Southeast Asia's Most Accessible Long-Stay Destination
Dollar economy, ultra-affordable living, and the easiest visas in Asia
Climate
Tropical. Dry season Nov–Apr. Wet season May–Oct.
Official Language
Khmer (English very widely spoken in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap)
Currency Used
USD (widely used alongside Cambodian Riel)
Target Budget
$700 – $1300 / mo
Relocation Visas
Recommended Visa
E-Visa / Ordinary Visa (E-class) — renewable long-term
Acquisition Difficulty
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easiest long-term visa in Southeast Asia
Expat Cost of Living
Cambodia operates largely on US dollars, which means no currency conversion headaches and complete predictability for your budget. The Ordinary Visa (E-class) can be renewed indefinitely while in-country, allowing expats to stay for years.
Phnom Penh is a rapidly modernizing city with a growing expat food scene, modern coworking facilities, and surprisingly strong internet infrastructure. Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, offers a quieter, more artistic expat community.
Kampot, a riverside town near the coast, has become a cult favorite among long-term expats seeking the ultimate slow-living lifestyle at an extraordinarily low price point — full comfortable living under $1,000/month.
Why Expats Choose Cambodia
US Dollar economy — zero currency risk
Ordinary Visa renewable indefinitely in-country — stay forever legally
Kampot: the slow-living expat capital of Southeast Asia
Angkor Wat complex — one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements
Warm, resilient Khmer culture with a remarkable history
Easy access to Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos by land or air
Estimated Monthly Budget
| Expense Item | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Bed Apartment (Phnom Penh) | $250 | $550 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $100 | $180 |
| Utilities | $40 | $100 |
| Dining out (per meal) | $2 | $8 |
| Private health insurance | $50 | $120 |
| Tuk-tuk/Grab monthly | $30 | $60 |
* Budgets are ground-truth estimates gathered from resident expats. Actual costs will vary depending on lifestyle and city of choice.
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