Scarlet wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 7:34 pm
Hi I'm new here. I am hoping to get a job in Siem Reap and I wanted to ask the basics really. How much does a 3 bedroom property cost to rent there, are bills and the cost of food cheap, what healthcare provision is there for expats?
Are cars cheap to buy and necessary?
Is the crime rate low?
Are there any Brits who can share their experiences with me? Do you like the climate, people, weather, culture, is the language hard to learn?
Sorry I know it's a lot, but having applied for a job I need to get researching asap!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
I'm British but I have no experience of Siem Reap, except for a 2 day stay. It looked really nice there.
The basic questions are fairly easily answered however, and echo the advice of the more positive posters above.
There are many properties available depending on your budget. Some people have quoted 600$, but this is not necessarily the bottom line. I have rented 3 bedroom 3 bathroom houses for $150 no worries. Take your time and look around. In my area here everyone was quoting 300$ and 400$ and 800$, but I happily obtained for $150. The others will remain empty and the owners can have nothing. You can find a nice place with a kind and welcoming owner for sure.
Healthcare... See above.. They can have the nicest, poshest, newest, priciest, cleanest places complete with doctors who have impressive credentials - but really it's just a facade. Dentists the same. The pharmacies stock an incredibly huge range of pills, potions, snake oil, tiger balm etc, but the best advice is to steer clear and keep yourself healthy. The NHS is online so look up their advice when you are here - it's the best bet.
Food... Oh dear.. Personally I am not a fan of Khmer cuisine, not even their rice. However, this will be your personal preference. There are a wide variety of International food places. The wholesalers and markets are good for buying the essentials for home. Beer is the cheapest in the world bar none.
Cars are extremely expensive compared to the UK and the choice is fairly limited. Gasoline is cheaper than the UK. Driving is chaotic with Khmer style rules rather than the real rules. It takes some time to learn the way to drive here and even at best it is sketchy.
Crime... There are very few instances of violence against foreigners. The majority of thugs are petty bag/phone/jewelry snatchers who are a constant plague and universally despised. Even the local people are targets, but you can expect help from all quarters if you unfortunately become a victim. The thugs usually get some 'street justice' (AKA one hell of a kicking) before the police arrive and then get some 're-education' (AKA the beats) back in the cop-shop. In your house keep your valuables in places where they cannot be reached by the 'long pole' through windows or doors, especially at night.
Climate - Sunny & Hot. Monsoons with amazing downpours, thunder and lightning and flooding - a real thrill.
Culture - Depends on your outlook and mind-set. They are a superstitious race with a profound belief in ghosts. Strong family ties. Real Khmers (not the tourist trap scammers) are hospitable, kind and helpful. Sadly, they are not very good workers and require constant training and encouragement and a degree means they can read and write, though not necessarily understand. It takes an great deal of patience and understanding when working with them. Maximum 3 tasks and they will perform well.
Language.. I tried to learn, it's handy to be polite and some posters here are adept. For myself, I just use Google Translate and pictures. It's a bit of a dead language really - a bit like Latin. Many locals speak English and like to practice with you and it tends to be the choice when in business. Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, English, French, German, Italian.... English is the happy way forward.
Good luck. It's a great place to be.
