Cambodia becoming popular as an expat destination

Cambodia is becoming increasingly popular a a refuge for expats of all shapes, sizes and nationalities.

With the country having been regarded as something of a new kid on the block until recently, Cambodia’s charms are now attracting increasing numbers of expats to its coastal and inland cities due to its free-wheeling spirit and inexpensive cost of living. It’s now one of the leading Southeast Asian destinations for digital nomads, entrepreneurs and retirees, and is even welcoming incomers from neighbouring Thailand who’ve grown tired of crackdowns and changes in visa requirements.

Getting a long-stay or work visa in Cambodia used to be straightforward but, as rules are now changing, it’s uncertain as to which is best option nowadays, However, it seems restrictions and costs won’t be as tricky and expensive as in neighbouring states. There’s a good choice of final destinations, from the buzzing capital Phnom Penh through Angkor Wat neighbour Siem Reap and the coastal towns of Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville. However, the last-mentioned is now being taken over by Chinese developers, a major port is being constructed for use by cruise ships and the town’s former peace and quiet is now a memory.

For those who enjoy cooler weather and mountain views, Sen Monoram or Ban Lung are both perfect. For incomers looking for work, the capital is the best bet and teaching English is the most popular job.The vast majority of expats in Cambodia choose to rent their homes, as buying real estate can be a tricky proposition due to laws forbidding foreign ownership of land or even the owning of the ground floor of a two-story building. Finding a suitable rental on your own isn’t easy, making using a property agent almost mandatory. Prices are cheaper than in Thailand, with Phnom Penh the most expensive for Western style apartments and Khmer-style homes the cheapest options in the secondary cities. Conveniently for USA expats, the common currency is the US dollar, with the local currency only used for very cheap purchases.