Living in Sihanoukville: the ultimate expat guide

Sihanoukville's economy is driven by its deep-water port, tourism, manufacturing, and the growing Special Economic Zone. The province achieved a total economic output of USD 1.61 billion in 2023 with a 4% growth rate. The government's Master Plan 2025-2038 aims to transform Sihanoukville into a high-income province, targeting a GDP of USD 13.6 billion by 2038.

Key Employment Sectors

The main industries hiring foreign workers include tourism and hospitality (hotels, resorts, restaurants), logistics and port operations, manufacturing (garment and footwear factories in the SSEZ), education (English teaching positions), and the growing technology and digital services sector. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) hosts over 174 factories employing more than 30,000 workers.

Work Permits and Visas

Foreign nationals must obtain an E-class (Ordinary) visa to work legally in Cambodia. The initial visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended to an EB visa for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Employers must apply for work permits through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training's Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS). Work permits cost approximately USD 100-200 per year and must be renewed between January and March annually.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: WageIndicator, B2B Cambodia

Higher education options in Sihanoukville are limited but growing. The city is home to Life University, a private institution founded in 2007 that offers undergraduate programs in various disciplines. For broader academic opportunities, many students commute or relocate to Phnom Penh, which hosts the majority of Cambodia's 49 recognized universities.

Life University Sihanoukville

Life University is the main higher education institution in Sihanoukville, officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The university offers programs in business administration, English, theology, and social sciences. Courses are taught primarily in Khmer and English. The university maintains exchange partnerships with institutions in South Korea, the United States, China, Singapore, and Thailand. Annual tuition fees typically range from USD 500 to USD 1,500 depending on the program.

Universities in Phnom Penh

For more comprehensive academic options, students can access institutions in Phnom Penh (2 hours via expressway). Top choices include the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) for science and technology, Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC) for English-medium business and law programs, and the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) offering dual-degree programs with U.S. universities. Annual tuition at international universities ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 8,000.

Sources: Life University, uniRank Cambodia

Cambodia has become an increasingly popular retirement destination, and Sihanoukville's coastal lifestyle makes it particularly attractive for retirees seeking affordable beachside living. The country offers a straightforward ER (Retirement) Visa program for foreign nationals aged 55 and over.

Retirement Visa Requirements

To obtain a Cambodian retirement visa, applicants must be at least 55 years old, provide proof of retirement (pension documentation or social security statements), and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves. The process begins with obtaining an E-class visa (USD 35), then extending it to an ER visa at the Immigration Department. The ER visa costs approximately USD 285-300 per year and can be renewed indefinitely. Retirees are not permitted to work in Cambodia on this visa. The visa grants multiple-entry privileges, allowing unlimited travel in and out of the country.

Healthcare Considerations

Healthcare facilities in Sihanoukville are limited compared to larger cities. The main options include CT Polyclinic, Sihanoukville International Clinic, and Erico International Clinic—all part of the Cambodia First Clinics group offering 24-hour emergency services. Consultation fees range from USD 20-50. For serious medical conditions, most expats travel to Phnom Penh (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital) or Bangkok. International health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Monthly insurance premiums typically range from USD 100-300 depending on age and coverage level.

Sources: VisaGuide World, Move to Cambodia

Sihanoukville offers limited but growing international schooling options for expatriate families. While the city cannot match the breadth of choices available in Phnom Penh, several schools cater to foreign children with English-medium and international curricula.

International Schools in Sihanoukville

Life International School (LIS) is the primary international school in Sihanoukville, offering an American-standard curriculum from kindergarten through secondary education. The school operates as an "English Only" campus where students and teachers communicate exclusively in English. LIS uses MAP testing to benchmark student progress against international standards. Monthly tuition ranges from approximately USD 200 to USD 400 depending on grade level.

A French school (Nouvelle École Française) also operates in Sihanoukville, following the official program of the French Ministry of Education. Tuition is approximately USD 70/month for kindergarten and USD 200/month for primary and secondary levels.

