Aogaah provides free schooling for impoverished children in under-developed Countries.
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Living in Cambodia
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vanities, 3 book shelves, a sofa, easy chair, coffee table and TV. Oh, a bed too. My kitchen is good
bathroom is small, you shower with the toilet.
I have hot water, AC (in the bedroom) and cable TV. The TV and cable connection come with the
apartment. All the rest of the furniture is mine. I pay $200 a month for rent, $5 for water and my electric
varies between $40 and $60 depending on how much I use the AC. Expect to pay 5 to 10 percent more
to rent a furnished apartment.
Gas for my stove costs $12.50 including delivery and installation. I give a 50 cent tip to the delivery
person - - I live two floors up. A tank of gas lasts me 6 months. Initially, you have to purchase the
actual tank for around $30. From then on it is an exchange process.
Before you sign a lease, be sure all windows and other spaces that lead to the outside are screened.
Even with AC, from time to time you will want to air out the place and without screens, you will be eaten
by mosquitoes.
Insect repellent, sun screen, hats are all available in Cambodia. You may want to bring a supply of over-
the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine. Check with your health care provider regarding recommended
immunizations. Many people, who come to Cambodia knowing they will not become intimate with the
local population, do not get additional immunizations.
Bottled water: You do not drink the tap water. I order water from a company called 'Hi Tech' (011 796
185). I have three 5 gallon (20 liter) bottles. The reason I chose this company is their bottles have a tap
at the bottom. There is a initial $5 deposit on each bottles. Exchange bottles are delivered for $1
each. A bottle lasts me a week. When I finish my second bottle I call Hi Tech and they deliver two more
that same day. This costs me $2 plus I give each delivery man a 25 cent tip.
When traveling, small bottles of water are readily available. However, it is advisable to purchased from
an established market rather than off the street.
House keeping: For $5 you can have someone come in once a week and spend 2 to 3 hours cleaning
your apartment.
Housekeeper: If you have an extra bedroom, a 24/7 housekeeper will cost $60 a month. You provide
her with her own room and her meals. She will do all the food purchasing, preparation, cooking,
serving, dish washing, house cleaning, laundry and ironing. This is not a romantic relationship but she
will be a great competitor in a Bingo game in the evening.
Food: A 50 kg bag of rice will cost about $60 and will last two people a couple months. Cambodians
'must' have rice three meals a day. In addition to the rice, food will generally run about $1 per person
per day. Every now and then your housekeeper will need a couple extra dollars when she runs out of
cooking oil, dish soap or soy sauce. She will be delighted if you invite guests for dinner but since she
will generally purchase food daily (taking her bicycle) you may need to give her advance warning and a
little extra food money. She will be eager to learn to cook your favorite Western meals if you are willing
to teach her. You will need to work with her on sanitation - - like washing hands before preparing food
and not cutting vegetables on the cutting board on which you just chopped up a chicken. She'll want a
couple days off each month to visit her family. I always gave her a tip to cover bus fare.
Personal Preference: With some difficulty I convinced my housekeeper, Young, that I preferred to eat
meals together. And we fought every night when I would help clear the table after dinner - - it became
a fun game where I would try to grab a few dishes and head for the kitchen. She would be laughing and
saying "No, no, no!" In Cambodia, it is a sin for a woman to allow a man to do anything domestic. It was
also difficult to convince her that I did not want her to scrub all the floors of the apartment more than
once a day. And seriously, the windows do not need to be washed more than once a week. Let laundry
pile up and do it once a week instead of everyday. Every now and then, put your feet up and relax a
little. To her, a short day working was 12 hours.
The 'Housekeeper' arrangement is particularly good for a single woman who comes to live in Cambodia
for a period of time. Not only does the housekeeper free the visitor from the time needed for domestic
duties, the arrangement also provides the housekeeper with an elevated standard of living for the
duration. Furthermore, the housekeeper provides companionship and if treated as an equal, she will
become a life long friend.
When I moved into my one-bedroom apartment I let Young go. But we are still good friends. She
comes over to visit about once a month. By the way, she speaks absolutely no English and I speak no
Khmer. But we communicate just fine.
Now I eat out maybe 5 to 7 meals per week. Usually one dinner, one breakfast and several lunches.
