Interview with Cla (For Riel), Australian expat in Siem Reap — Why you might reconsider to move to Cambodia, South East Asia

Q: Can you introduce yourselves and tell readers why you made the move to Siem Reap and what living in Siem Reap is like?

A: Hi — I’m Cla and my husband is Jeremy. We’re Australians who’ve been living in Siem Reap, Cambodia for about four and a half years. We created the For Riel channel to share honest, practical details about life here. We love Cambodia, we donate money raised from our channel to local charities, and we genuinely enjoy many aspects of living in Siem Reap and moving to Cambodia. That said, our perspective isn’t rose-tinted: we also share the realities people should consider before they move to Cambodia, South East Asia. If you’re researching whether to move to Cambodia, South East Asia, reading real experiences from expats who live here — like our interview — is one of the best ways to set realistic expectations.

Q: You made a video listing 10 reasons someone might not want to move to Cambodia. What’s the first reason people should honestly consider?

A: The first and most immediate reason is the heat. Living in Siem Reap isn’t like visiting for a holiday or comparing it to a hot place you lived previously. If you’re not good with heat, rethink moving to Cambodia, South East Asia. Many people assume they’ll spend much of their time inside air-conditioned cars or apartments, but high electricity costs push people to limit A/C use. Markets, streets and many services are uncovered and humid. April and May are particularly intense — you’ll sweat walking five minutes to the market. It’s manageable for many, but always underestimated by newcomers. If you’re considering living in Siem Reap or moving to Cambodia with little tolerance for heat, do a trial stay through the hottest months first.

Q: Insurance can be tricky for expats. What issues did you identify about getting medical insurance in Cambodia?

A: Insurance is the second big consideration. If you’re too old, getting affordable medical insurance for expatriates becomes very difficult. For example, SafetyNet — an insurer many expats use — commonly won’t take on new clients aged 60 or over. There is a continuity loophole: if you obtain a policy before turning 60 and keep it active, you can usually continue. But if you’re 65, 70 or 75 and thinking of moving to Cambodia, South East Asia, you should expect to need a specialist broker and to face higher premiums or limited options. Our practical tip: if you’re planning to retire in Cambodia or live in Siem Reap and are near that age threshold, secure international or regional coverage before you leave home and maintain continuity where possible. Ask in local expat Facebook groups about brokers — they’re an invaluable resource for practical recommendations when moving to Cambodia or living in Siem Reap.

Q: What about financial preparedness? Why is having access to emergency funds so critical?

A: Having immediate funds is the third concern. Life happens anywhere — a sudden need to fly home, an emergency with family, or a situation where you need to leave Cambodia quickly. If you don’t have the money to buy an airfare or cover an unexpected medical evacuation, you could be stuck or under serious stress. We recommend keeping at least a few thousand dollars accessible — $5,000 is a good rule-of-thumb if you can afford it — so you can buy a last-minute ticket home or manage a rapid departure. If you plan to retire in Cambodia or move to Siem Reap, treat that emergency fund as essential insurance against life’s unpredictability.

Q: You mentioned attachments to household appliances. How important are dishwashers, clothes dryers and ovens to life in Cambodia?

A: If you love your dishwasher, clothes dryer or a big electric oven, Cambodia may challenge your habits. These “white goods” are uncommon in typical rental houses here. You can buy them and install them if you’re living long-term in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, but expect higher prices and sometimes unreliable power considerations. Most locals and many expats hand-wash dishes and line-dry clothes — the sun here dries laundry very fast and gives a fresh smell to sheets and towels. If you’re considering moving to Cambodia, South East Asia and can’t imagine life without a dryer or dishwasher, you’ll need to budget for importing or purchasing them locally, or adjust to local methods like communal laundries or line-drying.

Q: What about healthcare availability for people with chronic or complex medical needs?

A: This is one of the most serious points. If you have complex, chronic or mobility-related health issues that rely on specialist care or a cocktail of less-common medications, moving to Cambodia, South East Asia may not be the best idea unless you’ve done exhaustive research. While many common medicines are available in Cambodian pharmacies, specialized drugs may be expensive or sporadically stocked. Some pharmacies — try “pharmacy dealer” contacts recommended by expat groups — can source medications from neighboring countries, but the costs can add up. Additionally, high-level specialists and advanced diagnostics are mostly centered in Phnom Penh or across the border in Thailand. If you need regular oncology, cardiology, or advanced neurological treatments, plan carefully: verify medication availability, consult expat healthcare forums, and ideally visit medical facilities in Phnom Penh to understand what’s possible before you relocate.

Q: How important is prior travel experience in Southeast Asia or living in a developing country before deciding to move to Cambodia?

