Perhaps no other country in Asia makes it easier for expats to come and retire with a minimum of bureaucracy, red tape, and financial requirements.
In Cambodia, all you need to do is purchase a visa-on-arrival at the airport by filling out a short form, providing two passport photos, and paying $35 for a “business” or “ordinary” visa, which will be valid for one month.
Once you are in the country all you have to do is extend your visa for a one-year period—at a cost of less than $300—which allows you to live in the country and come and go at your pleasure, without the stringent income requirements needed by many other Southeast Asian countries. As long as you behave yourself, the authorities are happy to welcome another foreign guest to their country to support the local economy.
The major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer all the modern comforts that you could wish for due to the country’s economic expansion since the 1990s. There are lots of international banks, restaurants, bars, hotels, serviced apartments, shopping centers, cinemas, telecom and internet providers, and much more.
This all makes the relocation process so much easier, as an expat can quickly come to Cambodia and set themselves up with accommodation, a bank account, a phone number, internet access, and every other mod con within a few weeks.
What Does It Cost to Retire in Cambodia?
Cambodia offers one of the lowest costs of living in Southeast Asia, which makes it an ideal destination for any retiree on a fixed pension or Social Security check, and there are many expats who have relocated to Cambodia precisely due to the sheer affordability of the country.
So how much will it cost you to live in Cambodia? There is no fixed answer but among the many expats we have talked to their monthly budgets tend to range from as low as $1,000 up to $2,500, with many saying they can live comfortably for an average of $1,500.
Accommodation tends to make up the largest monthly expense, but rentals in places like Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap can be found for as little as $250 for a one-bedroom apartment in a pleasant area.
The cost of utilities like electricity will depend on whether you are a slave to air-conditioning or if you are content with a simple fan. Either way, most expats spend around $100 each month for their electricity, water, garbage, and cable bills combined. As for cellphones and mobile internet, it is very cheap here, with $10 a month being enough to keep you online and making international calls for less than 5 cents a minute.
For those who don’t wish to spend their time housekeeping, you can hire a maid who will wash your clothes and clean your house several times a week for $50 a month, which is well worth the investment for those who would rather spend their time with more leisurely pursuits.
Groceries remain cheap and plentiful in the many supermarkets and minimarts in the major cities, as do the large number of local and international restaurants where meals can be had from just a few dollars.
If you are looking to retire in comfort without having to scrape every penny together to survive, then Cambodia may well be the ideal destination for your new life of luxury. Thousands have already made the move and the opportunity is now open to you as well.
