Moving to Cambodia

Moving to Cambodia is an exciting adventure that opens up new horizons and opportunities. Known for its beautiful nature, unique culture and friendly people, this country is becoming increasingly popular with those looking for not only an affordable place to live, but also a unique lifestyle.
The cost of living in Cambodia is relatively low, making it an attractive choice for those looking to save money or simply enjoy moderate costs. With a variety of accommodation options ranging from affordable apartments to luxurious villas, lifestyles can be tailored to suit individual preferences.
A change of scenery and settling into Cambodia's warm atmosphere can open up new perspectives, while local cuisine, cultural events and traditions enrich life with unique experiences. The relative ease of applying for a visa and the low cost of visa renewal are also important factors.
However, as with any relocation, there are nuances, such as adapting to a new environment, coping with local idiosyncrasies and organizing daily life. Overall, moving to Cambodia offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a wonderful world of adventure and new perspectives.

• Phnom Penh is a city of foreigners

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia with over 2 million inhabitants, is a popular city for foreigners. It offers a world-class level of comfort - a well-developed infrastructure, high-speed internet, cinemas and cafés.

The job market is attractive to many migrants thanks to English language schools and NGOs. However, the authorities are struggling to cope with the growing population and the associated traffic and waste problems.

Phnom Penh is currently expanding at the expense of neighboring provinces. The population is expected to rise to 2.5 million by 2035.

• Beauty and tranquillity: Siem Reap

The name Siem Reap translates to "defeat of Siam", a meaning that refers to the victory over Siam (now Thailand) in the 16th century. If Phnom Penh is the place to go in search of a bustling metropolis, Siem Reap is a destination for those who appreciate the rural beauty of Cambodia. Here you will find endless rice paddies and ancient temples surrounding the city.

Although Siem Reap is much smaller than the Cambodian capital, there is a close-knit community of foreigners here, including many artists and photographers. Tourists also flock to this town as they appreciate its proximity to the temples of Angkor. This means that the area has a good infrastructure with modern hotels and some of the best restaurants in the country.

• Beach life: Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is known for its beautiful beaches and islands and is the most popular seaside resort in Cambodia. It is also the youngest city in the country. It was founded in the 1950s and has developed rapidly. Today it is dominated by hotels, casinos and construction sites.

The area is very popular with young tourists and is famous for its nightlife. However, in the low season, when there are fewer tourists, Sihanoukville is much quieter and expats have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches. Unfortunately, good medical care and daily necessities are hard to find here, forcing residents to travel to Phnom Penh for shopping.

• Casual lifestyle: Battambang

Battambang is located on the Sangka River in the northwest of the country and is the second largest city in Cambodia. Despite its size, it has a relaxed provincial town atmosphere with charming colonial architecture and the ancient temples of Angkor.

As the city is not a tourist center, it is quieter than the larger resorts. The expat community is small and consists mainly of French people. The infrastructure is far below the standard of major cities and offers only a limited selection of stores and amenities.

• Beauty and charm: Kep and Kampot

These southern neighboring towns are gradually being settled by foreigners. Kep, once Cambodia's main seaside resort, is now a small town popular with locals and is slowly opening up to tourists and expatriates.

Most of Kep was destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era and ruins can still be seen everywhere. Nevertheless, the town, located in a picturesque national park with perfect beaches and seafood, continues to attract tourists.

Kampot is a sleepy coastal town popular with tourists. A growing community of foreigners is attracted by the cheap accommodation and colonial charm. They bring new culture and cuisine to the country. The infrastructure in both cities lags behind the standards of the big cities, but is gradually developing with the growing number of expatriates.

Before traveling to Cambodia, it is advisable to apply for a valid visa in advance, although it is also available on arrival. Applying in advance simplifies the process and avoids unnecessary hassle on the ground.

You can apply for the visa in person at the nearest Cambodian embassy or by post.

