For Americans looking to move abroad, Cambodia is one of the easiest countries to settle in. With a simple visa process, a low cost of living, and a laid-back lifestyle, it’s no surprise that expats flock to the Kingdom of Wonder. But while moving here is easy on paper, actually adjusting to the Cambodia culture shock can be a totally different story. It takes some getting used to and comes with a bit of culture shock. Not a bad culture shock, just, get ready to see many weird vehicles and children driving scooters down the main road.
The 1990s Feel—For Better and Worse
In some ways, moving to Cambodia feels like stepping back into the 1990s. The internet isn’t always reliable, cash is still king, and customer service is, at times, unpredictable. I will say that my cellphone bill is about 4$ a month and I have decent service everywhere, and also every restaurant in town has Wi-Fi, albeit a bit slow, but always available. Life moves at a slower pace, and bureaucracy can be frustratingly inefficient, just like the transactional customer service. Their surface customer service is great, because they have a tipping culture here. But transactionally, it is polite but rigid.
I once went to see The Monkey at my local theater, expecting the usual English audio with Khmer subtitles. Instead, it was dubbed in Khmer with English subtitles, and Khmer dubs are notoriously bad. I walked out and asked if I could exchange my ticket for Captain America an hour later. Mind you, I had also bought lunch, popcorn, and a drink. The employee spoke to the manager for two minutes, then returned with a polite but firm “no.” No anger on my part—I had spent less than six dollars—but that’s the kind of service you can expect here.
But this nostalgic throwback isn’t all bad. The theater is just down the street from my house. I live next to a gorgeous river. Watching movies here feels like going to the theater as a kid, in every conceivable way, besides the Khmer letters, obviously, and they screen all the big American films year-round.
Without the constant grind of modern Western life, many expats find themselves less stressed and more present. Social interactions happen face-to-face rather than over text, and a sense of community is stronger than in many parts of the U.S.
What You Give Up
Moving to Cambodia means sacrificing many of the conveniences of life in America. Reliable public infrastructure is limited—sidewalks are often non-existent, power outages are common, and traffic rules are more like guidelines. My building actually has a giant power generator, so the power outage’s aren’t a problem for me, but Cambodia buys all of their power, and their power grid isn’t the greatest.
Access to Western healthcare is minimal, so serious medical issues may require trips to Thailand or Singapore. While major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have some international goods, choices are limited, and imported products can be expensive. If you rely on fast and reliable online shopping, next-day Amazon deliveries, or certain creature comforts, be prepared to give that up here.
What You Gain
Despite the challenges, what you gain by moving to Cambodia can make it all worthwhile. The cost of living is incredibly low, meaning your money stretches much further than in the U.S. Renting an apartment, eating out daily, and even hiring household help is easily affordable. The local people are welcoming, and there’s a thriving expat community that makes it easy to form new connections. For those looking for a break from the relentless consumerism of the U.S., Cambodia offers a refreshing simplicity. The country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and relaxed visa policies allow for both adventure and long-term stability.
There is a circus near my house which has affordable shows just about every night, and they are just wonderful. I can afford to go as often as I’d like as well.
The Verdict
Cambodia is one of the easiest places for Americans to move to, but it’s not without its challenges. The transition can be jarring, and the differences in infrastructure, daily conveniences, and cultural norms require patience. However, for those willing to embrace the changes, life in Cambodia can be rewarding in ways that money and modern conveniences simply can’t buy. Many of the things I gave up by moving here ultimately weren’t good for me anyway. I had some complaints when I first moved here, but I adjusted, and I am better because of it. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this place.