Moving to Cambodia: The Complete 2025 Relocation Guide
You have 27 browser tabs open. One is a visa page that contradicts another. A dozen are apartment listings with no addresses. The rest are scattered forum posts from 2019. The excitement of moving to Cambodia is slowly being replaced by the sheer overwhelm of planning it.
This is where it stops. This guide is your single source of truth—a practical roadmap built not on generic advice, but on fresh data and the collective wisdom of the MoveKH expat community. We cut through the noise to give you a clear framework for making confident decisions, from choosing a school that fits your family to navigating the rental market without overpaying. This is your insider manual to not just moving, but belonging.
What's Inside This Guide
- Is Cambodia Right for You? The 2025 Reality Check
- The Pre-Move Checklist: Visas & Finances
- The Real Cost of Living in Cambodia
- How to Find Your Home: A Neighborhood Decision Framework
- Your First 90 Days: A Step-by-Step Integration Plan
- 5 Common (and Costly) Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Your Relocation Toolkit & Next Steps
Is Cambodia Right for You? The 2025 Reality Check
Beyond the undeniable charm, the decision to move here is a practical one. With a projected GDP growth of 5.5% for 2025 and an expat community growing at 15-20% annually, Cambodia is a hub of opportunity. But is it a better fit than its popular neighbors?
Insider Insight: Cambodia vs. The Alternatives
Many potential expats weigh Cambodia against Thailand and Vietnam. Here’s how they stack up on the factors that matter most, based on our community data.
| Factor | Cambodia | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Lowest | Moderate | Low |
| Visa Ease (Long-Term) | Easiest | Most Complex | Moderate |
| USD Usage | High (De Facto) | Low (Local Currency) | Low (Local Currency) |
| Expat Community | Smaller, Tight-Knit | Largest, Very Diverse | Large, Established |
Who Thrives in Cambodia?
Our experience shows that people with certain goals and mindsets flourish here:
- The Entrepreneur: Lower startup costs and a developing market create immense opportunities for new businesses.
- The NGO Family: A large international school and NGO presence provides a strong community and support network for families.
- The Digital Nomad: An unbeatable combination of low costs, fast internet, and a simple long-term visa makes it a haven for remote workers.
The Pre-Move Checklist: Visas & Finances
Getting your documentation and money in order is the most critical phase. A mistake here can cause serious delays and stress upon arrival.
Visas: The Foundation of Your Move
The Cambodian visa system is your first hurdle. The most common mistake is arriving on a Tourist (T-Class) visa when you intend to stay long-term. You must arrive on an Ordinary (E-Class) visa, which is the only type that can be extended for work, business, or retirement.
For a detailed breakdown of extension types (EB, EG, ER), costs, and the step-by-step renewal process, you must read our complete Cambodia Visa Guide. It is the most important document you will read before you fly.
Finances: Arrive Prepared
Cambodia is a dual-currency economy. US Dollars are used for almost everything over a few dollars (rent, groceries, restaurants), while Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used for small change and minor purchases. Arrive with at least $500 USD in cash for immediate expenses. You can open a local bank account within a few days, but don't rely on being able to do it on day one.
The Real Cost of Living in Cambodia
Cambodia is affordable, but vague online estimates make it hard to budget accurately. Our MoveKH Cost of Living Tracker, based on data from over 50 expats in October 2025, provides a realistic picture.
Your lifestyle is the biggest variable. A solo digital nomad eating local food can live on under $1,000/month, while a family with children in a top international school will need closer to $4,000+. Your biggest expenses will be rent and, for families, education.
For a complete breakdown and to filter costs by lifestyle, explore our live Cost of Living Tracker.
"The cost of living is what brought me here, but the quality of life is what made me stay. I save over 60% of my income compared to living in the UK, without sacrificing comfort. That financial freedom is life-changing."
How to Find Your Home: A Neighborhood Decision Framework
Choosing where to live is the most important decision for your day-to-day happiness. Don't just pick a neighborhood from a list; use our "Lifestyle Triangle" to find the right balance for you.