The rest of the time I prepare my own meals. Eating out at a Western restaurant costs $4 to $6. A meal
at a Khmer restaurant will be in the $2 range. Overall, my food budget is relatively small, probably $25 a
week.
Tipping: Not expected, not anticipated, but greatly appreciated. Five percent is a lot. Ten percent is
excessive.
Sales tax: none
Siesta: Cambodia sleeps between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Banks and major businesses stay open but if
you go into a small mom and pop business, you will probably have to wake someone to help you.
Phone booths are plentiful: You will quickly recognize a phone booth when you see one. There will be
a person sitting nearby with a bag of cell phones. You show the person the number you wish to call
and she will dial the number and hand you the phone. When you have finish your call, she will check
the duration and charge you accordingly - - usually $0.12 to $0.25.
Cell Phone: My new Nokia cell phone cost me under $40. It is basic - - no camera. Phones with all the
bells and whistles are available too. Activation was $15 but that came with $10 worth of call time. This
is a pay as you use plan and I purchase time in $5 increments. $5 usually lasts me a month.
Internet: There is an internet cafe on every block. An hour of internet time, using their computer,
costs 50 to 75 cents. I have internet in my apartment from a company called 'On Line'. This is a DSL
line and I have what they call the 'Family Plan' which costs me $42 a month. With the Family Plan, I can
only use the internet from 7 pm till 7 am and on weekends. I had to chose between wireless and land
line. I chose land line which costs me an additional $5.50 a month payable to the telephone company.
Seasons: Cambodia has two seasons; Hot-Wet (May through October) and Hot-Dry (November through
April). The key word being HOT. You do not need a coat in Cambodia.
Shoes come off at the door. Most Khmer people wear flip-flops. Most tourists wear sandals. Shoes
that tie are a real nuisance. Flip-flops are great in the Hot-Wet season because the water on city streets
will often be a foot deep. The best way to cool down outside is to get soaking wet from the rain and
then go for a ride on a motorbike taxi (moto).
Dress: Modest. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. There is a new generation of Cambodians - - the
rich kids who want to be seen as Westerners. You see them at the high end malls in mini-skirts and low
neck lines. Other than these few wealthy and miss guided children, you rarely see Cambodian skin - -
on the males or the females. The norm: long pants (on men and women) or long skirts (women only ),
shirts that button to the neck - - often long sleeve. Occasionally you will see a Cambodian woman in
shorts but it is rare to see a Cambodian man exposing his legs. On the other hand, Cambodian men
don't seem to mind exposing other body parts - - they pee anywhere (outside) - - no fence or building
side is sacred. In 8 years I've only seen one woman squat outside in public.
Transportation: I take a moto to school and back, $1 each way. ALWAYS negotiate the cost of a ride
before you get on a moto or in a tuk tuk. Basically, a tuk tuk will cost approximately twice the cost of a
moto for the same trip. You always pay upon arrival at your destination. NEVER expect change from a
moto or tuk tuk driver. If you owe the man $3 and you do not have the correct change, tell him to wait a
minute while you go for change - - do not hand him a five dollar bill.
If you plan to take a moto frequently, you will want to purchase a helmet ($15 to $25). On December 18,
the Cambodian Daily newspaper reported that the 2009 death rate from traffic accidents is standing
steady at 5 deaths per day. When you see the way people drive, you will understand.
Laundry: I rarely spend more than $2 a week. It comes back ironed, folded and wrapped in plastic.
Banking: ATMs are plentiful. I have a savings account at Union Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) located in
Phnom Penh on Street 130, Number 61. UCB charges a 1% fee for cash withdrawal from credit and debit
cards and a 2% fee for Traveler Check cashing. A savings account requires you to maintain a minimum
$100 balance. There are also branches in Sihanouk Ville , Siem Reap and Battambang. Email:
cardcenter@ucb.com.kh
Post Office Box: Available at the Phnom Penh post office for approximately $12 a year. It is difficult to
receive mail without a PO Box. Postage is expensive: $0.75 for a post card to the US. All mail is Air
Mail. It takes 10 days for mail to go from Cambodia to America and 30 days for mail to go from America
to Cambodia. They must be using the Wright Brothers' airplane.
Attorney: Rupert Haw 017 66 67 98
Computer Repair: I get my computer repaired at Pacific Systems. They keep moving but I do not think
this says something about the company - - I have always been satisfied. The phone number of the
General Manager, James Auyeung, is 012 809 222.
