels and can'[t do the digital nomad thing.
Yep it’s hot in all of SE Asia.
What helps is understanding the wet and dry seasons.
Cambodia and the adjoining countries wet season (monsoon) is from May thru November, hot and humid.
Late November thru March is more bearable. We even had some nights that dipped into the upper 60s Fahrenheit.
On the flip side are Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The monsoon months are opposite of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
In March we will travel to Malaysia and Indonesia for 6 months and return to Cambodia for 6 months.
Then repeat the process annually.
Malaysia offers 3 month visa free to US citizens.
Indonesia offers visa on arrival with the option to extend up to 6 months.
Seller in Cambodia they sell low price support Cambodian GDP, and they sell high price for foreigners, Example: T-shirt they sell 15$ for foreigners, and they sell 8$ for Cambodia people. if foreigners they got family with Cambodian , or they Can speak Cambodia language , seller in Cambodia they sell simple price for this foreigners the same Cambodia people too.
I run my air con every night but not in the day and only pay $70 per month electricity for a family of 4. And I have an old car which is cheap to run. Annual license fee is $25. Mechanics are cheap too. Get a flat tyre repaired for $5. I still spend $2,000 a month overall on average including fixing stuff and clothing for the family, which is cheap. No rent. Take the occasional trip away, eat out and stay in a hotel a few days, buy the wife some jewelery now and then. It's probably too much but I don't want to eat rice and noodles every day. $24,000 a year is not much for a comfortable lifestyle in my opinion and it's way less than my income. When I go to my own country I can never save. Everything goes on expenses. In Cambodia I save heaps.
$2k per month for 4 people is pretty damn good! Doesn't sound like you're being at all frivolous. I'm glad to know the AC is on $70/mo. I only ran it for maybe an hour per day because I was afraid of running it up too much. I may run it a bit more when I return and pay a little more to be comfortable.
Some time Cambodia people they sell different price to foreigners, mean higher price for foreigners and Cheap price for Cambodian people support GDP. Example: Cocacola they sell 2000 riel for Cambodian , and Cocacola they sell 1$ for foreigners.
I think 95% of the sellers now do not do it like that anymore.
You save because Apartment is very cheap compared to USA. Thus, it will be cheap..,
Thanks for a really good video, I appreciated the way you presented the information! You mentioned that your budget was $600 to $700. Does that include health insurance? Thank you
My budget will be around $600-$700, however, I'm going to have a nest egg set aside for medical situations because it would cost me more to pay monthly premiums on expat medical insurance than to take care of most issues myself. Plus, doctors in Cambodia don't tend to be on the insurance networks. At my age, insurance is just too expensive.
Good practical information. My budget is £500, a bit under the $600 figure you mentioned for group 4.
I lived with this same budget in my 2 previous countries( beginning in 2019) , republic of Georgia and Mexico...from what other bloggers are saying plenty of apartments are available that fit with my budget... hopefully everyone doesn't rush in all at once lol...onwards and upwards to Siem Reap in this spring! Not been to Cambodia since 2001, when PP was all dirt roads and generators and the transport up to Siem reap was the back of a truck..good times.
How was Georgia? I considered it for a moment due to the year long digital nomad visa, but Cambodia's cheaper.
So much I could say..! But I lost my long reply..Digital nomad visa for Georgia isn't needed, many many countries get a year on entry.
Hi which country did you like best? Georgia Mexico or cambodia?
@@rgasta7765 I've never been to Georgia, or lived in Mexico, but for visiting I think I Iiked Japan the best and for living, Cambodia.
@@cambodiyeah1 JP expensive though
You gentlemen hit it on the spot. I will retire in Cambodia, too.
I am also from the States. It is very expensive now a day. $2000 for a 1 br apt
I like the fourth group
Hey! We're coming to Cambodia In roughly September this year, being there from two months up to a year, depending on how much we like it. We live in Norway, and that's expensive as ****, if you get my drift. I guess we are not rich, at least in Norwegan standard, but we have approx 2900 dollars a month total. I would put us in the category 3 or 4, though I hope to be in the 4th eventually.. 😅
What is the expensive things there? I really hope we can eat at food stalls in time, but we might have to build up an immune system for it, right? We are so afraid of getting sick 😂🫣 do you have any tips on how we go about that? And how long did it take you to be able to live with the heat? Thanx for the videos 🙏 find them very helpful!
The most expensive things I can think of are things that have to be imported. I couldn't really make Mexican food because one can of refried beans was about $4-$5 when it's less than $1 in the States. Anything having to do with automobiles would be expensive and everyone except the very rich just takes Grab or PassApp. Perhaps electricity is the most expensive thing. 25 cents per kw/h.
