Hi Dave, I'm one of those expats living in Thailand, that does not meet the income requirements. I spent the month of Feb traveling around Cambodia. I was at first considering Kampot, but Siem Reap is probably more practical. My main problem would be finding a place to live for 300 USD or less that would accept my 2 small dogs, and how to transport my dogs and a few personal belongings (may a 1/2 a pickup load) I expect that there are many other expats considering Cambodia as well. I plan another visit to Sim Reap in the near future, maybe we could meet up for a beer!
Hello. Thank you! I'll do what I can, but I don't know anyone living in higher-end condos or villas. I might be able to visit some empty ones and grab some video though.
@@goalaspect I'm in Siem Reap. Any city is good for foreigners, it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want. Phnom Penh is larger, noisier, and has much more traffic but it also has amenities other cities don't. Siem Reap is more laid back and less crowded but has fewer options for entertainment and things like that.
i am 52 and have already 3 years an ER visa,you need proof from back home that you are retired.that letter with the thumbprint is when you renew your ER visa,stating that you are still retired
I live in the Philippines as a younger retiree. I haven't been to Cambodia but the cost of living seems to be comparable. It could be an option if I want a simpler less expensive option after I turn 55. I've been trying to compare Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam has no retirement visa but you can still go there for 90 days at a time I think, leave and come back.
Hello. I've never been to the Philippines but if you live more locally here, you can easily SAVE money if you make $1000 or more. If you want to have more Western amenities, you can live (what I would consider) comfortably on between $1000-$1200 a month. Plus, the retirement visa here is easy to get and is good for a year at a time. I'm not sure about Vietnam, but I THINK they have a form of a retirement visa but it's called something else there.
Hello Terry. Yes, both countries are super affordable for foreigners and both offer their good and bad points. Doing research on both countries about the things you find important in your life will help with your decision. I've written a book called "LIVE IN CAMBODIA: A Guide For Living In The Kingdom Of Wonder" if you're interested in learning what to expect if choosing here. gumroad.com/l/iZbKu
@@hfc6535 do your research and you will find out the Phillipines is the most dangerous country in south East Asia for foreigners getting murdered ! I'm married to a filipina been there for holidays you hear lots of bad stories don't live there it's not safe !
thank you Dave for your informative videos . however I have a question : What city/cities in Cambodia would you recommend for retirees with budget of $1000 - $1100 a month? ( like to eat out, but not in sitting restaurant ) Thank you
Hello. $1000 is enough in a city like Siem Reap (where I live). That will include going out to eat locally and some Western food a few times a month. The biggest expense is probably your rent. A studio apartment can be found for between $60-$250 a month (depending on what your needs are) and then food. Phnom Penh is a bit more expensive from what I've heard but is still an option at about #1200 a month. Any of the little towns outside of the bigger cities will be even cheaper. So if living in the countryside is your thing, you'll live like a king for that much money! :)
@@DaveDoesCambodia IF you had a budget of 2000-2500 usd monthly to take care of a small family with kids still going to primary schools.Where would you rent there? I like peace and quiet also as well. I subscribed and currently in Thailand . It seems here many dont mind being disrespectfully loud while partying anytimes they feel.
@@travelingman9763 Hello. In that situation, I would find a nice 2 bedroom villa or house in the outer section of the main city. You can find them for as little as $300-$450 (depending on the amenities you prefer). This would still leave plenty of money (given that amount) and offer a quiet alternative to city life. For transportation into town you could buy a motorbike or use a PassApp or tuk tuk whenever you needed to go.
I walked down toward the night market tonight and saw a lady with a cooler...I turned around and asked for the price for anckor beer... $.75 each and I was happy .. grabbed a bunch and after I paid her she threw another beer in my bag... The people in Cambodia are so kind.... it's weird to type and have Dave talk about me....
@@DaveDoesCambodia Dave, before coming to Cambodia, did you ever consider Malaysia? Also, if you're too young to collect Social Security/401K/other pensions, how much money do I need to have in my bank accounts?