There are two main types: Tourist Visa (T) and Business Visa (E). Both are initially valid for 30 days upon entry. The tourist visa can be extended by one month, while the business visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended indefinitely. It is suitable for both short-term business trips and long-term stays.

To apply for a visa, you need:

• a completed application form;
• a passport size photo;
• a passport (valid for at least 6 months);
• an envelope with your address and postal address.

For business visas additionally:

• An invitation from Cambodia or a letter from the company/sponsor confirming the purpose of the trip.

A small fee is charged for the initial application and subsequent extension of the visa at the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia.

Crossing the border

Obtaining a visa on arrival in Cambodia is relatively easy - it can be applied for at the border with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. However, it is easier and quicker to apply for the visa in advance or on arrival at the airport.

At ground checkpoints, immigration officers often charge unreasonable 'fees' for processing. They may also charge excessive visa fees or force you to exchange money at an unfavorable rate. The authorities in Phnom Penh will try to crack down on this. It is therefore important that you stand up for your rights and report such incidents to the relevant authorities whenever possible.

Work permit

According to the 1997 legislation, every foreign worker in Cambodia must have a work visa (E) and a work permit. In practice, however, these regulations are often disregarded due to inconsistent and unclear immigration laws.

In recent years, the authorities have attempted to tighten controls and require all migrant workers to obtain a work permit. The regulations change regularly, so it is better to be careful and do the paperwork properly to avoid heavy fines.

The application for a work permit is submitted by the employer on behalf of the employee through the Ministry of Labor. This requires:

• 3 sets of forms from the Ministry of Labor;
• Passport and valid visa;
• 3 photos;
• a medical certificate;
• an employment contract with the employer.

The employer also provides additional documents.

Cambodia has long been considered one of the most affordable places to live for foreigners and attracts people on a tight budget.

The total cost of living for one person can range from 1,000 to 1,500 dollars per month, depending on lifestyle and location. This budget includes restaurants and bars, imported food, in-country vacations and regular air conditioning.

Accommodation

Rents vary greatly depending on where you live and how much comfort you want. Apartments can be rented for 150 dollars per month for a shared apartment or 300 to 500 dollars for a one bedroom in a new building. Traditional Cambodian accommodation can cost 300 dollars or less, while luxury apartments can cost up to 2,000 dollars or more.

Office costs

Monthly utilities in Cambodia can cost less than $200, including:

• Electricity: about 820 riel per kWh ($0.20)
• Water: about 1,000 riel per cubic meter ($0.25)
• Garbage collection: $20 per month.
• Internet: $20-50 per month
• Cell phone with unlimited data: about $15 per month
• Cleaning: Hire a cleaning lady for $50-100 per month.

Advantages:

• Low cost of living: Cambodia offers a relatively low cost of living, from accommodation to food and services.
• Beautiful nature and culture: The country has amazing nature, historical monuments (e.g. the Angkor temples) and a rich culture that creates a unique atmosphere.
• Friendly people: The locals are generally open and friendly towards foreigners, which makes it easier to settle in.
• Varied cuisine: Cambodian cuisine offers unique dishes and flavors that are a real eye-opener for visitors.
• Ease of obtaining a visa: Many foreigners can easily obtain a tourist visa and extend it at a low cost.

Disadvantages:

• Quality of healthcare: Medical care may not be of a high standard, especially in remote areas, which can lead to difficulties in the event of illness.
• Education system: The education system does not always meet international standards and quality education may require additional effort.
• Infrastructure: In some neighborhoods, infrastructure is limited, which affects the comfort and convenience of daily life.
• Language barrier: Although English is widely spoken in tourist destinations, difficulties can arise in everyday life due to the language barrier.
• Climate: The high humidity and rainy seasons can make the climate in some regions of Cambodia challenging for some newcomers.

Before deciding to move to Cambodia, you should carefully weigh up these factors and consider your personal preferences and needs.