My partner and I are moving to Phnom Penh shortly and I'm wondering about getting an apartment - since we'll likely need to get a place before we open a local bank account, would we need to pay rent/an upfront deposit in cash?

Thanks!

Jeremy

Absolutely! Usually two months depo is the norm. One of which may be returned to you upon leaving after fulfilling lease agreement.

P.S. You could live in the streets but still have a bank account. Passport only needed.

Yes, first month in advance + one month deposit. If the place is looking good towards the end of lease, you can use the deposit for your final month's rent if the landlord/lady is amenable.

I think I needed to show my lease agreement at ABA to open my account.

timmydownawell wrote:Yes, first month in advance + one month deposit. If the place is looking good towards the end of lease, you can use the deposit for your final month's rent if the landlord/lady is amenable.

I think I needed to show my lease agreement at ABA to open my account.

I only needed a passport & dosh. That was ABA SHV. Later they wanted me to come sign USA IRS docs. I closed account. Screw that.

Unsure if this helps but when i am in cambodia, I usually get a short-term apartment.. Approx 2 months or so as I am there for the summers. It probably makes sense to stay in a guesthouse for a week or so while finding a spot. Once your on the ground, people can help you. Ask around at the guesthouse and their are a few sites as well.
guesthouse suggestions-- depending on your needs..but for a week I had a friend stay at
1. Velkommen Inn
2. Rory's Guesthouse

timmydownawell wrote:Yes, first month in advance + one month deposit. If the place is looking good towards the end of lease, you can use the deposit for your final month's rent if the landlord/lady is amenable.

I think I needed to show my lease agreement at ABA to open my account.

Is that a mistake?

Thought it was usually 2 months rent and deposit.

Cool if it's not.

LionsLeftTesticle wrote:

timmydownawell wrote:Yes, first month in advance + one month deposit. If the place is looking good towards the end of lease, you can use the deposit for your final month's rent if the landlord/lady is amenable.

I think I needed to show my lease agreement at ABA to open my account.

Is that a mistake?

Thought it was usually 2 months rent and deposit.

Cool if it's not.

Pretty standard AFAIK. Maybe they think you look dodgy?

Maybe they're right.

LionsLeftTesticle wrote:Maybe they're right.

What I know about deposits here, is that they normally want two months from tourists/ expats if they can get it. I was told that in the US it's the norm, so somehow it's managed to transfer itself here at some point. Khmers don't usually pay a deposit as far as I'm aware. At least I don't think it was ever normal until perhaps recently. I myself have been asked for one months deposit and a month in advance on several places I've rented. When they have ever asked for 2 months and a month in advance I have always refused. I think they have normally excepted the month then iirc. The flat I'm in at the moment is one month deposit and one month advance rent.