Practical guide
Living in Cambodia,
simply.
Every administrative step, explained and sourced — visas, permits, tax, banking, health, housing. In English, up to date, verified.
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All topics
Visas, daily life, business creation, cities — everything an expat in Cambodia needs.
Tourism, business, retirement, work permits, renewals, calendar.
Daily lifeHealth, housing, transport, banking, schools, daily routine — beyond paperwork.
Doing businessCompany formation, corporate tax, compliance, legal structures in Cambodia.
CitiesPhnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot — living in Cambodia's main cities.
Must-read guides
The most-requested procedures for expats — explained and sourced.
Where to settle?
Four cities, four lifestyles — find your ideal base in Cambodia.
Phnom Penh
Capital and economic hub. Best access to services, international hospitals, and job opportunities.
Siem Reap
Gateway to Angkor temples. International crowd, large expat community, more affordable rents than Phnom Penh.
Sihanoukville
On the coast. Direct access to islands, fast-growing economy, beachside lifestyle.
Kampot
Quiet riverside town, strong French-speaking community, one of the lowest costs of living in Cambodia.
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions from expats before and after arriving in Cambodia.
- Which visa is right for living in Cambodia as an expat?
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The EB (business) visa is best for long-term stays — it can be renewed indefinitely in Cambodia. The T (tourist) visa (30 days) works for a first arrival. Retirees should look into the ER (retirement) visa.
EB visa guide → - How much does it cost to live in Cambodia as an expat?
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A comfortable budget ranges from USD 1,200 to 2,500/month depending on city and lifestyle. Housing accounts for 35–50% of expenses. Kampot is significantly cheaper than Phnom Penh.
Daily life → - Can foreigners open a bank account in Cambodia?
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Yes, with a valid passport and active visa. ABA Bank, Canadia Bank and ACLEDA are the most foreigner-friendly. ABA Bank has no minimum deposit requirement.
Bank account guide → - Do I need a work permit to work in Cambodia?
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Yes, every foreign employee must obtain an MLVT work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour. It is paired with an EB (business) visa. Your employer can often handle the paperwork.
Work permit guide → - How do I set up a company in Cambodia as a foreigner?
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A 100% foreign-owned Private Limited Company (Co. Ltd.) is the most common structure. It requires a minimum capital of 4M KHR (~USD 1,000) and registration with the Ministry of Commerce — a process taking 2–4 weeks via CamDX.
Co. Ltd. guide → - Which city is best for expats in Cambodia?
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Phnom Penh for jobs and premium services. Siem Reap for international life at lower cost. Kampot for peace and a strong French-speaking community. Sihanoukville for the coast and islands.
Compare cities →
Life in Cambodia
Settling in, finding a home, staying healthy, working — everyday life in Cambodia, beyond the paperwork.
Health & insurance
Health insurance, hospitals, vaccines and medical emergencies.
Housing
Renting, buying and understanding the property market in Cambodia.
Banking & money
Bank accounts, money transfers, USD vs Riel and payment tools.
Transport & vehicles
Driving licence, registration, vehicle inspection and annual tax.
Daily life
Moving in, internet connectivity, schooling, pets and cost of living.
Expat tools
Find the right visa, size up your budget, pick the right entity — without juggling five government tabs.
For businesses
Targeting expats in Cambodia? List your business for free or boost your visibility.
Recently added
Guides published or updated recently — all sources verified.
- June 6, 2026 Home insurance in Cambodia
Home insurance in Cambodia for expats — market overview, licensed local insurers, available coverage, exclusions and international alternatives.
- June 6, 2026 Property and real estate taxes in Cambodia
Real estate taxation in Cambodia — annual property tax (0.1%), stamp duty (4%), unused land tax (2%), and rental income taxation for expat owners.
- June 6, 2026 Land titles in Cambodia — Hard Title, Soft Title, Strata Title
Understanding Cambodian land titles — Hard Title, Soft Title and Strata Title, their differences, risks and implications for expats.
- June 6, 2026 Finding a rental home in Cambodia
How to find a rental home in Cambodia — portals, agencies, expat Facebook groups, visit process and mistakes to avoid.
Cambodia at a glance
Southeast Asian kingdom of ~17 million people, bordering Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Heavily dollarised economy, gradually opening to expats since the late 1990s.
- Population
- ~17 million
- Capital
- Phnom Penh (~2.1 M)
- Currency
- Riel (KHR) + USD
- Official language
- Khmer
- Time zone
- UTC+7, no DST
- Phone code
- +855
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