@@bigbowl5044 I never considered Malaysia. I had almost$9000 saved when I left. I figured that would be enough to last if I had any issues finding a job.
@@bigbowl5044 we have looked at a lot of different places and Cambodia has the easiest Visa's at the moment. Malaysia is a lot harder, we did look into it. The beer is too expensive, was the biggest draw back.
@@BIGJED75 Would you say that the process in Laos in more difficult than Cambodia or about the same? Have you looked into Laos, too? Just curious... I'd love to retire in Malaysia but in the back of my mind, a part of me says, meh, maybe not because it's a Muslim-majority country... (Nothing against Islam, it's just that I'm an atheist who also happens to enjoy beer and pork.)
Num Ko Chai. Num is Cake. Ko chai is Chives . So Num Ko Chai is Chive Cake. They also make steamed ones. I believe those are steamed ones before they panfry them. Get the steam ones and dip in Srilacha. They are delicious. We have been trying to make that in the US. But we just can't make the dough.
Not to be confused with Num Chkae :D I almost thought he said that at first and was like "wtf hes not in Vietnam" lol :) And thanks for teaching me what Num and Ko chai means.
I get a 2br apt in Nepal for $250 but can only stay for 5 months a year. I am not in love with Cambodia because of the heat but, otherwise, it's ok. A little pricier for accomodations than i would expect in a developing country but i am not looking to live in a hole in the wall either.
Hello Dave , nice video with good info , i am looking for a place to retire , i am intresting to go to Cambodia ,howe can i get in touch with you Frank burger , thanks !
Here's what we all ask about a place like Cambodia. Thailand has been stable for a very long time. In contrary, it has been the opposite. From your view as a foreigner and out of politics, how do you feel about your well being in Cambodia? I know what it is. But I'm not there full time, nor I have up to date information. Can you enlighten us on one's well being to retire in Cambodia in general? How about health issue? Would it cost you a lot of money for serious illnesses that required hospital stay? Thanks
The health question is a good one and I generally don't talk about it because I've never needed medical care and don't know what that entails. I'll ask some long term expats and see what they say! 😃👍
I don't think he's even located a Cambodian hospital, I know because I've been there three times and haven't seen a hospital before either. Should make a UA-cam video visiting their hospitals and checking for English speaking people in them... I lived in Malaysia before and received medical attention in a Malaysia hospital before. It was somewhat decent, yet unorganized. But the hospital wall had a plaque that said Malaysia will be a UN nation by 2020... I found that interesting.
Hey, Dave! Your initial visa on arrival will be $35 and is good for a month. When you get the "ER" visa extension, it's a little less than $300 for a one year extension.
Thanks, I am currently living in Thailand on a retirement visa. In the past I lived in a Phnom Penh for 12 years.i got burned out on Phnom Penh when all the building started. I have been thinking about Siem Reap for a while now. I do need reliable internet and stable electricity. How good is the internet in Siem Reap at present? I do really enjoy your videos. Thanks for your effort
Hey there! The internet here depends on what you're using. The free WiFi you get at most apartments will be mediocre. But if you order your own through a place like Opennet or Sinet, you can get high speeds and stability. Of course that costs extra, but if you need it, it's probably worth it. There are also co-working places in town that offer high speed internet, conference rooms for privacy and that sort of thing.
My favorite snack, Noom Kachay (the round and the square one). Some like to eat with Lood Chha (the one inch frying noodle with bean sprout). If you are retiring at 50, you need to figure out what to do with your free time. Otherwise, you will be bar hopping all day and everyday until you drop.
Those are tasty street snacks! I like them a lot. I think finding things to do when you retire is the same anywhere. Some people work on hobbies, some just hang out with friends and family. But you're right, it could be tempting to just drink all day.
Hello! The short answer is yes. There are some cultural differences when it comes to dating a Khmer woman, but it's pretty easy to at least go on a date and see if there's a connection.
@@DaveDoesCambodia ,,,,,can u elaborate on the dating scene in Cambodia vs other s.e Asian countries,I heard in Cambodia English is rarely or little spoken,,thanks for ur informative blogs
just about everyone speaks english. dating , been here 4 years and no dates, but many girls , working girls, whod rather kick it at my place than go walking.