As far as street food goes, you may have a little stomach upset at first, but as long as you stick to street food that other people are eating at, you'll be fine. Street food is safer than restaurant food because the ingredients are fresh every day and not stored past when they're good. Just make sure to use straws in canned drinks and don't drink directly from the opening.
The heat is easy for me, but the humidity is what got to me. Take things slowly and wear the lightest fabrics you can.
I just found your channel and subscribed. I live in Siem Reap and I agree with your video.
Thanks! I hope it's helpful!
What repercussions were there when you canceled your apartment lease in Cambodia, before your lease was up?
There aren't any, really. I think they expect it a little from foreigners. When I told the landlord I had to return to America he said he'd talk to his wife to see how much of the deposit he could get back for me and I told him to just keep it since I was breaking the lease.
If we could travel, eat, or at least sleep like locals, we could stretch our mighty dollar much further. Be mindful and be kind whenever possible. No matter where we live, there are always pros and cons. Sharing is caring. Peace out from a genocide survivor under Pol Pot killing machine!
I'm glad you survived, and very sorry you had to endure those horrors. And I agree, kindness is the way!
I pay $245 in Saigon Vietnam for a 1 large bedroom near the center of town. Really cheap
👍good video. Where in Cambodia do you live?
Currently I'm back in Tucson, AZ, but I'll be returning to Siem Reap in May.
@@cambodiyeah1 👍
So $2500USD per month would be considered a high end luxury lifestyle?.
Very much so.
How much costs scooter or motorbike love your videos very informative 👍
Thank you! They vary quite a bit. You can get used ones for as low as $500 or even cheaper but you'll want to do a lot of research and/or have a local friend be there with you to help out. New ones are much more expensive and can be up in the thousands but it's a lot easier.
just subscribed you and good luck with your blog, can i get mosquito repellent plug in liquid vaporiser also can you please recommend any other wet market not far from siem reap city? coming to siem in january
There are several in Siem Reap. The largest is Phsar Leu, and there are several other good ones: Phsar Samaki, Phsar Nhae, Phsar Po Leangka, Phsar Krous, Phsar Kraom, and others. Check Google Maps for locations.
thank you,which part is phsar deum kralanh?@@cambodiyeah1
There is an insect repellent spray that I use every day (orange bottle) , you can find it at local marts or 7-Eleven in Cambodia (price around 5 USD)
I just moved in Phnom Penh for a few days, haven't yet go around, in Siem Reap when I go to the wet market, they even charge me higher than Angkor Market, actually some groceries are cheaper than them can deliver home😂😂😂😂
How about medical. How are the hospitals, Dr's ??? Can you use your own insurance . Would love to know more about this subject. Thanks
You can get meds without a prescription and there are a couple of clinics and hospitals for minor things, checkups, bloodwork, etc. However, I'd go to Bangkok for anything truly serious.
@@cambodiyeah1 WOW what if you have an emergency ? That does not sound good. Hmmmm. Thank you for your reply.
@@memories511 Many expats get expat medical insurance. It should cover being airlifted to Bangkok. However, there are clinics and hospitals that can handle broken bones and the like. You'd only have to go to Bangkok for something like cancer or major surgery or a very serious injury.
@@cambodiyeah1 Thank you so much.
I’m with your level
So glad you're going back! I'll be there in Siem Reap by October of next year. I'll buy you a beer if that's where you end up!
Yup, SIem Reap is where I'll be! Glad to have a pint!
Siem Reap is like disney land ) that many foreigners there, i felt like i was back in the west, Couldn't live there, but it is cheaper than Phnom Penn in both housing and food.
On many of these videos you hear how cheap Cambodia is. We go there expecting everything to be so cheap. Not fair to the Cambodians. I’ve been twice
Nice
Living the Khmer style is cheaper.
Would you say the heat / humidity combination in Cambodia is worse than Florida USA? If so, how? Thanks!! Hi from Minnesota. ❤❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I haven't been to Florida, however, I have lived in Hawaii, and the heat and humidity are both much more in Cambodia. Many expats avoid being out too much in the afternoon.
@@cambodiyeah1 WOW. YIKES.
Hi...I just subscribed. I am probably in group 3. This is doable on $1500 USD a month without much problem?? I am fine with local food and wet markets, but...I do like some a/c at night for sleeping.
$1500 will be more than enough!
I get cheap meds in Oz.
Hi sir your video no seo