samwa
Australian expat in Cambodia
Forum posts
55
About me
Australian
Lives in phnom penh
Registration: 01 August 2012
Calmette hospital - advise anyone by couderc
Hi all My husband has been operated on and is still in Calmette. I'm a bit worried about the conditions there - everyone's lovely but communication is a problem and the hygiene is so/so. Does anyone have any experience of being a patient here? ...
i think calmette is one of the better hospitals, although i am sure that foreigners would feel more comfortable at royal rattanak. calmette is the go to hospital for emergency accidents so they have a lot of experience/ Read More
I FOUND THE BEST INTERNET "CAFE" IN PHNOM PENH!!
the internet at fresco is faster - 50+ mbps Read More
Wanna Meet Up for Coffee/Brunch on Sunday? (Phno Penh) by anthonyteo
Hi all, Is anyone interested in meeting up for breakfast/brunch/coffee on Sunday? I've been here for a while now, and will really like to know more people from around the world who's staying in PP now. Of course, meeting all those who've helped me ...
brown doesn't serve alcohol, it's just a bakery/coffee shop. Read More
Suggestions for delicious and inexpensive seafood at KEP?
most places you'll go in kep will have good seafood, it's what they specialise in, but i am not sure about the prices. kimly is really good, but perhaps 6-8 dollars for one fish. Read More
Phnom Penh Friends Question
i find it difficult to find expat friends, maybe due to my age (i'm 19).How's that? Do you mean you're too young to find expat friends?!just.. i always seem to be in the middle of age groups. i do have expat friends, but for the most part they're ... Read More
ESL Teachers Payday ? by phnom penh bound
Do most schools pay monthly or biweekly? Thanks
generally all teachers love children so that isn't really anything special. charisma, yes, but the philippino teachers i have worked with were also great with talking, and very friendly. good luck to her. Read More
Phnom Penh Friends Question
i have a lot more khmer friends than expats. i find it fairly easy, a lot of my friends are through work, so there's not much problem there. some friends i have just by going to particular bars/restaurants/cafes etc on a regular basis. i find it ... Read More
the Sampeah (Thai Wai) by phnom penh bound
So you leave your condo and start walking around in Phnom Penh. Your out all day. How many times and where would locals greet you with the Sampeah. And do you out of common courtesy reciprocate 100% of the time? If you go to an interview and the ...
all i really know is that it's a sign of respect, whether it's as a greeting or an apology. Read More
ESL Teachers Payday ? by phnom penh bound
Do most schools pay monthly or biweekly? Thanks
if your wife is from the philippines i doubt there is much chance that she will be paid $12, no matter how good her english is. philippino teachers get paid less than native/"white" teachers - maybe something between $5-$8 an hour. BUT, yes. a ... Read More
the Sampeah (Thai Wai) by phnom penh bound
So you leave your condo and start walking around in Phnom Penh. Your out all day. How many times and where would locals greet you with the Sampeah. And do you out of common courtesy reciprocate 100% of the time? If you go to an interview and the ...
what is the meaning of sampeah ?when you put your palms together towards another person. honestly, i rarely do it, usually only if i am meeting a friend's parents. for me, i'll put it at my chin for the parents and a little bit higher for ... Read More
ESL Teachers Payday ? by phnom penh bound
Do most schools pay monthly or biweekly? Thanks
my school pays monthly, others pay every two weeks. depends where you work. Read More
i got mugged !!! by Aaliyah01
this might be interesting to some to fallow the footsteps just in case well, i've been here in PP for about an year now, pleased with how nothing major happens ..untill today when right outside the Vikings restaurant on street 430,at lunch time, ...
it sucked but definitely not as bad as your case. i was lucky that i had left my bag inside a club whilst i talked on the phone because that was literally all i had on me. no money, just my phone. not sure if i'm just being naive but i would never ... Read More
where to buy fresh pasteurized milk in phnom penh?
i get dutch mill, you can get them at most minimarts or supermarkets Read More
i got mugged !!! by Aaliyah01
this might be interesting to some to fallow the footsteps just in case well, i've been here in PP for about an year now, pleased with how nothing major happens ..untill today when right outside the Vikings restaurant on street 430,at lunch time, ...