Hello! Yes, you can live as cheaply or expensive as you want near Angkor Wat. Since it's a few kilometers outside of the city itself, prices might even be a bit cheaper than in town.
@@circlestar8697 Well, a one bedroom (with the bed in a separate room) usually goes for more. probably the $250-$300 range. A furnished studio though can easily be found for between $100-$200.
Cambodia has far more easy visas, however buying real estate is extremely difficult. Even if you marry a local national, you are only allowed to own 49%.
Hi Dave, I'm one of those expats living in Thailand, that does not meet the income requirements. I spent the month of Feb traveling around Cambodia. I was at first considering Kampot, but Siem Reap is probably more practical. My main problem would be finding a place to live for 300 USD or less that would accept my 2 small dogs, and how to transport my dogs and a few personal belongings (may a 1/2 a pickup load) I expect that there are many other expats considering Cambodia as well. I plan another visit to Sim Reap in the near future, maybe we could meet up for a beer!
Please how did you see cambodia ,it's a nice country
Fantastic video, thanks, please make more vids , especially about higher end accommodation villa’s etc 👍🙏
Hello. Thank you! I'll do what I can, but I don't know anyone living in higher-end condos or villas. I might be able to visit some empty ones and grab some video though.
Dave Does Cambodia Thanks Dave , love your stuff , I just found you 👍
Another great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! 😃😃
Thank you for the video, Thumbs up.
Thank you for watching Troy! :)
Dave you seem like a nice guy - ty for posting!
Thanks, man. I try to be! Thanks for watching :)
@@DaveDoesCambodia what city are you in? are 2 main cities I think that are good for foreigner? Is one better than the other?
@@goalaspect I'm in Siem Reap. Any city is good for foreigners, it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want. Phnom Penh is larger, noisier, and has much more traffic but it also has amenities other cities don't. Siem Reap is more laid back and less crowded but has fewer options for entertainment and things like that.
i am 52 and have already 3 years an ER visa,you need proof from back home that you are retired.that letter with the thumbprint is when you renew your ER visa,stating that you are still retired
What kind of proof?
I live in the Philippines as a younger retiree. I haven't been to Cambodia but the cost of living seems to be comparable. It could be an option if I want a simpler less expensive option after I turn 55. I've been trying to compare Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam has no retirement visa but you can still go there for 90 days at a time I think, leave and come back.
Hello. I've never been to the Philippines but if you live more locally here, you can easily SAVE money if you make $1000 or more. If you want to have more Western amenities, you can live (what I would consider) comfortably on between $1000-$1200 a month.
Plus, the retirement visa here is easy to get and is good for a year at a time. I'm not sure about Vietnam, but I THINK they have a form of a retirement visa but it's called something else there.
Bp, for Australians it's only 30 day visas in VN, but rules are changing, it's quite an ordeal for VN visas compared to Cambodia.
Great video. Great information $650 wow that's cheap . Was considering Cambodia or Philippines to retire to both seem good . Thanks again
Hello Terry. Yes, both countries are super affordable for foreigners and both offer their good and bad points. Doing research on both countries about the things you find important in your life will help with your decision.
I've written a book called "LIVE IN CAMBODIA: A Guide For Living In The Kingdom Of Wonder" if you're interested in learning what to expect if choosing here.
gumroad.com/l/iZbKu
Thanks. Safety is quite high on list.
@@hfc6535 do your research and you will find out the Phillipines is the most dangerous country in south East Asia for foreigners getting murdered ! I'm married to a filipina been there for holidays you hear lots of bad stories don't live there it's not safe !
Hey brother Dave!
Nice video, with subject that hits closer to home on my part...
Cheers my friend!
Soon my friend! 😃😃🍻👍
thank you Dave for your informative videos . however I have a question : What city/cities in Cambodia would you recommend for retirees with budget of $1000 - $1100 a month? ( like to eat out, but not in sitting restaurant ) Thank you
Hello. $1000 is enough in a city like Siem Reap (where I live). That will include going out to eat locally and some Western food a few times a month. The biggest expense is probably your rent. A studio apartment can be found for between $60-$250 a month (depending on what your needs are) and then food.