Medical: I go to a good clinic, Sokhapheap Thmey on street 99, number AA19/AA20 (016 996 616, 092 438
780, email: simpiseth@gmail,com). My doctor, Sim Piseth, is Khmer and was schooled in the US. Dr.
Sim speaks good English and seems on top of things. An office call is $15. They also have a female
Australian Doctor on staff, Dr. Gloria.
Medication: I purchase medicine at Pharmacie De La Gare on Monivong Boulevard, number 81. No
prescription is required. For generics, the price is about the same as the co-pay back in America. I get
heart and cholesterol medicine. If you want to check on the availability and price of a particular
medication, their email address is: ph_delagare@yahoo.com.
Both Clinic Sokhapheap Thmey and Pharmacie De La Gare are labeled on the Village 15 - Village 16
School map which can be downloaded from that Aogaah web page.
Eye glasses: My new frames were $8 and my lens were $23 including UV protection. The computerized
eye exam was free. They are the same as you would purchase at home.
Entertainment: There is always something going on: operas, ballets, dancing, dining, drinking and the
like. You have to monitor yourself because there is no curfew on drinking. Beverage prices, like food
prices, are quite reasonable.
Keeping current: To keep current on what is happening in Cambodia, visit: www.khmer440.com/
Electricity: 240 v at 50 hertz. Many laptops and camera battery chargers will work on a range of voltage
and cycle frequency. But check before you plug.
Do not come if you have a religious agenda for Cambodia. Approximately 98% of Cambodia's population
are Buddhists. You will not be welcome by Cambodia or by Aogaah if you come to proselytize another
religion. If you can not leave well enough alone, then just don't come. Aogaah has always been very
clear - - the Foundation promotes local culture. Aogaah does not teach Buddhism. Aogaah does not
teach any religion. But in Cambodia, when Aogaah in creating it annual school calendar, The
Foundation does honor Buddhist holidays.
bathroom is small, you shower with the toilet.
I have hot water, AC (in the bedroom) and cable TV. The TV and cable connection come with the
apartment. All the rest of the furniture is mine. I pay $200 a month for rent, $5 for water and my electric
varies between $40 and $60 depending on how much I use the AC. Expect to pay 5 to 10 percent more
to rent a furnished apartment.
Gas for my stove costs $12.50 including delivery and installation. I give a 50 cent tip to the delivery
person - - I live two floors up. A tank of gas lasts me 6 months. Initially, you have to purchase the
actual tank for around $30. From then on it is an exchange process.
Before you sign a lease, be sure all windows and other spaces that lead to the outside are screened.
Even with AC, from time to time you will want to air out the place and without screens, you will be eaten
by mosquitoes.
Insect repellent, sun screen, hats are all available in Cambodia. You may want to bring a supply of over-
the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine. Check with your health care provider regarding recommended
immunizations. Many people, who come to Cambodia knowing they will not become intimate with the
local population, do not get additional immunizations.
Bottled water: You do not drink the tap water. I order water from a company called 'Hi Tech' (011 796
185). I have three 5 gallon (20 liter) bottles. The reason I chose this company is their bottles have a tap
at the bottom. There is a initial $5 deposit on each bottles. Exchange bottles are delivered for $1
each. A bottle lasts me a week. When I finish my second bottle I call Hi Tech and they deliver two more
that same day. This costs me $2 plus I give each delivery man a 25 cent tip.
When traveling, small bottles of water are readily available. However, it is advisable to purchased from
an established market rather than off the street.
House keeping: For $5 you can have someone come in once a week and spend 2 to 3 hours cleaning
your apartment.
Housekeeper: If you have an extra bedroom, a 24/7 housekeeper will cost $60 a month. You provide
her with her own room and her meals. She will do all the food purchasing, preparation, cooking,
serving, dish washing, house cleaning, laundry and ironing. This is not a romantic relationship but she
will be a great competitor in a Bingo game in the evening.
