Wednesday 7 January 2015

Digital Nomad Report - Cambodia

The last two weeks in Cambodia have been interesting.   Phnom Penh, the capital and biggest city, ended up to be very disappointing, and Siem Reap, the small city that hosts Angkor Wat has been surprising.  btw, the name means "Siam Defeated".



If you are a digital nomad, that is an online worker that can work anywhere in the world, provided there is an internet connection, then Siem Reap is worth exploring.  It is relatively inexpensive, albeit Thailand, which is far more developed, might be a better and just as inexpensive option.

The upside of Cambodia is its downside, it is a developing country and decades behind its neighbouring countries.  You can get a meal for a couple dollars and rent a big house quite reasonably.  In Siem Reap aleast.  Phnom Penh was expensive, dirty, and completely unappealing, but don't take my word for it, see it for yourself.  I would say a day in Phnom Penh is enough.  3 days in Siem Reap, and then see Vietnam or Thailand.

Internet is fast, accommodation is reasonable, food is good and healthy.  The language is a little harsh, I suppose I now know how German sounds harsh to a non-speaker.  You also have to bargain and watch out for scammers looking for a sucker to overpay.  Especially tuk tuk drivers.   Seems the locals just look at foreigners as ATM machines.  Worse than in Thailand.

What's better than Thailand are the quality of foreign travelers.  It's not a "Party Destination" so it's nice to sit in a CafĂ© and talk to fellow travelers, instead of avoiding drunks looking to party.

The visa situation is good, and the US$ is the currency of choice here, but be careful bringing in your bills.  Any small rip and it won't be accepted.

I would consider Siem Reap my Plan B should I not find another place in South East Asia to live.