meant to say at night time Read More
Buying from street vendors advice
depends on how much i think they're overcharging.. generally i'll offer 50% of what they ask and then work from there. Read More
Gym in BKK1 area
you should check out perma job, i've heard good things about it. near russian market but you go east rather than west for pp sports club. the place gym is in bkk but more expensive. Read More
i got mugged !!! by Aaliyah01
this might be interesting to some to fallow the footsteps just in case well, i've been here in PP for about an year now, pleased with how nothing major happens ..untill today when right outside the Vikings restaurant on street 430,at lunch time, ...
eek it's horrible that they got your passport T_T why did you have it with you? i got mugged once but i was completely to blame - walked down a road near street 51 by myself whilst talking on my phone.. Read More
Noise levels at night in Expat Areas like BKK! and Russian Market by phnom penh bound
Everyone likes a good nights sleep. In the Philippines you should make sure before you rent, you don't have a neighbor with a karaoke machine that can't sing. Then every weekend plays it so loud, you can hear it in Malaysia! So I'm asking about ...
i have lived in both areas, my house near Russian market was close to a karaoke bar, which was loud. every night they had people singing. my house in bkk was a lot more quiet, and I lived in between monivong and 63 Read More
Burger King Chain to Open in Cambodia by phnom-penh-services
Burger King will start operations at Phnom Penh International Airport as early as November before moving into the capital. The American burger chain would join the likes of KFC, Dairy Queen and several other international and domestically owned ...
i can vouch for mike's burger, although it's not where you said it is. it's on Russian federation just before the turn off to toul kork on the eastern side. soooo good. Read More
Australian moving to Cambodia by tyreece
Hi there my name is tyreece and my girlfriends name is Belinda. We are looking at moving to Cambodia for work as Belinda might be starting at the international school in pnom phen called eton house. Just curious to know where the good area's to look ...
figure out where eton house is in phnom penh and try and find a place to live close by. I think it's in bkk1 which is generally the safe/expat area. camhr.com and .bongthom.dom are both sites you can use to find jobs Read More
5 negative things about living in Cambodia by dlm47
So what about the difficult stuff? Why not we try to prepare newcomers with some of the things in the real life, that can make it a little difficult to live here? Who comes first to the mill?
attention from the locals. i'm only nineteen and find it impossible to get a real tan so i get hassled a bit from older men. honestly, i don't mind a little bit of attention but sometimes it goes too far. my old boss took me to a stingy guest house ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Cambodia by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Cambodia, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
the people, how friendly they are. that people smile no matter what their living situation is. the big difference between western people and the locals - we see the world in what we don't have, we're always wanting something more, something better, ... Read More
ESL jobs in Cambodia, S.E. Asia, or elsewhere by ErinErin
Hi everyone, I am a college student about to finish an associates degree and planning to finish up my bachelors in English as soon as money permits. Afterwards I plan to get a TEFL certificate and hopefully do some ESL teaching. My goal is to teach ...
I teach esl in phnom penh, there's generally always demand for teachers but it's a bit slow as the school year really only started a month ago. as long as you're fuent in English they won't mind that you don't speak another language. i think you can ... Read More
Burger King Chain to Open in Cambodia by phnom-penh-services
Burger King will start operations at Phnom Penh International Airport as early as November before moving into the capital. The American burger chain would join the likes of KFC, Dairy Queen and several other international and domestically owned ...
I don't think Australia has burger king.. I've never been. I guess I'll try it when it comes to the city.Hungry Jack is Burger King in Australia.oh.. wow I never knew that. i've only had the veggie burgers there, my friend got really sick from an ... Read More
Burger King Chain to Open in Cambodia by phnom-penh-services
Burger King will start operations at Phnom Penh International Airport as early as November before moving into the capital. The American burger chain would join the likes of KFC, Dairy Queen and several other international and domestically owned ...
I don't think Australia has burger king.. I've never been. I guess I'll try it when it comes to the city. Read More
advice on safe, nice areas - moving to Phnom Penh December 2012 by michael_pp
Hello everybody :) I'm Michael, retired..My girlfriend and I will be moving to PP (Phnom Penh)in December 2012 and will stay for about 1 year. Can I have some comments on recommended areas to rent an apartment or flat ? (what is a flat ?). I've ...
