Is Cambodia the best place to retire in 2022? we are often asked, even though no one can categorically say where the BEST place to head to with your retirement fund because of individual preferences and biases. However, using widely accepted indices like affordability, safety, health services and lifestyle, Cambodia regularly appears in the top ten. Read on if you are considering cashing in on your pension and savings to quite the rat race and relax!

Retirement – Standard of living

Cambodia is considered in the top 5 places for Americans to retire, slightly bettered by Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, and Vietnam. In 2019, ‘International Living’ placed Cambodia as Number One in its ‘Cost of Living’ Annual Global Retirement Index. Cambodia has held this place previously for 4 years consecutively.

Some factors in obtaining this prized retirement community position real estate, lifestyle, healthcare and costs of living.

Real Estate in Cambodia allows for both frugal and luxurious lifestyles, depending on available pension funds. Cheap apartments can be bought for as little as $60,000 USD or rented at $300/month. The mid-range around $120,000 USD or $800/month. The world is your oyster after that!

Food, household items, furniture, transport and clothing are cheap. There is a wide range of local and international food available, with surprising places opening up all the time. A street side feed can cost around $2 and a good quality meal with beer can cost around $8. Cheap household goods, food and clothes can be found in the local markets. Not only are they cheap, they are fun too! Transport is easy and cheap too. Short trips by PassApp cost around $1, even less by motodop and a 3-hour bus trip to Kampot costs less than $10.

Maintaining health and treating ailments is of concern to retirees. Healthcare generally is far better now than in previous years. The major urban centres have many good quality pharmacies, GPs, specialists, alternative and preventative medical practitioners and dental surgeries. Quality healthcare is generally inexpensive and there are many social media forums to verify other people’s experiences.

Costs are not the only consideration for retirees. After years of working, many seek a relaxing lifestyle with loose routines and fewer stresses leading to a better quality in the later years of life.

Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder, has a rich culture imbued with a French influence. There are countless places to visit – ancient temples, colonial architectural gems, local markets, manicured gardens, sweeping mountain ranges, pristine coastlines and tropical islands. It is this mix that makes Cambodia so special.

Where in Cambodia is the best place to retire?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is where most expats settle. As with all international cities, it has everything a retiree would need. It has a mix of old and new with new developments, condos and shopping centres being established all over the city. There are still plenty of interesting places to visit, a wide choice of accommodation and a lively social culture, both daytime and at night.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is somewhat more laid back compared to the capital, Phnom Penh. For those who love history Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, is the place to be. Countless temples abound within a short journey in any direction and the city is much smaller, so it is easy to navigate. Apart from the temple scene, Siem Reap has a scenic river that meanders through its centre, local markets, a colonial quarter and famous ‘Pub Street’, a lively nightspot. This town offers a relaxed and friendly environment with less traffic chaos.

Battambang

Although Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia, it is a tranquil colonial city with a growing expat population. Like other urban centres, it has an array of restaurants, bars, and hotels, making life convenient and comfortable.

Kampot and Kep

In riverside Kampot, life is slow and leisurely, known for its world-renowned pepper, said to be the world’s best. Kampot is a good stopover place for those visiting Bokor Mountain. It has a number of quality restaurants and hotels to accommodate ‘better quality’ tourists. This is the great place for retirees after the seaside, natural greenery and mountains.

Kep, some 20km from Kampot is famous for the ruins of what was a Mecca for ‘New Khmer Architecture’. In the 1960s, the Modernist architecture movement, infused with Cambodian flair, made Kep a design location for the rich and famous. Its ruins, following the actions resulting from the Vietnam War and Khmer Rouge are now being reclaimed and redeveloped. Kep has become a peaceful location as the beach lifestyle, sea breezes and crab market offer many delights for the senses.

Now, despite the uniqueness of each location briefly mentioned here, Cambodia covers most bases. And… if it doesn’t, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Thailand are only short flights away.

Retirement community visas

Those wishing to retire in Cambodia must apply for an E-class visa at the airport on arrival. You must have a passport valid for at least six months and at least one blank page and a passport sized photo. This visa is good for 30-days and costs $35. This is applicable to retirees from non-ASEAN countries. Those from ASEAN countries can visit Cambodia visa-free for 21 days.

To get an extension for retirees, applicants must show documentation of retirement and proof of funds to support their stay. People aged 55+ can get this visa, although some have been known to have been issued to younger applicants, which requires more paperwork.

The ER Visa cannot be issued to anyone employed, so ER visa holders do not need work permits. 1, 3, 6 or 12 month ER visas are available, but only the 6 and 12-month visas allow multiple entries.

 

We hope this helps you answer the question is Cambodia the best place to retire? If you need more info, here are some other resources for you:

Check out the International Living website here

Contact us!

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About Phnom Penh property

Phnom Penh real estate market