Phnom Penh is a bit more expensive from what I've heard but is still an option at about #1200 a month. Any of the little towns outside of the bigger cities will be even cheaper. So if living in the countryside is your thing, you'll live like a king for that much money! :)
@@DaveDoesCambodia IF you had a budget of 2000-2500 usd monthly to take care of a small family with kids still going to primary schools.Where would you rent there? I like peace and quiet also as well. I subscribed and currently in Thailand . It seems here many dont mind being disrespectfully loud while partying anytimes they feel.
@@travelingman9763 Hello. In that situation, I would find a nice 2 bedroom villa or house in the outer section of the main city. You can find them for as little as $300-$450 (depending on the amenities you prefer).
This would still leave plenty of money (given that amount) and offer a quiet alternative to city life. For transportation into town you could buy a motorbike or use a PassApp or tuk tuk whenever you needed to go.
I walked down toward the night market tonight and saw a lady with a cooler...I turned around and asked for the price for anckor beer... $.75 each and I was happy .. grabbed a bunch and after I paid her she threw another beer in my bag... The people in Cambodia are so kind.... it's weird to type and have Dave talk about me....
I would have tried to talk her down to 50 cents each lol 😁 But yes, I agree that the people here are really nice. 😃👍
@@DaveDoesCambodia Dave, before coming to Cambodia, did you ever consider Malaysia? Also, if you're too young to collect Social Security/401K/other pensions, how much money do I need to have in my bank accounts?
@@bigbowl5044 I never considered Malaysia. I had almost$9000 saved when I left. I figured that would be enough to last if I had any issues finding a job.
@@bigbowl5044 we have looked at a lot of different places and Cambodia has the easiest Visa's at the moment. Malaysia is a lot harder, we did look into it. The beer is too expensive, was the biggest draw back.
@@BIGJED75 Would you say that the process in Laos in more difficult than Cambodia or about the same? Have you looked into Laos, too? Just curious... I'd love to retire in Malaysia but in the back of my mind, a part of me says, meh, maybe not because it's a Muslim-majority country... (Nothing against Islam, it's just that I'm an atheist who also happens to enjoy beer and pork.)
good info.thanks
Num Ko Chai. Num is Cake. Ko chai is Chives . So Num Ko Chai is Chive Cake. They also make steamed ones. I believe those are steamed ones before they panfry them. Get the steam ones and dip in Srilacha. They are delicious. We have been trying to make that in the US. But we just can't make the dough.
Not to be confused with Num Chkae :D I almost thought he said that at first and was like "wtf hes not in Vietnam" lol :)
And thanks for teaching me what Num and Ko chai means.
I get a 2br apt in Nepal for $250 but can only stay for 5 months a year. I am not in love with Cambodia because of the heat but, otherwise, it's ok. A little pricier for accomodations than i would expect in a developing country but i am not looking to live in a hole in the wall either.
So good you are getting more work. The $2 or less guide would be cool.
I love getting more work and I never thought I would ever say that lol 😁
Hello Dave , nice video with good info , i am looking for a place to retire , i am intresting to go to Cambodia ,howe can i get in touch with you
Frank burger , thanks !
Hey, Frank! Send an email to the address in the description and I'll get back to you!
Interesting thanks , bless
hello dave i am very glad you have made this is there a way i could email you i have a personal question
Here's what we all ask about a place like Cambodia. Thailand has been stable for a very long time. In contrary, it has been the opposite. From your view as a foreigner and out of politics, how do you feel about your well being in Cambodia? I know what it is. But I'm not there full time, nor I have up to date information. Can you enlighten us on one's well being to retire in Cambodia in general? How about health issue? Would it cost you a lot of money for serious illnesses that required hospital stay? Thanks
The health question is a good one and I generally don't talk about it because I've never needed medical care and don't know what that entails. I'll ask some long term expats and see what they say! 😃👍
I don't think he's even located a Cambodian hospital, I know because I've been there three times and haven't seen a hospital before either. Should make a UA-cam video visiting their hospitals and checking for English speaking people in them... I lived in Malaysia before and received medical attention in a Malaysia hospital before. It was somewhat decent, yet unorganized. But the hospital wall had a plaque that said Malaysia will be a UN nation by 2020... I found that interesting.