Russian market is a lot more south than sorya mall, it's closer to sovana, although i personally wouldn't walk to sovana from there. riverside is kinda expensive but still relatively cheap compared to western standards, and very touristy. Read More
advice on safe, nice areas - moving to Phnom Penh December 2012 by michael_pp
Hello everybody :) I'm Michael, retired..My girlfriend and I will be moving to PP (Phnom Penh)in December 2012 and will stay for about 1 year. Can I have some comments on recommended areas to rent an apartment or flat ? (what is a flat ?). I've ...
i think bkk2 is closest to sorya mall but bkk1 is the place known for safety (due to large expat population). look for serviced apartments, maybe v trust or something.. there are no busses within the city but you're gonna have to use a tuk tuk Read More
Begging/Working Children - Do You Give Them Money or Buy from Them? by anthonyteo
It's been a while since I arrived in PP and I've been approached by children quite a few times either to beg for money or to ask me to buy something from them. Now I'm pretty firm on not giving the kids money as it encourages them to beg, which is ...
I occasionally buy books but that's only if I actually want them, I don't buy things just to buy. I agree that some of the sellers are rude, they're very cocky, I've often been "quizzed" by the seller when I tell them I already have read their ... Read More
teaching/administrator salary?
do you have any qualifications and/or experience? i doubt you will find an administration job, it's cheaper to hire a khmer who speaks english as many parents can't speak the language themselves. teaching salary can range, but for full time you're ... Read More
Questions & budget for a 2-bedroom furnished/unfurnished apartment by Emz2012
Hi there Considering a move to PP and have checked the cost of living threads but they don't cover my question. We are a couple with a 7 year old son, have lived around Asia for 16 years. What should we budget for rent of a 2 or 3 bedroom furnished ...
Please elaborate how that website can be of any help at all????it's a real estate website?? you can browse properties based on selected criteria - gives an idea on how much money they would have to spend to get the kind of apartment they want. any ... Read More
Questions & budget for a 2-bedroom furnished/unfurnished apartment by Emz2012
Hi there Considering a move to PP and have checked the cost of living threads but they don't cover my question. We are a couple with a 7 year old son, have lived around Asia for 16 years. What should we budget for rent of a 2 or 3 bedroom furnished ...
Thanks Samwa, will check it out :) So if a place is already furnished is it acceptable to ask to replace furniture with your own? some places are lovely but often not so keen on the furniture ;)I think if you are renting the place long term there ... Read More
Questions & budget for a 2-bedroom furnished/unfurnished apartment by Emz2012
Hi there Considering a move to PP and have checked the cost of living threads but they don't cover my question. We are a couple with a 7 year old son, have lived around Asia for 16 years. What should we budget for rent of a 2 or 3 bedroom furnished ...
prices depend on what type of apartment you want, a two bedroom apartment can range from $100-$1000+ I recommend this website to search for housing, it gives you an idea on how much money can get you. homeconnect.asia/en/cambodia/ if you're happy ... Read More
Questions & budget for a 2-bedroom furnished/unfurnished apartment by Emz2012
Hi there Considering a move to PP and have checked the cost of living threads but they don't cover my question. We are a couple with a 7 year old son, have lived around Asia for 16 years. What should we budget for rent of a 2 or 3 bedroom furnished ...
prices depend on what type of apartment you want, a two bedroom apartment can range from $100-$1000+ I recommend this website to search for housing, it gives you an idea on how much money can get you. homeconnect.asia/en/cambodia/ if you're happy ... Read More
Tap Water in PP Unclean - How True is It? by anthonyteo
Hi all, The first day I landed in PP, someone told me that the water here is unsafe for consumption, and that she and her friends use mineral water to cook and brush their teeth, etc. As such, I've listened to her advice and did the same. Coz' at ...
I've heard that the tap water in the city is apparently safe but i still wouldn't intentionally drink it. i brush my teeth with tap water, which is fine, and i assume that my cooks use tap water with meals. boiling water helps get rid of bacteria ... Read More
Desperately need housekeeper/dog walker
I'd suggest posting on either camhr or bongthom, there is a better chance of Khmer people finding the information. Read More
Footwear in cambodia! Or packing list! by august_o
Hi all! I'm going to phnom penh in two weeks, i will stay there for 10 months, and I am wondering about what to bring with me as I soon will start packing. Foremost I'm musing about what kind of footwear to bring. Should I buy a pair of sandals ...
you can basically wear anything in the city without offending anyone. It's mainly girls who have to cover up the body and that is really only in the provinces. it might be good to bring some long pants with you, I'm not sure how easy it will be to ... Read More
I am looking for free volunteer job opportunity by letslearn2geder0612
Hello my name is Juan from Philippines; I hope could find someone who knows an organization that could help me to do a volunteer job there in Cambodia. Teaching has been one of my goals from the past two (2) years. It is a self realization that ...
http://www.facebook.com/headabilityschool?ref=ts Read More
I am looking for free volunteer job opportunity by letslearn2geder0612
Hello my name is Juan from Philippines; I hope could find someone who knows an organization that could help me to do a volunteer job there in Cambodia. Teaching has been one of my goals from the past two (2) years. It is a self realization that ...
