Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country that offers many benefits for retirees who want to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a low cost of living. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider retiring in Cambodia:
Easy visa process: To retire in Cambodia, you only need to apply for a retirement ER visa, which is issued to foreigners who are 55 years or older and can demonstrate that they have enough income to support themselves during retirement. This visa is $290 and it grants you residency for one year and can be renewed easily in Cambodia. You do not need to show any proof of health insurance or criminal background check, as opposed to some other countries. You can also apply for a multiple-entry visa that allows you to travel in and out of Cambodia without any hassle.
Affordable living: Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries to live in Asia, with an average monthly budget of $1,500 for a comfortable lifestyle. You can find a decent apartment for as low as $300 per month, eat out for $3 per meal, and get around by tuk-tuk or moto for $1 per ride. In this blog post, we broke down the cost of living in detail in this article HERE. You can also enjoy free or low-cost healthcare at local clinics or private hospitals. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also very cheap compared to Western standards. You can save even more money by living outside of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, where prices are lower and life is quieter. If you have $180,000 in the bank, you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful away from modern civilization for more than 10 years. This is assuming you don’t have any income whatsoever.
***abode pictures for attention + would you believe you spend X dollars a month living here ?***
Love for Nature : If you have thought of owning a garden or going camping in the deep mountain before, Cambodia is the perfect country to do it. These plants have adapted to the environment in Cambodia as well as interesting and unique features such as warty petals, vertical stems, and colorful flowers. Despite all the adaptations, you would still have to manage water resources, soil fertility, irrigation systems, and pest control (all vary by topography).
Friendly culture: Cambodians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards foreigners. They are always ready to help you with a smile and make you feel welcome. You can also learn some Khmer phrases to communicate with the locals and appreciate their rich culture and history. Cambodia has a vibrant expat community that organises various events and activities for socialising and networking. You can join clubs, associations, or volunteer groups that match your interests and hobbies.
Diverse attractions: Cambodia has something for everyone, whether you prefer nature, culture, or adventure. You can explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, relax on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville or Koh Rong, hike through the lush jungles of Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri, or visit the bustling capital of Phnom Penh. You can also travel easily to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos by bus or plane.
***a few pictures of tourist destinations here would be great***
However, retiring in Cambodia also comes with some challenges that you should be aware of:
Language barrier: Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among young people, you may encounter difficulties communicating with older Cambodians who only speak Khmer. You may also face some cultural misunderstandings or miscommunications due to different customs and norms. Learning some basic Khmer words and phrases can help you overcome these barriers and show respect to the locals.
Infrastructure issues: Cambodia is still developing its infrastructure, so you may experience frequent power cuts, water shortages, poor road conditions, or slow internet speeds. You may also have limited access to public transportation, especially in rural areas. You should be prepared to adapt to these inconveniences and have backup plans in case of emergencies.
Healthcare issues: While Cambodia’s healthcare system is improving, it may not be up to standards that you are used to back home. It’s a good idea to invest in proper health insurance before making the move. However, if you look at the bright side, it will no longer cost you a kidney for an ambulance ride.
Safety concerns: Cambodia is generally safe for tourists and expats, but you should still exercise caution when travelling around the country. Of course, like most other developing countries, you should avoid walking alone at night, carrying valuables, or venturing into unfamiliar areas. You should also be aware of scams, pickpockets, and petty crimes that target foreigners. You should always keep your passport and visa documents safe and secure.
If you are looking for a retirement destination that offers simplicity, affordability, and diversity, then Cambodia might be the perfect choice for you.
For Reference, below are some links in case you are looking for further reading :
https://visaguide.world/retirement-visa/cambodia/
https://www.touristvisaonline.com/blog/cambodia/cambodia-retirement-visa
https://www.belaws.com/cambodia/legal-corporate-accounting/visas/cambodia-retirement-visa/
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Cambodia
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/cambodia?currency=USD
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/11-tips-for-expat-life-in-cambodia/
https://www.internations.org/cambodia-expats/guide/living-short
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-cambodia/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293939-Activities-Cambodia.html
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-top-10-tourist-attractions-in-cambodia.html
https://www.asiahighlights.com/cambodia/top-attractions
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_language
https://www.pwc.com/sg/en/publications/cambodia-infrastructure-market-update-and-outlook.html
https://opendevelopmentcambodia.net/topics/infrastructure
https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Cambodia-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html
https://www.who.int/cambodia/
https://borgenproject.org/healthcare-in-cambodia/
https://opendevelopmentcambodia.net/topics/priority-health-concerns
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/safety
https://www.indietraveller.co/is-cambodia-safe-to-travel/
https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/cambodia/
https://www.gardenguides.com/121717-tropical-plants-cambodia.html
https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/cambodia/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872203218302981