I use the coconut husks for planting herbs & flowers. Cut them in half, get some soil & seedlings/seed from a nursery and you have a mini garden.
Great idea! 😃👍
How much for er visa Dave ? Coming Jan 12/20 .
Hey, Dave! Your initial visa on arrival will be $35 and is good for a month. When you get the "ER" visa extension, it's a little less than $300 for a one year extension.
nice video
Thank you! I'm always happy when people like the videos. :)
Thanks, I am currently living in Thailand on a retirement visa. In the past I lived in a Phnom Penh for 12 years.i got burned out on Phnom Penh when all the building started. I have been thinking about Siem Reap for a while now. I do need reliable internet and stable electricity. How good is the internet in Siem Reap at present? I do really enjoy your videos. Thanks for your effort
Hey there! The internet here depends on what you're using. The free WiFi you get at most apartments will be mediocre. But if you order your own through a place like Opennet or Sinet, you can get high speeds and stability. Of course that costs extra, but if you need it, it's probably worth it. There are also co-working places in town that offer high speed internet, conference rooms for privacy and that sort of thing.
internets just fine
I belong to a Siem Reap fb page and people are constantly complaining about the power going out.
I will go the slow travel method like vagabond awake ! When you get bored and stale move on to another place or country keep it fresh and exciting !
My favorite snack, Noom Kachay (the round and the square one). Some like to eat with Lood Chha (the one inch frying noodle with bean sprout). If you are retiring at 50, you need to figure out what to do with your free time. Otherwise, you will be bar hopping all day and everyday until you drop.
Those are tasty street snacks! I like them a lot.
I think finding things to do when you retire is the same anywhere. Some people work on hobbies, some just hang out with friends and family. But you're right, it could be tempting to just drink all day.
I'd like to talk about this.
Thanks For Sharing Your Life Here On UA-cam.
yes i did like the price of smokes,here in australia pkt 20's cost $22,sob
Wow, that's a lot even by American standards!
But in Cambodia you are buying very old possibly stale and possibly fake cigarettes.
My question to you is about the dating scene,not the bar girls but the typical Cambodian females,can you meet an English speaking females out there?
Hello! The short answer is yes. There are some cultural differences when it comes to dating a Khmer woman, but it's pretty easy to at least go on a date and see if there's a connection.
@@DaveDoesCambodia ,,,,,can u elaborate on the dating scene in Cambodia vs other s.e Asian countries,I heard in Cambodia English is rarely or little spoken,,thanks for ur informative blogs
just about everyone speaks english. dating , been here 4 years and no dates, but many girls , working girls, whod rather kick it at my place than go walking.
Can I live cheaply by angor wat?
Hello! Yes, you can live as cheaply or expensive as you want near Angkor Wat. Since it's a few kilometers outside of the city itself, prices might even be a bit cheaper than in town.
@@DaveDoesCambodia hey Dave thanks for the info. Do you think I can find a one bedroom for 150 per month near angor wat?
@@circlestar8697 Well, a one bedroom (with the bed in a separate room) usually goes for more. probably the $250-$300 range. A furnished studio though can easily be found for between $100-$200.
@@DaveDoesCambodia really appreciate the info. Will be coming over. Many thanks
@@circlestar8697 You're welcome. I hope you like it here as much as I do.
living Cambodia cost is more expensive or the same
It's much cheaper here than back home!
Overall, less xenophobia in Cambodia. Thailand cannot get past its fear of being swallowed up by western expats.
Cambodia has far more easy visas, however buying real estate is extremely difficult. Even if you marry a local national, you are only allowed to own 49%.
It’s up to you obviously, but you would gain more subs if you showed your face every now and then!
Thanks man, but I would probably lose subs if I showed this mug lol 😁