Sources: Life International School

Sihanoukville's real estate market offers diverse options from budget apartments to luxury beachfront villas. The market has stabilized following significant fluctuations, with prices now 30-40% below 2019 peaks. Rental yields remain attractive at 8-12%, higher than Phnom Penh's 6-10%.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Sangkat 3 and Sangkat 4 (also known as Sangkat Bei and Sangkat Buon) are the most popular areas for expatriates, commanding property prices of USD 3,500-4,500 per square meter due to their coastal location and proximity to amenities. Otres Beach offers a quieter, more bohemian atmosphere popular with long-term residents seeking relaxation. Victory Hill and the downtown area provide convenient access to restaurants, shops, and services. Serendipity Beach remains a hub for tourists and short-term visitors.

Rental Prices

Rental costs vary significantly by location and quality. The table below shows average monthly rents:

Rental agreements are typically negotiated directly with landlords. Deposits of 1-2 months' rent are standard. Foreigners cannot own land but can purchase strata-title condominiums or enter long-term leases (up to 50 years).

Sources: Numbeo, Bamboo Routes

Sihanoukville is renowned for its beaches, islands, and outdoor activities. The city serves as a gateway to some of Cambodia's most beautiful coastal destinations while offering its own array of cultural and recreational experiences.

Beaches and Islands

Ochheuteal Beach is the most popular beach in town, offering beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. Otres Beach provides a quieter alternative with boutique resorts and yoga studios. Independence Beach offers tranquil stretches of sand near historic colonial-era buildings. The nearby islands are major attractions: Koh Rong (40 minutes by ferry) features pristine white sand beaches and party venues at Koh Toch village, while Koh Rong Samloem offers serene turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton at night. Ferry tickets cost approximately USD 25 return.

Cultural Sites and Activities

Wat Leu and Wat Krom are the main Buddhist temples offering panoramic views of the city and coast. Kbal Chhay Waterfall (16 km north) provides a refreshing day trip into nature. Ream National Park offers mangrove boat tours and jungle hiking. For diving enthusiasts, numerous operators offer PADI courses and trips to nearby reefs. The city has a growing nightlife scene with beach bars, rooftop venues, and international restaurants serving Khmer, Chinese, Western, and seafood cuisines. Prince Mall provides air-conditioned shopping, while local markets offer fresh produce and souvenirs.

Sources: Tourism Cambodia, Visit Koh Rong

Daily life in Sihanoukville blends tropical relaxation with modern conveniences. The city operates at a slower pace than Phnom Penh, with most activities centered around beaches, local markets, and a growing selection of international restaurants and cafes.

Transportation

Sihanoukville has no public bus system, so most residents rely on tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp. A typical tuk-tuk ride within the city costs USD 1-3. Many expats purchase or rent motorbikes (USD 50-100/month rental) or cars for greater independence. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway (187 km) reduces travel to the capital to approximately 2-2.5 hours, with tolls of approximately USD 12 one-way for cars. Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) offers flights to regional destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, and several Chinese cities via airlines like AirAsia, Air Cambodia, and Ruili Airlines.

Climate and Lifestyle

Sihanoukville has a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C year-round. The dry season (November to April) offers the best beach weather, while the wet season (May to October) brings afternoon showers. The city has a diverse international community including Chinese, European, and other Southeast Asian residents. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Daily necessities are available at local markets and supermarkets, with prices significantly lower than Western countries. Mobile phone plans with unlimited data cost approximately USD 5-12/month, and high-speed internet runs about USD 18-35/month.

Sources: Numbeo, TollGuru

Sihanoukville offers one of the most affordable costs of living in Southeast Asia. A single person can live comfortably on USD 800-1,200 per month, while couples typically need USD 1,200-1,400. Rent prices in Sihanoukville are approximately 23% lower than in Phnom Penh.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, Bamboo Routes