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Hi folks

I'm looking at retirement options in Asia and Cambodia looks appealing, not the least being as it appears quite affordble.

About me:
Australian single (separated) male, currently living in Perth
Age: 64
Financial means: monthly retirement income of at least AU$4,000
Health: good
Interests: socialising and contributing in the community
Background: professional, previously married to Thai and Filipina, comfortable in Asian countries with food, climate and people.

Main things I am interested to know from folks on the forum are, will a single Australian male of my age be accepted in Cambodia without being labelled a "sexpat", are people of my age on the forum happy with their life in Cambodia and where in Cambodia do you prefer to live and why.

Hope this isn't too much of an ask. Very interested in all responses. I won't respond to flames

Cheers

Mickey

You certainly have enough income to afford a very decent lifestyle here. You should figure in some comprehensive health insurance, and then just keep active while you're here and you'll be good. Anyone over the age of 35 gets labeled as an old weirdo by naive youngsters these days, it's not worth getting concerned with. They haven't realized yet that they will also grow old, and stupidity never matures.

As JB mentioned, it's important to keep active, It is so easy to fall into the trap of sitting in bars all day, Iv seen this and they look miserable as sin, picking faults with local issues such as infrastructure and driving conditions.
On 4 grand a month you could live well here, if you don't like it after giving it six months just do one to Vietnam or Thailand

Just my thoughts, Im sure there will be others !!!!!

Unfortunately, because you're an old guy, as most of us here are labelled, you will cop a fair bit of the sexpat stereotyping.
Haters gunna hate. Fuckem.

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I find Cambodians very cheerful people. It is easy to get a smile.
Easy to find people both locals and expats to chat with.
Certainly plenty of people here in your age group.

You have to be willing to put up with the hygiene standards and the ever increasing traffic. For beach holidays Thailand and Vietnam offer a lot more.

Depending on your preferences, it may or may not be cheaper than Thailand. I find good food not cheap here compared to Thailand. Renting in Phnom Penh can be relatively cheap if you accept local standards, but as pricy as Thailand if you want a western-style condo.
Alcohol is a lot cheaper than in Thailand.
Economically priced hotels and guest houses abound.
In any case, with your budget you shouldn’t have too many worries.

I would come and visit first before taking the plunge.

I like it here and always find something to do or read. There are many nice coffee shops all around Phnom Penh.

Some people struggle and end up drinking most of their days.

Book yourself into a hotel and just stay here for a month or so. Many hotels will be open to a favorable monthly rate.

Retire to Asia wrote: ↑Sat Jan 19, 2019 8:29 pm where in Cambodia do you prefer to live and why.

SHV was good but is now a construction site cum Chinese casino town.
A lot of retirees migrated from SHV to Kampot which is still nice, and popular with all ages.

As others have said, I would give it a trial first and visit a few places like Kampot. Personally I prefer the city lifestyle of PP but many prefer the quieter, more relaxed lifestyle in the province.

I find the Cambodians very friendly and accepting of foreigners and not so jaded.

Of course if you hang around the bars and bring various young girls back to your hotel/apartment, you will be labelled a sexpat by your neighbors. I think that attitude is less prevalent if you don't hang around or live in the main tourist and bar areas of PP. And if you find a steady girlfriend that attitude can change quickly once the locals know you and what you do.

I suggest, do it in such a way that you have the option of returning to Australia if you want to in the future.

Dont be concerned about being labeled anything. But do obey the law.

A huge problem is people who have nothing to do, so they just drink beer, become alcoholics, and die young. Put in the effort to seek out something you like doing to get involved in.

You say you like contributing in the community. I suggest, check out various places, and see if you find a place where you can make a worthwhile contribution. If you are new, this may take some time.

I suggest, start by traveling to different towns, and decide which place you like the best. I dont like Phnom Penh. See what you like.

Older people are not going to learn the language quickly, but I suggest start learning, knowing it will be a slow process. Being able to communicate with the local people makes a huge difference.

i'd like to know....u state u were married to a thai and a flip....did u live in these countries?
why do u find Cambodia appealing?
The only thing it offers over the other 2, is easier visa laws
Cost of living for a decent western style life is higher but with $US 2,800 you'll have little problems

I dont know why so many harp on if u live there you'll end up in bars all day> I have yet to ever sit in a bar in the daytime an seldom if ever, (not in the past 5 years) at night

Khmers are friendly and if you venture to speak the language....... but not any more so than Burmese, thai's or Laotians.

One word of advice. Dont cut ur ties to Oz till you are 1,000 sure

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:31 am i'd like to know....u state u were married to a thai and a flip....did u live in these countries?
why do u find Cambodia appealing?
The only thing it offers over the other 2, is easier visa laws
Cost of living for a decent western style life is higher but with $US 2,800 you'll have little problems

I dont know why so many harp on if u live there you'll end up in bars all day> I have yet to ever sit in a bar in the daytime an seldom if ever, (not in the past 5 years) at night

Khmers are friendly and if you venture to speak the language....... but not any more so than Burmese, thai's or Laotians.

One word of advice. Dont cut ur ties to Oz till you are 1,000 sure

Maybe that should read , until you are sure the country wants you to stay in it .

But all good advice from expats with long term experience and know what they are talking about. I only hope OP uses that advice.

Only thing I could add is