Job Discussion Forums

[Dave_1]

.............

[PattyFlipper]

$10 a day is going to be pushing it, unless you want to live like a hermit, but it is just about doable. A basic room can be had for $4 to $6 a night - possibly less if you stay in dormitory-type accommodation. The cost of eating out has increased quite a bit over the last few months, but it is still possible to get decent local or even Western style food for around $2 to $4. You can eat in the markets or from street vendors (though Cambodia is not as well-served in this regard as Thailand) much more cheaply, however the quality and hygiene of the food may be suspect. You would be well-advised not to underestimate this unless you want to pay medical bills. You will also need to budget for getting around. Phnom Penh does not have any kind of mass-transportation or bus system. Instead you will be using the ubiquitous motodops (motorcycle taxis) and as a foreigner will be paying between 2000 riels (about 50 US cents) to a dollar per trip, depending on distance.

[Dave_1]

[PattyFlipper]

Know exactly what you mean about "fitting in" back in the UK.

$17 a day should be fine - gives you a bit more of a margin. Don't forget to bargain for a long-term rate at the guest house if you will be staying with them for a couple of months. Some will, others won't. Additionally, if you are taking a round trip on a motodop, it can sometimes work out a little cheaper to ask him to wait for you (provided it is not for too long) rather than taking two separate ones. Alternatively, if you are comfortable riding a motorcycle yourself, you can hire for between $3 to $5 per day (perhaps less for longer periods - not sure as I would never trust myself) which can substantially reduce your transportation costs.

For cheap flights from the UK, try the Middle Eastern airlines London - Bangkok. Kuwait airways and Etihad often have competitive fares. Air Asia (www.airasia.com) are generally the cheapest on the Bangkok to Phnom Penh route, but watch out for excess baggage charges. They also now fly London - Kuala Lumpur (then onward to Phnom Penh) and fares can be ridiculously cheap if you get the timing right.

Good luck. Phnom Penh is a very congenial place in which to live.

[jonniboy]

Really depends whether you're in PP or one of the other towns. Siam Reap I found a bit more expensive than PP probably because of the Angkor Wat tourism whereas Sihanoukville I lived happily off 10 dollars a day (4 dollar room, 3 dollars food, 2 dollars beer, 1 dollar internet). Long term ie allowing for other expenses 17 dollars should be fine in PP.

[wanderingsalsero]

Is there any salsa dancing in Cambodia?

[khmerhit]

yes--at least one brazilian o knew was a salsa dancer