A: If you’ve never been to Southeast Asia or lived in a developing country, it’s a major red flag — at least for a permanent move. You can watch dozens of videos, but there’s no substitute for boots-on-the-ground experience. Moving to Cambodia, South East Asia exposes you to things many westerners aren’t used to: visible poverty, informal economies, occasional public burning of waste, open drainage, and different attitudes toward punctuality and bureaucracy. These aren’t reasons to avoid Cambodia; they’re reasons to test the waters. Spend several extended visits — including non-tourist seasons — to see how you emotionally and practically handle daily life, smells, noise, and the social norms that come with living in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. If that experience feels alienating, you might prefer a different expat destination.

Q: You mentioned flexibility as essential. Can you explain what you mean by being “set in your ways” and how that affects life here?

A: Flexibility is crucial. Things take different turns than they might be used to in the West. For instance, a mechanic might stop work suddenly because he goes back to his home village for a few days — and your bike could sit in his shop. A landlord could delay repairs, or official processes can take longer and follow different procedures. If you’re very rigid about timetables, expect frustration. Cambodia requires patience, a sense of humor about small inconveniences, and adaptability. When people say "go with the flow" here, they mean accept that systems and expectations differ and often don’t come with the same predictability found back home. If you’re thinking of moving to Cambodia, South East Asia and you’re “very set in your ways,” it will make settling in harder.

Q: Is it true that everything in Cambodia is dirt cheap? How should expats plan their budget?

A: No — not everything is dirt cheap. This is a common misconception. Yes, you can find incredibly inexpensive options: basic rentals from $50/month, simple street food for $1–2, and local markets where rice and fruit cost very little. But quality accommodation, reliable internet, good kitchens, pools, and modern amenities increase costs significantly. Electricity is an often-overlooked expense — it’s priced at about $0.25 per kWh and can become a major monthly cost if you use air conditioning a lot. Imported groceries, medicines, and certain services may cost as much or more than in your home country due to import taxes. The overall message: moving to Cambodia, South East Asia can be inexpensive, but your lifestyle choices determine costs. If you expect Western standards for utilities, appliances, and imported goods, your budget needs to reflect that.

Q: How does noise affect daily life as an expat in Siem Reap or Cambodia more generally?

A: Cambodia can be noisy — weddings, funerals, festivals, construction (angle grinders and drills), and sudden karaoke sessions are part of the soundscape. This isn’t constant everywhere, but noise can spike for days. If you like quiet, you’ll need strategies: choose housing away from main roads or community centers, invest in noise-reduction solutions, or accept that sometimes the neighborhood will be loud and plan a weekend trip or a café visit elsewhere. Flexibility again helps: accept the occasional noisy burst as part of living in a vibrant community rather than an affront to comfort. If you’re thinking to move to Cambodia, South East Asia for peace and quiet all the time, you might prefer quieter destinations like certain Australian regional towns or parts of Europe.

Q: Why does Facebook matter so much for expats in Cambodia?

A: Facebook is essentially the information hub in Cambodia. Businesses, restaurants, events, and community notices are primarily shared via Facebook pages and Facebook groups. If you don’t use Facebook, you’ll miss job posts, rental listings, community events, promos from local restaurants and bars, and the simplest way to ask where to find goods or services in Siem Reap. For many expats, Facebook groups are where they find a plumber, a motorbike, a new apartment in Siem Reap, or recommendations for a doctor. If you’re reluctant to use Facebook, consider creating a minimal account specifically for local groups — it drastically reduces friction when living or moving to Cambodia, South East Asia.

Q: After listing these 10 reasons, what final advice do you have for someone considering retiring in Cambodia or moving to Siem Reap?

A: If after reading the 10 reasons you find them manageable, then the green light is there — you should go. Many people move to Cambodia and find the positives outweigh the drawbacks: warm climate, friendly communities, lower costs for local services, interesting culture, and easy ways to connect via expat groups. But go in informed. Try short stays at different times of year, visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and maybe coastal towns like Kep or Kampot, and use Facebook expat groups to ask specific questions. Prepare insurance and emergency funds, test the heat tolerance, and accept that some Western conveniences will be different or more expensive. If you do that, your chance of a smooth transition to living in Siem Reap, moving to Cambodia or retiring in Cambodia is far greater.

Table of Contents

• Practical tips and resources mentioned in the interview
• Why Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot and other spots differ
• FAQ — Common questions about moving to Cambodia, South East Asia
• Conclusion — Should you move to Cambodia?

Practical tips and resources mentioned in the interview

Below are practical, actionable steps for anyone who is seriously considering to move to Cambodia, South East Asia, or planning to live in Siem Reap:

• Try a trial stay across different seasons, especially April–May — the hottest months.
• Secure health insurance before moving; if you’re approaching 60, maintain continuous coverage where possible.
• Keep an emergency fund (suggested minimum: USD 3,000–5,000) for urgent flights or evacuations.
• Research medication availability via reputable local pharmacies and expat groups — some meds can be sourced but can be expensive.
• Budget for electricity if you intend to use air-conditioning regularly.
• Use Facebook groups to find housing, services, events and community connections — create an account even if you dislike Facebook.
• If you require specialist medical care, verify options in Phnom Penh and across the border in Thailand before committing to moving to Cambodia, South East Asia.
• Be prepared to hand-wash dishes and line-dry clothes; adopt local solutions to reduce costs and adapt to available infrastructure.

