My daily life in Cambodia as a foreigner
Life in Cambodia is totally different and exotic from our habits, indeed we do not live in the same way in a country different from our culture.
In Cambodia, the morning starts too early, those are morning people who generally get up around five o’clock in the morning, however they also go to bed very early at about 9 pm. The reason is related to the heat, indeed to avoid being too hot, the Khmers live in the morning and evening at the beginning of the evening. For example, the steps open very early between seven and eight in the morning but close at 5 o’clock.
In Cambodia you will not get used to walking or using public transport on the street to discover places or to go to work, the most common is the use of a tuk tuk or scooter as well because of the heat that makes it impossible to walk in a crushing heat. Indeed, you will see a lot and mainly scooters on the roads since it is very easy to get them, you can find them for prices around 400/500 dollars for a very good model.
Western food is present in Phnom Penh but it’s an opportunity to taste Khmer food, street food that will be much more affordable in terms of price but also much more delicious. Indeed, in Cambodia, restaurants and local food are accessible at low prices, unlike Western specialties.
Rents are relatively accessible, indeed you can find perfectly acceptable apartments or shared flats for 200 dollars. However, if you want to treat yourself as expatriates, you can rent apartments with a swimming pool and even a gym for 500 dollars per month. Thus the rents in comparison to London or Paris are completely affordable.
The language barrier can be a problem if you go outside big cities or tourist places. In general in these places, they speak a minimum of English to be able to communicate with them, however if you go to places not at all touristy, you will be confronted with the language barrier. However, the Khmers are known for their kindness and benevolence and they will always provide you with help.
In Cambodia, you will necessarily find cafes to work but it is not as developed as in European countries or in America. Co-working spaces are almost nonexistent since many Khmers work in hotels, markets, stores, but remote work is not yet developed.
One of the biggest surprises I faced in Phnom Penh is snatching and stealing, which is very present in this city and fortunately only in it. However, by paying attention to his phone and avoiding taking it out on the street, you will have no problem.
Living in Cambodia as a foreigner is a unique experience that blends discoveries, comfort and small daily challenges. It is a country that forces you to slow down, adapt your habits and enjoy simple things: a noodle dish shared in a market, a sunset seen from a tuk-tuk or an exchange of smiles with a local merchant.
Before settling down, it is important to choose your environment: a calm and cultural city like Siem Reap or the dynamic and bustling capital, Phnom Penh. In any case, Cambodia deeply marks those who stay there, by the warmth of its inhabitants and the pace of life it imposes, so different from ours but so enriching.
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