Pros and Cons of Living in Cambodia

Summary: The pros of living in Cambodia include the low cost of living, the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and the rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, the cons of living in Cambodia include the lack of infrastructure, the high levels of poverty, and the prevalence of corruption. Additionally, the country is still recovering from the effects of the Khmer Rouge regime, which has left a lasting impact on the country.

What are the pros and cons of living in Cambodia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Cambodia responded:

"The people are friendly when you get to know them, but there is a general consensus that all expatriates are rich It is important to appreciate what is available around you be it local fruit and vegetables, entertainment, sightseeing, health care or any else and not allow yourself to concentrate on what is not available. For instance ice skating is not available in general, nor is ballet prevalent. In my case neither of these would be of any interest to me even if they were available. as far as fruit is concerned the local fresh fruit is generally cheap and good quality and the imported fruit is extremely expensive and is generally not as good as my home country. The answer is to enjoy what is good and change your diet to suit. You can not live your life abroad always craving the things from home.," said one expat in living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

"Life in Cambodia is not always easy but in time you can learn to cope with the various problems that crop up and find an acceptable level of satisfaction. The occurrence of COVIC restrictions have added to the problem for everyone and have made family visits to my family in UK and my wife's family in Vietnam almost impossible but we have access to telephone and social media that has helped to keep in touch. The particular problems are that my mother and my mother-in-law are both very elderly and not in the best of health. In the event of serious illnesss or worse we have extremely difficult decisions to make," wrote one expat in Phnom Penh.

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What do expats in Cambodia appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Cambodia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional festivals, ceremonies, and customs. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Cambodian people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and majestic temples. Finally, expats enjoy the country's delicious cuisine, which is a unique blend of flavors from both Southeast Asia and China," explained one expat living in Cambodia.

"They do not seem to worry a lot & that rubs off over a period of time. They are more tolerant of each other & are quick to please & with a smile as I'm an older person that goes a long way," said one expat in Kampot.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Cambodia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation can be a challenge for expats who are not used to navigating the country on their own. Finally, the cost of living in Cambodia can be higher than in other countries, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," explained one expat.

"Language of cause & bribes that are paid to officials when you need to go through official channels," said one person in Kampot.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cambodia

What are the pros and cons of living in Cambodia?

What do expats in Cambodia appreciate most about the local culture?

What do expats find most challenging?

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