Why Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot and other spots differ

Not all of Cambodia is the same. Siem Reap is a hub for tourism — with plentiful guesthouses, restaurants and expat services — but still has the same issues around heat, electricity and the occasional lack of white goods. Phnom Penh is more urban and typically offers larger hospitals and more medical specialists. Kampot and Kep offer quieter coastal lifestyles and might appeal more to retirees seeking a calmer pace, but these towns have fewer specialist services and smaller expat communities. If you’re considering where to move to Cambodia, South East Asia, compare living in Siem Reap, living in Phnom Penh, and retiring in Kampot carefully against your needs for healthcare, quiet, and community.

FAQ — Common questions about moving to Cambodia, South East Asia

Q: Is it safe to move to Cambodia as an expat?

A: Cambodia is generally safe for expats, but like any country, you should exercise common sense. Petty theft and scams occur around tourist sites. Choose reputable accommodation, maintain sensible precautions at night, and use verified services (trusted taxi companies, well-reviewed guesthouses). If safety is your priority and you want quiet, consider quieter towns like Kampot or carefully select neighborhoods in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

Q: How much does it cost to live in Siem Reap compared to Phnom Penh or Kampot?

A: Cost of living varies widely. You can find an apartment in Siem Reap from roughly $150–$300/month for comfortable, basic housing; more luxurious apartments with pools and strong Western-style kitchens easily exceed $600–$1,200/month. Phnom Penh tends to be slightly pricier for Western-standard housing but provides more services. Kampot is often cheaper but has fewer amenities. Expect electricity bills to be a notable monthly expense whether living in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Imported groceries and medicines can be as expensive or more so than your home country.

Q: Can I get health insurance if I’m over 60 and want to retire in Cambodia?

A: It’s possible but can be challenging and expensive. Some insurers won’t take new clients over certain ages, and others require you to have had coverage prior to moving. Work with international brokers who specialize in expat policies, and start your search early. If you’re already over 60, expect limited options and higher premiums. Research carefully before committing to move to Cambodia, South East Asia.

Q: Are English-speaking doctors and hospitals available?

A: Yes, especially in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. International clinics and hospitals staffed with English-speaking personnel exist, but the range of specialists is limited compared to Western countries. For advanced treatment you may need to travel to Bangkok or Singapore. Always check facilities and medical staff credentials, and don’t assume parity with Western healthcare systems.

Q: Do I need Facebook to find rentals and jobs when living in Siem Reap?

A: Practically yes. Facebook is where many property listings, job postings and local recommendations are posted. There are alternatives, but they’re limited and less active. If you want the most effective way to search for apartments in Siem Reap or connect as an expat in Cambodia, create an account and join the major local Facebook groups.

Q: How easy is it to find a job when moving to Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap?

A: Opportunities exist in tourism, hospitality, teaching English (TEFL), NGOs and some remote work. Visa and work permit rules must be followed carefully; employers sometimes sponsor work permits, but remote digital nomad work requires a clear understanding of visa status. Use local job groups and networking to find openings. Remember that salaries for local positions can be lower than Western equivalents, and expatriate roles often require specific skills.

Q: What are some reliable resources to research before moving to Cambodia?

A: Use a mix of resources: For Riel’s YouTube channel and videos provide practical daily-life insight; local Facebook groups for Siem Reap and Cambodia (visa groups, housing groups) are essential for real-time information; consult local expat blogs and websites; contact international insurance brokers and medical facilities directly; and if possible, visit for an extended trial stay. Also, consider official embassy guidance for visa and legal matters if you plan to move to Cambodia, South East Asia.

Conclusion — Should you move to Cambodia?

If you’ve gone through these 10 considerations and you feel prepared for the heat, have sorted insurance and emergency funds, can adapt to local services and sometimes noisy neighborhoods, and are willing to use Facebook to connect with the community, then moving to Cambodia, South East Asia — whether living in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or retiring in Kampot — can be a fulfilling, economical, and culturally rich experience. The catch is honest preparation: know what you’re giving up, what you’ll adapt to, and what you must maintain (insurance, funds, medical plans). We encourage prospective expats to spend substantial time visiting during different seasons, ask questions in local groups, and watch creators like For Riel for unfiltered insight.

Credit: This interview and the practical points summarized above are based on a video by For Riel, an Australian couple living in Siem Reap who document life, costs, and realities of living in Siem Reap and across Cambodia. If you found this interview helpful, consider watching their original video and joining local Facebook groups for real-time support during your move to Cambodia, South East Asia.

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