Food: A 50 kg bag of rice will cost about $60 and will last two people a couple months. Cambodians
'must' have rice three meals a day. In addition to the rice, food will generally run about $1 per person
per day. Every now and then your housekeeper will need a couple extra dollars when she runs out of
cooking oil, dish soap or soy sauce. She will be delighted if you invite guests for dinner but since she
will generally purchase food daily (taking her bicycle) you may need to give her advance warning and a
little extra food money. She will be eager to learn to cook your favorite Western meals if you are willing
to teach her. You will need to work with her on sanitation - - like washing hands before preparing food
and not cutting vegetables on the cutting board on which you just chopped up a chicken. She'll want a
couple days off each month to visit her family. I always gave her a tip to cover bus fare.
Personal Preference: With some difficulty I convinced my housekeeper, Young, that I preferred to eat
meals together. And we fought every night when I would help clear the table after dinner - - it became
a fun game where I would try to grab a few dishes and head for the kitchen. She would be laughing and
saying "No, no, no!" In Cambodia, it is a sin for a woman to allow a man to do anything domestic. It was
also difficult to convince her that I did not want her to scrub all the floors of the apartment more than
once a day. And seriously, the windows do not need to be washed more than once a week. Let laundry
pile up and do it once a week instead of everyday. Every now and then, put your feet up and relax a
little. To her, a short day working was 12 hours.
The 'Housekeeper' arrangement is particularly good for a single woman who comes to live in Cambodia
for a period of time. Not only does the housekeeper free the visitor from the time needed for domestic
duties, the arrangement also provides the housekeeper with an elevated standard of living for the
duration. Furthermore, the housekeeper provides companionship and if treated as an equal, she will
become a life long friend.
When I moved into my one-bedroom apartment I let Young go. But we are still good friends. She
comes over to visit about once a month. By the way, she speaks absolutely no English and I speak no
Khmer. But we communicate just fine.
Now I eat out maybe 5 to 7 meals per week. Usually one dinner, one breakfast and several lunches.
The rest of the time I prepare my own meals. Eating out at a Western restaurant costs $4 to $6. A meal
at a Khmer restaurant will be in the $2 range. Overall, my food budget is relatively small, probably $25 a
week.
Tipping: Not expected, not anticipated, but greatly appreciated. Five percent is a lot. Ten percent is
excessive.
Sales tax: none
Siesta: Cambodia sleeps between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Banks and major businesses stay open but if
you go into a small mom and pop business, you will probably have to wake someone to help you.
Phone booths are plentiful: You will quickly recognize a phone booth when you see one. There will be
a person sitting nearby with a bag of cell phones. You show the person the number you wish to call
and she will dial the number and hand you the phone. When you have finish your call, she will check
the duration and charge you accordingly - - usually $0.12 to $0.25.
Cell Phone: My new Nokia cell phone cost me under $40. It is basic - - no camera. Phones with all the
bells and whistles are available too. Activation was $15 but that came with $10 worth of call time. This
is a pay as you use plan and I purchase time in $5 increments. $5 usually lasts me a month.
Internet: There is an internet cafe on every block. An hour of internet time, using their computer,
costs 50 to 75 cents. I have internet in my apartment from a company called 'On Line'. This is a DSL
line and I have what they call the 'Family Plan' which costs me $42 a month. With the Family Plan, I can
only use the internet from 7 pm till 7 am and on weekends. I had to chose between wireless and land
line. I chose land line which costs me an additional $5.50 a month payable to the telephone company.
Seasons: Cambodia has two seasons; Hot-Wet (May through October) and Hot-Dry (November through
April). The key word being HOT. You do not need a coat in Cambodia.
Shoes come off at the door. Most Khmer people wear flip-flops. Most tourists wear sandals. Shoes
that tie are a real nuisance. Flip-flops are great in the Hot-Wet season because the water on city streets
will often be a foot deep. The best way to cool down outside is to get soaking wet from the rain and
then go for a ride on a motorbike taxi (moto).
Dress: Modest. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. There is a new generation of Cambodians - - the
rich kids who want to be seen as Westerners. You see them at the high end malls in mini-skirts and low
neck lines. Other than these few wealthy and miss guided children, you rarely see Cambodian skin - -
on the males or the females. The norm: long pants (on men and women) or long skirts (women only ),
shirts that button to the neck - - often long sleeve. Occasionally you will see a Cambodian woman in
shorts but it is rare to see a Cambodian man exposing his legs. On the other hand, Cambodian men
don't seem to mind exposing other body parts - - they pee anywhere (outside) - - no fence or building
side is sacred. In 8 years I've only seen one woman squat outside in public.