The Lifestyle Triangle: Convenience vs. Vibe vs. Cost
Every neighborhood in Phnom Penh is a trade-off between these three factors. Do you want to walk to every trendy cafe (high convenience, high cost)? Or do you prefer a quiet, local area with amazing street food (authentic vibe, low cost)? Knowing your priority is key.
Top Neighborhoods for Expat Families
Families prioritize safety, community, and access to schools. Our top recommendations are:
- BKK2/BKK3: Quieter and more residential than BKK1, with leafy streets and a strong family-friendly community feel. Still very central and close to schools.
- Tonle Bassac: Offers larger villa-style housing and is close to AEON Mall and international schools like CIS. It provides a more suburban feel while remaining central.
Top Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads & Professionals
This group values walkability, cafes, and social opportunities. Our top recommendations are:
- BKK1: The undisputed expat hub. If you want maximum convenience with endless restaurants, cafes, and modern condos, and you're willing to pay a premium, this is it.
- Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung): The perfect blend of authentic local life and modern expat amenities. It has a creative, bohemian vibe and is more budget-friendly than BKK1.
Ready to go deeper? Explore all of Phnom Penh's Best Neighborhoods in our detailed guides.
Your First 90 Days: A Step-by-Step Integration Plan
The first three months are critical. This structured plan helps you navigate the logistics without the overwhelm.
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Phase 1 (Week 1): Survival & Setup
Focus on the absolute essentials: Get a local SIM card, check into short-term housing, and open a local bank account (ABA is the most popular choice for expats).
Pro Tip: Use a ride-hailing app like Grab or PassApp from the airport to avoid negotiating with taxis. -
Phase 2 (Weeks 2-4): Home & Paperwork
This is your window to find an apartment and, most importantly, submit your passport for your long-term EB visa extension. Do not leave this to the last minute.
Pro Tip: Always use a reputable visa agent recommended by the community; it's worth the small fee to avoid errors. -
Phase 3 (Months 2-3): Routine & Community
With a home and visa secured, start building your life. Find your local market, join an expat social or sports club, and begin learning a few basic Khmer phrases.
Pro Tip: Joining a local Facebook group for your hobby (e.g., "Phnom Penh Board Games") is the fastest way to meet like-minded people.
5 Common (and Costly) Mistakes to Avoid
How to avoid: Your lease must state the exact price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity. Never accept vague terms like "government rate." Ask to see the previous month's bill.
Why it matters: Inflated electricity bills are the most common rental scam. A clear, written agreement is your only protection against paying double or triple the actual rate.
How to avoid: Pack clothes, electronics, and sentimental items. Plan to buy all furniture and most household goods locally. Furnishing an apartment here is surprisingly affordable.
Why it matters: International shipping is extremely slow, expensive, and can get held up in customs. You'll save thousands of dollars and immense hassle by starting fresh.
How to avoid: Be patient and flexible. Things move at a different pace here. Accept that bureaucracy is slow and appointments may not start on time. Build buffer time into your schedule.
Why it matters: Fighting against the local pace of life is the fastest path to frustration. Learning to go with the flow is a critical survival skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cambodia is widely regarded as a safe country for expats. The main concerns are petty crimes like bag snatching and traffic safety. By taking standard precautions, exercising awareness, and choosing a secure place to live, most expats and families feel very safe.
The quality of healthcare varies. In Phnom Penh, there are several international-standard clinics and hospitals (like Royal Phnom Penh Hospital) that cater to expats, but they can be expensive. Comprehensive health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all expats.
Yes. The most common and accepted method for remote workers and digital nomads is to obtain the renewable 6 or 12-month Business (EB) visa extension. This allows you to legally reside in Cambodia while earning income from foreign sources.
Your Relocation Toolkit & Next Steps
This guide has given you the strategic framework. Now it's time to get into the details. These resources are your essential next steps.
Download the Checklist
Our comprehensive checklist is the single most important tool for an organized, stress-free move.
Master the Visa Process
The definitive guide to getting the right visa for your stay.
Plan Your Budget
Use our live tracker to understand the real monthly expenses.
Choose Your Neighborhood
Discover the personality and lifestyle of each of Phnom Penh's key areas.