Living in Cambodia/Abroad permanently
- chkwoot
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I'm a permanent expat, from the US, currently living in Cambodia. I've been living, full-time, in SEA for 20 years. Two countries. I've been back to the states only 5 times to visit family and shop, but haven't been back for 9 years. I never want to live there again.
Stop trying to plan and figure out stuff before you move. Just do it. Most of your preconceived ideas will probably be proven wrong. The only advice I would give is that you should bring (or have readily available) at least $12,000 (average $1,000 per month for 1 year for most SEA countries, but Korea would be much more expensive), and have a 1 year, open-ended return ticket. If you don't have that much, then just come for a vacation. You still haven't said if you've been here before. The heat, humidity, lack of hygiene, locals' "logic", and the bugs, can be quite oppressive for some.
Good luck.
Stop trying to plan and figure out stuff before you move. Just do it. Most of your preconceived ideas will probably be proven wrong. The only advice I would give is that you should bring (or have readily available) at least $12,000 (average $1,000 per month for 1 year for most SEA countries, but Korea would be much more expensive), and have a 1 year, open-ended return ticket. If you don't have that much, then just come for a vacation. You still haven't said if you've been here before. The heat, humidity, lack of hygiene, locals' "logic", and the bugs, can be quite oppressive for some.
Good luck.
I am sooooo very sorry if you can't understand or appreciate my sarcastic facetiousness.
- Phuket2006
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i would think the best field to go into where u can find work anywhere, is Nursing. In Ca u can get ur RN degree thru some community colleges in 3 years or less, (my daughter is now in one)after deciding that Her Vet tech degree would never generate the Income she desired.Sking218 wrote:That's so amazing and that is exactly what I want to do! I'm 25, no college credits yet, I dropped out when I was 18. I want to go and get my degree and leave so if I have to I'll find work back here, but I don't think I would ever come back. I want to make my dream of travel a reality and I've figured out that it's way more in reach than I imagined.rgrowden wrote:I'm a permanent expat; 10 years now, lived in 4 countries since I Ieft. I'm not going back, probably stay here - one could do worse than PP. I decided to reinvent myself at age 50, went to the university and got my degree in 2007. I used it to escape the US. Absolutely the best decision of my entire life. No regrets, not once. Just do it.
What countries have you lived in? And if I may ask what field are you in? Any input on a particular field to go in that will help you find work in major Southeast Asian cities? Also, how hard was is to pick up and move in the next country (financially, and easily)?
Its not as easy as when i started traveling back in the 70's to make money on the go, ( unless ur a very excellent Blogger)
I have now lived and worked in Mexico, Europe, Nepal, Zaire, HK and Thailand and have only lived in the states for 20 months out of the last 35 years
Find something ur very good at, get better at it and enjoy before u make ur move
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
Good discussion! A couple of points to make:
The bugs aren't a problem. I spray down with OFF! before venturing outside. I'm on the 5th floor (6th to Americans, so it's higher than the mosquitoes roam; I leave the windows open).
I love heat and humidity, but my body temp runs way below normal. If you're a typical western fatty, you'll be miserable.
So far as profession, a 4 year degree plus TEFL will get you a job teaching English almost anywhere in the world, although Europe is difficult. Depending on the country, it can be a great or horrible job. Probably the easiest way to get out in the world and be able to support yourself.
I retired from working in Saudi Arabia, then moved here. I don't know about the local job market. You can teach here,it's not one of the better countries, but you'd make a living. I think there are opportunities here to make a business, if you're the entrepreneur type.
The bugs aren't a problem. I spray down with OFF! before venturing outside. I'm on the 5th floor (6th to Americans, so it's higher than the mosquitoes roam; I leave the windows open).
I love heat and humidity, but my body temp runs way below normal. If you're a typical western fatty, you'll be miserable.
So far as profession, a 4 year degree plus TEFL will get you a job teaching English almost anywhere in the world, although Europe is difficult. Depending on the country, it can be a great or horrible job. Probably the easiest way to get out in the world and be able to support yourself.
I retired from working in Saudi Arabia, then moved here. I don't know about the local job market. You can teach here,it's not one of the better countries, but you'd make a living. I think there are opportunities here to make a business, if you're the entrepreneur type.
I think cCambodia can be a great country to live in, but I also believe there's a few conditions you should meet if you want to live a comfortable / safe live here.
The main issues being money and health. Making money in Cambodia can be hard, very hard. Most Cambodians are willing to work for a salary that's too low for most of us, so you can not compete on salary - if you have special skills you might stand a chance. And if you have (serious) health issues, well.... Maybe just come for a visit. Even though there is a kind of healthcare, and there are more or less decent private clinics in Phnom Penh, the level of experience and knowledge is nowhere near hat most Western people are used to.
The climate can be another issue. Constant sweating and rushing from one air conditioned place to another ain't no fun. Losing a few stones will help of course, but if you like a beer you will probably gain a stone because the beer is available in your face everywhere and very cheap.
Money... When I came to Cambodia about 8 years ago I found Cambodia to be pretty cheap, but prices have been on the rise constantly, and I am not at a point I think living in Cambodia is about the same price, or even more expensive, than living in Thailand. With Thailand offering superior facilities... Don't expect Cambodia to be dirt cheap - apart from the happy hour beers. And if you come here for the first time, make sure you have an escape - either in the form of a (open) return ticket, or savings you really won't use. Cambodia is a tough country for some. Don't expect too many people to care about your well being, you will be mostly on your own, and you have to watch your on back.
