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🇰🇭 Cambodia

Moving Guide

Moving to Cambodia is one of the easiest international relocations you can make. The visa process is simple (arrive on an Ordinary Visa, extend locally), the dollar economy eliminates currency planning, and the low cost of living means your setup costs are minimal.

1–2 weeks

Setup Time

Apartment, bank, SIM, visa extension

$1,500–$3,000

Initial Budget

First month rent + deposit + setup

$2–$5

SIM Card

Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone

$2,000–$5,000

Shipping from US/EU

20ft container; 6–10 weeks

$10–$15

Airport to City (PP)

Tuk-tuk or Grab from PNH airport

$50–$150

Flight from Bangkok

1-hour flight; multiple daily

Overview🏙️Phnom Penh🏛️Siem Reap🌿Kampot
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Overview

Moving to Cambodia is one of the easiest international relocations you can make. The visa process is simple (arrive on an Ordinary Visa, extend locally), the dollar economy eliminates currency planning, and the low cost of living means your setup costs are minimal. Most expats arrive with a suitcase and set up within a week — finding an apartment, opening a bank account, and getting a local SIM card can all be done in 1–2 days in Phnom Penh. Cambodia rewards the spontaneous and penalizes the over-planner.

Key Takeaways

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months with blank pages for the visa sticker
  • Day 1–2: Explore your target neighborhood (BKK1 if Phnom Penh) and view apartments; most can be rented on the spot
  • A 20ft container from the US to Phnom Penh costs $2,000–$5,000 and takes 6–10 weeks via sea freight
  • Join a gym ($30–$50/month), yoga studio, or sports club — these are excellent for meeting other expats
1

Before You Arrive

Cambodia requires minimal pre-arrival planning. A valid passport and USD cash are the only essentials.

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months with blank pages for the visa sticker
  • Bring USD cash in clean, crisp bills — $500–$1,000 for initial expenses plus visa fees
  • Apply for an e-visa ($36) at evisa.gov.kh if arriving at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports; or get visa on arrival ($35)
  • Book accommodation for the first 3–7 days via Booking.com or Airbnb — then find long-term housing in person
  • Research health insurance options and ideally activate a policy before arrival
  • Join Facebook groups: 'Expats in Phnom Penh', 'Siem Reap Expats', 'Kampot Expats' — invaluable for advice
2

Your First Week in Cambodia

Your first week should focus on the essentials: housing, bank account, SIM card, and getting oriented.

  • Day 1–2: Explore your target neighborhood (BKK1 if Phnom Penh) and view apartments; most can be rented on the spot
  • Day 2–3: Get a local SIM card (Smart or Cellcard, $2–$5) for data and calls; top up with $5–$10/month for unlimited data
  • Day 3–4: Open a bank account at ABA Bank — bring passport and visa; takes about 1 hour
  • Day 4–5: Visit a visa agent in BKK1 to begin your EB visa extension; hand over your passport for 3–5 days
  • Day 5–7: Set up utilities, explore food options, join expat meetups, and install essential apps (PassApp, Grab, ABA Mobile, Nham24)
  • Buy a local motorbike ($300–$800 used) or arrange regular tuk-tuk routes for your daily commute
3

Shipping Your Belongings

Most expats arrive with just luggage. Shipping a container from the US or Europe is possible but expensive and rarely worth it.

  • A 20ft container from the US to Phnom Penh costs $2,000–$5,000 and takes 6–10 weeks via sea freight
  • Customs clearance can be slow and duties range from 7–35% depending on the item category
  • Electronics, furniture, and appliances are available locally at reasonable prices — often not worth shipping
  • Ship only sentimental, irreplaceable, or very high-value items that would cost more to replace
  • DHL, FedEx, and local forwarders handle smaller shipments (10–50 kg) for $200–$800
  • Many expats ship nothing and furnish their new home locally within a week for $500–$2,000
4

Settling In: The First 3 Months

The first three months are about establishing routines, building a social network, and discovering what works for your lifestyle.

  • Join a gym ($30–$50/month), yoga studio, or sports club — these are excellent for meeting other expats
  • Attend meetups through Phnom Penh Professionals, coworking events at Factory, or BKK1 bar gatherings
  • Learn basic Khmer: 'sua s'dei' (hello), 'aw kohn' (thank you), 'bpon-maan' (how much?) — locals deeply appreciate the effort
  • Set up your health insurance, register with your embassy, and identify your preferred hospital
  • Explore beyond your neighborhood: weekend trips to Angkor Wat, Kampot, Koh Rong, and Battambang are easy and affordable
  • Give yourself grace: culture shock is real, and adjusting to the heat, pace, and infrastructure takes time
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Cambodia

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Ready to explore Cambodia?

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🏙️ Phnom Penh🏛️ Siem Reap🌿 KampotBack to Cambodia Overview