Transportation: I take a moto to school and back, $1 each way. ALWAYS negotiate the cost of a ride
before you get on a moto or in a tuk tuk. Basically, a tuk tuk will cost approximately twice the cost of a
moto for the same trip. You always pay upon arrival at your destination. NEVER expect change from a
moto or tuk tuk driver. If you owe the man $3 and you do not have the correct change, tell him to wait a
minute while you go for change - - do not hand him a five dollar bill.
If you plan to take a moto frequently, you will want to purchase a helmet ($15 to $25). On December 18,
the Cambodian Daily newspaper reported that the 2009 death rate from traffic accidents is standing
steady at 5 deaths per day. When you see the way people drive, you will understand.
Laundry: I rarely spend more than $2 a week. It comes back ironed, folded and wrapped in plastic.
Banking: ATMs are plentiful. I have a savings account at Union Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) located in
Phnom Penh on Street 130, Number 61. UCB charges a 1% fee for cash withdrawal from credit and debit
cards and a 2% fee for Traveler Check cashing. A savings account requires you to maintain a minimum
$100 balance. There are also branches in Sihanouk Ville , Siem Reap and Battambang. Email:
cardcenter@ucb.com.kh
Post Office Box: Available at the Phnom Penh post office for approximately $12 a year. It is difficult to
receive mail without a PO Box. Postage is expensive: $0.75 for a post card to the US. All mail is Air
Mail. It takes 10 days for mail to go from Cambodia to America and 30 days for mail to go from America
to Cambodia. They must be using the Wright Brothers' airplane.
Attorney: Rupert Haw 017 66 67 98
Computer Repair: I get my computer repaired at Pacific Systems. They keep moving but I do not think
this says something about the company - - I have always been satisfied. The phone number of the
General Manager, James Auyeung, is 012 809 222.
Medical: I go to a good clinic, Sokhapheap Thmey on street 99, number AA19/AA20 (016 996 616, 092 438
780, email: simpiseth@gmail,com). My doctor, Sim Piseth, is Khmer and was schooled in the US. Dr.
Sim speaks good English and seems on top of things. An office call is $15. They also have a female
Australian Doctor on staff, Dr. Gloria.
Medication: I purchase medicine at Pharmacie De La Gare on Monivong Boulevard, number 81. No
prescription is required. For generics, the price is about the same as the co-pay back in America. I get
heart and cholesterol medicine. If you want to check on the availability and price of a particular
medication, their email address is: ph_delagare@yahoo.com.
Both Clinic Sokhapheap Thmey and Pharmacie De La Gare are labeled on the Village 15 - Village 16
School map which can be downloaded from that Aogaah web page.
Eye glasses: My new frames were $8 and my lens were $23 including UV protection. The computerized
eye exam was free. They are the same as you would purchase at home.
Entertainment: There is always something going on: operas, ballets, dancing, dining, drinking and the
like. You have to monitor yourself because there is no curfew on drinking. Beverage prices, like food
prices, are quite reasonable.
Keeping current: To keep current on what is happening in Cambodia, visit: www.khmer440.com/
Electricity: 240 v at 50 hertz. Many laptops and camera battery chargers will work on a range of voltage
and cycle frequency. But check before you plug.
Do not come if you have a religious agenda for Cambodia. Approximately 98% of Cambodia's population
are Buddhists. You will not be welcome by Cambodia or by Aogaah if you come to proselytize another
religion. If you can not leave well enough alone, then just don't come. Aogaah has always been very
clear - - the Foundation promotes local culture. Aogaah does not teach Buddhism. Aogaah does not
teach any religion. But in Cambodia, when Aogaah in creating it annual school calendar, The
Foundation does honor Buddhist holidays.
"
This page is for teachers coming on sabbatical, students coming to do student teaching, retirees
sharing their expertise, and all others who are considering living in Cambodia for 3 months, 6 months
or more.
sharing their expertise, and all others who are considering living in Cambodia for 3 months, 6 months
or more.
available but is just not me. I live in an apartment
building with lower middle class Cambodians - - many
of whom I call my friends. A few impoverished sleep
in the breezeways. My own apartment and two
others are at the very high end of luxury in this
particular building.
building with lower middle class Cambodians - - many
of whom I call my friends. A few impoverished sleep
in the breezeways. My own apartment and two
others are at the very high end of luxury in this
particular building.