The main issues being money and health. Making money in Cambodia can be hard, very hard. Most Cambodians are willing to work for a salary that's too low for most of us, so you can not compete on salary - if you have special skills you might stand a chance. And if you have (serious) health issues, well.... Maybe just come for a visit. Even though there is a kind of healthcare, and there are more or less decent private clinics in Phnom Penh, the level of experience and knowledge is nowhere near hat most Western people are used to.
The climate can be another issue. Constant sweating and rushing from one air conditioned place to another ain't no fun. Losing a few stones will help of course, but if you like a beer you will probably gain a stone because the beer is available in your face everywhere and very cheap.
Money... When I came to Cambodia about 8 years ago I found Cambodia to be pretty cheap, but prices have been on the rise constantly, and I am not at a point I think living in Cambodia is about the same price, or even more expensive, than living in Thailand. With Thailand offering superior facilities... Don't expect Cambodia to be dirt cheap - apart from the happy hour beers. And if you come here for the first time, make sure you have an escape - either in the form of a (open) return ticket, or savings you really won't use. Cambodia is a tough country for some. Don't expect too many people to care about your well being, you will be mostly on your own, and you have to watch your on back.
Old farts, the lot of you. I arrived with $4000 on a one way ticket. Several years later I've got loads of stuff (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
Cambodia can make some or break many imo.
Cambodia can make some or break many imo.
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A very interesting order of goods and chattels - in priority order I presume?
(like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
OML
(like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
OML
i have been stunned by what others have achieved in cambodia. just take a look around at the private infrastructure that wasnt here 10years ago.
for me i arrived on a one way ticket into khaosan road so long ago that i wont say. slept on the street the first night because i arrived late and didnt want to fork out for few hours in a room. yeah had sweet FA then and still got most of it left. yep got none of this shit (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) but got heaps of freedom to do exactly what i want whenever i choose or not choose. mostly these days i not choose, perhaps you could say nirvana has rubbed off onto me or doing anything at all is such a goddam hassle it aint worth it in the end.
asians idea of nirvana is stopping anyone else from doing anything at all and especially barang and farang. it makes them feel as though there minuscule penis has multiplied in size.
sure i have turned down/walked away from, offers that many could only dream of. just didnt think i could measure up to the unknown expectation as though i was short changing them with what i could offer/provide, thought that they could do much better elsewhere
for me i arrived on a one way ticket into khaosan road so long ago that i wont say. slept on the street the first night because i arrived late and didnt want to fork out for few hours in a room. yeah had sweet FA then and still got most of it left. yep got none of this shit (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) but got heaps of freedom to do exactly what i want whenever i choose or not choose. mostly these days i not choose, perhaps you could say nirvana has rubbed off onto me or doing anything at all is such a goddam hassle it aint worth it in the end.
asians idea of nirvana is stopping anyone else from doing anything at all and especially barang and farang. it makes them feel as though there minuscule penis has multiplied in size.
sure i have turned down/walked away from, offers that many could only dream of. just didnt think i could measure up to the unknown expectation as though i was short changing them with what i could offer/provide, thought that they could do much better elsewhere
Last edited by sociopath on Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
no replying to those who misinterpret/misread what i write. this aint kindergarten
FFS, you mean there are people out there who WANT those things? How awful. Shudder. Shit, I'm going to have nightmares for a week.pedros wrote:Old farts, the lot of you. I arrived with $4000 on a one way ticket. Several years later I've got loads of stuff (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
Cambodia can make some or break many imo.
lolrgrowden wrote:FFS, you mean there are people out there who WANT those things? How awful. Shudder. Shit, I'm going to have nightmares for a week.pedros wrote:Old farts, the lot of you. I arrived with $4000 on a one way ticket. Several years later I've got loads of stuff (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
Cambodia can make some or break many imo.
no replying to those who misinterpret/misread what i write. this aint kindergarten
Good advice, If you want to travel, work at something rewarding and make good money, do a nursing degree. Once you are qualified and have some experiences there are openings world wide.Phuket2006 wrote: i would think the best field to go into where u can find work anywhere, is Nursing. In Ca u can get ur RN degree thru some community colleges in 3 years or less, (my daughter is now in one)after deciding that Her Vet tech degree would never generate the Income she desired.
Find something ur very good at, get better at it and enjoy before u make ur move
https://www.jobs4medical.co.uk/blog/blo ... ide-the-uk
https://jobs.goabroad.com/search/nursing/jobs-abroad-1
And he still has $6.37 in the bank!pedros wrote:Old farts, the lot of you. I arrived with $4000 on a one way ticket. Several years later I've got loads of stuff (like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
Cambodia can make some or break many imo.
Is Scoobie-doo back on the pay roll ?
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Calling Jessie - come in Jessie
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Ot Mean Loi wrote:A very interesting order of goods and chattels - in priority order I presume?
(like a house, land, car, cows, wife, kids etc) that I couldn't have dreamed of getting so quickly in Europe without murdering my parents.
OML
Man's gotta get his priorities in order, seen?
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