Expatriation To Cambodia: Between Dream And Reality
A practical, honest look at what foreigners experience when moving to Cambodia
Living in Cambodia as an Expat: Between Expectations and Reality
Understanding what it truly means to settle in Cambodia can help you anticipate the difference between expectation and reality.
Business Center Cambodia offers this analysis based on real expatriate experiences gathered over several years.
We have adapted the well-known “emotional curve of expatriation” to reflect the Cambodian context. It is drawn from testimonies, situations and diverse profiles observed over a 3-year period.
- Warm, gentle and welcoming people
- A rich cultural heritage
- Pleasant climate and natural beauty
- Easy long-term settlement process
- Business and investment opportunities
- Attractive tax system
- Strong growth and active development
- Strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia
- Road conditions and driving habits (improving)
- Waste management and visible pollution (improving)
- Limited environmental protection (improving)
- Administrative complexity and lack of clear information
- Perception of slow service or unclear communication
- Healthcare limitations (improving)
- Uneven urban development
The Emotional Curve Of Expatriation In Cambodia
Your personal experience may differ depending on whether you come alone or with your family, whether you are here to work, invest, retire, or simply start a new life.
However, in 95% of cases, expatriates go through a key 6-month period where emotions fluctuate significantly.
Many BCC Members frequently revisit this emotional curve once settled.
It helps them understand that doubts and temporary fatigue are normal and expected.
Why Are Emotions So Unstable When Moving Abroad?
Expatriation shakes your habits, routines and emotional stability:
- Distance from family and friends
- Break from your previous professional and social life
- Cultural differences and new codes
- Increased sensitivity to daily challenges
- Adjustment within the family (spouse, children, schooling, etc.)
Your energy will initially compensate for this emotional overload. But the body has limits, and it is common to experience moments of doubt, discouragement or even mild depression.
These phases are part of your adaptation process.
Be patient. Give yourself time to adjust your expectations and discover the country that welcomes you.
Why Many Expats End Up Loving Life In Cambodia
- Friendly, curious and kind-hearted people
- A culture that brings you back to essential values
- A strong sense of freedom and flexibility
- Challenges feel simpler and more manageable
- A country full of efforts, progress and positive energy
- A lifestyle that encourages observation, gratitude and balance
Is Expat Life Easy Or Difficult?
What Long-Term Expats Say
- Missing family or close social circle
- Cultural differences that feel overwhelming
- Limited higher-education options for children
- Health and medical concerns
- Financial collapse or bankruptcy
- Lack of professionalism in the chosen sector
- No local market study before launching a business
- Lack of understanding of commercial and investment laws
- Poorly drafted or risky contracts
- Insufficient working capital to sustain the business
BCC Advice For A Successful Expatriation
Learn Cambodia: Not Just The Country, But The People
If you are coming to change your life, start by changing yourself.
Very little here compares to what you know. Be curious, observe, and blend in with Cambodian society, which will happily welcome you.
Learning even a few Khmer words will transform your relationships.
Remember: you are the one who is different, not them.
If You Plan To Create Or Buy A Business In Cambodia
Proceed With Real Caution
A short vacation is not enough to understand the market.
- Conduct a serious market study
- Evaluate your own skills realistically
- Consider an immersion period with an experienced expat (see “Business Tourism”)
- Ensure your project is viable and contracts are legal and fair
- Verify the business is healthy and that you are signing with the right person
(Over 35% of failed expatriations come from poor business decisions)
Commercial laws and customer expectations are very different from Western countries. This is often the main reason expatriation fails.
Building Your Community In Cambodia
You will naturally meet other foreigners living in Cambodia, with whom you will share cultural references, conversations, humor and support.
You will also form meaningful bonds with Cambodians often humble, discreet and incredibly kind.
Over time, you will build a circle of trusted friends from different backgrounds.
A Word From Cendy Lacroix
CEO of Business Center Cambodia & BCC Real Estate
Immigrated to Cambodia in 2012
“Cambodia is a Khmer-vellous country.
Life here is gentle, emotionally rich and full of valuable experiences.
If you are open-minded, curious about other cultures and willing to embrace differences, this country will reward you.
Cambodia inspires both admiration and frustration but it never leaves you indifferent.”
My Wish For Cambodia
That its development primarily benefits the Cambodian people in health, education and quality of life.
And that foreigners living here contribute, each in their own way, to the country’s improvement.
Conclusion
I love this country.
I love its people.
I love those who choose to live here with humility and kindness.
And Business Center Cambodia will always be here to support you with its knowledge and expertise.