I have a few friends who volunteer at a school in Kandal province (maybe one hour from the city), you could check that out. Head ability school. They have a Facebook page. Read More
Swimming pool
most swimming pools are located in gyms.. or hotels/bars. i don't go swimming so i can't help too much. from knowledge there's a pool at parkway shopping centre, one at phnom penh sports club, elsewhere bar and eighty8 backpackers. Read More
business visa for spouse by mrmillersr
I am American and have a Thai wife (married 35 years). If we were to move to Cambodia would we both need to get and pay for a business visa (approximately $300 per year each), or is there a less expensive way to do it?
from knowledge the only way to reduce the cost is to get your work to include visa costs in your contract. you're both individuals so they will expect you to pay full price for both. Read More
Cell Phones in Cambodia? by annamischke
Hello! I'm moving to Cambodia from the states this Fall and am curious to see how one finds a mobile phone service? I have an iphone and would like to continue using it. Are there data service available? I'm a bit lost on this one..
I'm not sure if you're able to unlock phones in America. i have a friend from America who was unable to use her iphone with a cambodian sim. you can still use it and connect to wireless and use applications etc but for legitimate texting/calls and ... Read More
is your Lease contract LEGAL ?? by Aaliyah01
heya guys, few interesting facts occurred lately and i've been hearing it quite a lot to happen in Phnom Penh at least, i don't have much connections with the rest of Cambodia so i don't know about how things "work"or rather don't work in other ...
I've only moved once but everything worked out fine for me. i have friends who work in real estate so for me personally i would get them to talk with my landlord to figure out what was happening. Read More
Moving the Phnom Penh Question/ Concerns by razzledazzle
Hello everyone, I hope my post find you in good spirit. I am a world traveler whos lived in 4 different countries, currently I am living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. I am planning on moving to Phnom Penh and working there. I have some ...
Most markets have fresh produce, as well as supermarkets such as lucky having imported products that do not grow in this climate. I think most fruits and vegetables come from Vietnam/Thailand unless you're in re provinces.. Many apartments allow ... Read More
Computer Training
there's a user on this forum called "crazyguy" who has previously offered computer help but I'm not sure of details. send him a message :) Read More
Looking for a bedroom 5 nights Phnom Penh
for five nights I'd assume you're better off staying at a guesthouse Read More
Texting: Cambodia to USA? by annamischke
Is there any iphone app or service that allows texting from Cambodia to America?
whatsapp allows free texting or "messenger" as long as you're connected to internet (which isn't hard in Cambodia!) there's also viber which is phone calls or voice messages (which you can do on whatsapp also) Read More
living in Kep by banbangbao
Hi , My name is Yasmin , I am looking to move to Kep early mid 2013 . I was wondering if there is anyone on this forum that has any information on Kep re expates and homes for rent........I will be arriving on my own would love to meet up with other ...
i only met Khmer people on my trip there but i was only there for a few days and spent most of my time doing touristy things. i know there is a volunteer teacher who is Australian as a tuk tuk driver was excited to inform me his teacher was from the ... Read More
living in Kep by banbangbao
Hi , My name is Yasmin , I am looking to move to Kep early mid 2013 . I was wondering if there is anyone on this forum that has any information on Kep re expates and homes for rent........I will be arriving on my own would love to meet up with other ...
i went to kep a few weeks ago and loved it. as i was only visiting I'm unsure whether the foreigners i met were travelling or expats but i know one owner of kep lodge is foreign and there is a French guy that all the tuk tuk drivers hate (although ... Read More
Need upscale apartment to live in. Short Term 3 months
home connect Cambodia is a good website for real estate, and this forum has a housing section you can look at. you'll probably want to live in bkk1 area or near the river. i would ask one of my room mates about the gym but he speaks no English.. all ... Read More