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Cambodia

Cambodia
	Capital	Phnom Penh
	Population	14,494,293
	Area	181,040 sq km
	Language	Khmer (official), French, English
	Currency	Cambodia, Riel (KHR)
		1000.000000CR (KHR) = 0.240964$ (USD)

Cambodia is one of those fascinating, busy, noisy places that you either love or hate. Political instability, and the memory of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, mean it is the least touristy of all South East Asian countries, but the country has a lot to offer. The Cambodian people are warm and friendly and it can be an enriching experience to stay here. 

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy; once known as Kampuchea this country of 14 million people, mostly Buddhists, depends for the most part on agriculture for its livelihood. The discovery of oil and natural gas deposits in 2005 has led in great part, to greater political and economic stability.
 
The incredible temple of Angkor Wat …built for King Suyarman II in the 12th century is a place of deep religious significance for the Cambodians and a gtestament to the grandeur of Khmer architecture. It is not the only place of unique beauty in this country, which has a highly developed artistic community, and there is plenty to explore.
 
The climate is dictated by the monsoon seasons – November to February is typically cool and dry, with a high of about 20degC, getting up to the high 40s in April. The rains start in May and last until about October. Normally the downpours take place in the afternoons, but it does make the weather very humid.
 
Most foreigners live in or around Phnom Penh, and nearby Siem Reap(Angkor); these typically have beenEnglish teachers and employees of various NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations)who are here to help rebuild the nation, but now there are a lot of foreigners moving to the country to retire and this has started to push prices up.

 
Up until recently foreigners were unable to own land or real estate in Cambodia; now however, foreigners can purchase condominiums (leasehold only) and under certain restrictions, land. Real Estate prices plummeted in 2008 when the global financial crisis hit Cambodia’s biggest investor, South Korea, and there are suggestions that the laws will be changed to encourage foreigners to buy real estate in order to kick start the market.
 
Health and Senior Living
The healthcare system is underfunded and standards are generally pretty low, except in the big cities such as Phnom Penh where there are some very well appointed private hospitals with English speaking staff. Most pharmaceuticals are available over the counter but if you are going to live here, it would be wise to bring your own medications if you need a particular one as they are not always available.
 
There is a pretty long list of recommended vaccinations for visitors to Cambodia; typically these include tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria tablets are also strongly recommended, particularly when travelling in rural areas. It it imperative to have medical insurance if living here and many expats go to Thailand for procedures as they some of the most advance health provision in the world.
 
Cambodia is one of the easiest places in the world to obtain a visa. There is no retirement visa or need to prove you can support yourself as the assumption is that if you are moving there, you can. You initially enter the country on a one month business visa which costs around $25. Thereafter you apply for a year long visa, cost around $260 and you can renew this indefinitely. This visa allows you to work and/or start a business in Cambodia.
 
Infrastructure and safety
Although Cambodia is supposed to be the fastest growing economy in south east asia, it is still a very poor country. The roads are very bad, and full of potholes…it is not safe to drive at night. Even the main highways between the major cities have not been well maintained. Most locals travel by public bus, which has a good network, and as a a visitor is a good way to see the countryside, However the buses are a little rough, always full and notoriously unreliable. In the towns the ‘moto’ motor taxis are the cheapest and fastest way to get around, but you should always set the price before climbing aboard.
 
Water  and electricity although cheap, are unreliable especially during the monsoon seasons, and the phone system is bad. Prepaid mobile phones are extremely popular and the coverage is quite good especially in the cities; so too the internet connections in the plethora of cafes that provide it. People do not generally have internet in their homes.
 
Few places take credit cards, so it is best always to have cash – either the local Riel or US dollars. There are very few ATM machines even in the centre of town, so it is sensible to carry travellers cheques too.
 
Cambodia is generally safe….many of the previously mined areas outside of the cities have been cleared. Robberies are rare but as a foreigner it would not be wise to walk or take a ‘moto’ after dark. And as everywhere, do not flaunt your wealth. The mere fact that you are foreign means that the locals will assume you are rich.
 
People and culture
The people are extremely friendly and cheerful and very strictly Buddhist. As an expat you are not expected to observe all the rituals that a local would, but there are a couple of things that you should be very aware of: unless the house owner says otherwise you must always remove your shoes when going indoors, and you should never sit in a pagoda with your feet pointing at a monk. This is considered extremely rude.
 
Fresh food is plentiful and available but don’t expect the same food as at home. It is undoubtedly a very cheap place to live but you have to weigh that against the totally different culture….the corruption at all levels, the heat and humidity, the overcrowded, dirty streets, the power blackouts and the flooding during the monsoon.