How to save money in Cambodia

I always say the three largest challenges are to know where to buy what you want, what it should cost, and what you will have to pay for it.

I have a few people who are Khmer and get good prices on various items.  What surprised me was the packaged, processed, items are ALWAYS more expensive in the markets.  Central Market is the worst but ALL cost more than the prices in the larger supermarkets.  This does not necessarily apply to clothes, towels, mats, or things bought loose in bulk - think rice, nuts, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, etc. but everything from insecticide to boxed UHT milk is more expensive in ALL markets.  The more you buy the closer the price gets to what you will pay in a supermarket for a single item.

I would rather pay more for an apt where there is security 24 hrs. a day.  Loud neighbors and dangerous surroundings during the night can also be included in the unseen price of an apt.

Going out can ruin budgets quickly!  Best to keep a limit on relaxation and fun expenses to a reasonable amount (dependent on your finances and likes).

They used to have (for a very short time) hundreds of taxis in PP but the last trip I didn't see any, the entire week I was there - other than airport taxis that charged a fixed rate to the city center and only from the airport.  The rates were great (actually often cheaper than moto rides) and of course more comfortable and you could easily bring more groceries etc.  I would love to see them return to stay!  That said, motos, are cheap and plentiful but they are dangerous with many minor accidents happening all the time.

Renting a moto is relatively cheap and for younger or more adventurous types a fairly good option.  I have been going to Cambodia but PP roads all look the same to me.  I am sure if I had to ride a moto I would be fine but I prefer just to pay a little more and take motos and help the local economy a little.

Electricity is very expensive and depending on how well the A/C has been maintained it might be very expensive to stay comfortable.  Gas is cheaper than electricity for cooking but still expensive.

Laundry prices are cheap but they add up.  Very few apartments have space, hookups for washing machines and none, I have seen, have clothes drier hookups.

Realize everyone has had a difficult life in Cambodia - and some of the stories are true!  Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut and you will learn a lot.  Helping people usually doesn't work out well for the giver here.  There are ways to help - maybe supplying notebooks and school supplies to a public school (private schools will be glad to take your money but the students pay to go to school - even in public schools most kids pay something every day).  Giving money is generally not a good idea.  I used to ask beggars what they wanted to eat (at very simple outdoor places) if they said they wanted money - I would just walk away - to be poor, begging, and unwilling to stoop to accepting free food says they are not poor enough to need my help!

Just some ideas.


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