½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Menu
½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Not speaking Khmer and moving to Siem Reap

Post new topic

superfuzzymomma

Should not speaking Khmer on arrival be the issue which keeps me from moving to Siem Reap?  I don't know anyone in country, and I'm afraid I will not be able to find anyone I can trust to negotiate the major terms for me. Is there ready help for english speakers when they arrive to help them navigate the myriad of negotiations needed to secure the best prices for rent, utilities etc?

Thank you all!

livingincebu

I will not lie to you, Cambodia is a much more difficult place to reside in, primarily due to the lack of English spoken in country. While a few Khmers do speak English, even many of those are far from fluent.

With that said, there are people here who will speak enough English to help you get by when you first arrive. Typically, you can find Khmer Tuk-Tuk or Motodop drivers who will. The challenge is finding an honest one. Once you have found an honest translator, you will be in the money. They will be more valuable to you than you currently can imagine.

So, no, do not let it be an issue, preventing you from living anywhere in country.

superfuzzymomma

Thank you for taking the time to reply, you are such tremendous help!  I would imagine that English is spoken by more people and perhaps more fluently in Siem Reap because it's a major tourist spot?? As opposed to more the rural locations of course.   ......ah, the concerns of a newbie!  I wish to be able to communicate in Khmer one day.

Peace! and thank you again,
Glenn

livingincebu

I'm pretty sure that you would find a higher percentage of Khmers who speak English in Siem Reap, than you will here in Battambang, for example.

superfuzzymomma

You live in a very beautiful place!  A million thanks for your help here, livingincebu!

Your friend, Glenn

livingincebu

Anytime I can be of service. :)

Time to hit the hay. Been a long day.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Cambodia

  • Moving to Cambodia
    Moving to Cambodia

    If you're moving to Cambodia as part of an expat package, whereby the company will pay for your relocation ...

  • Traveling to Cambodia with your pet
    Traveling to Cambodia with your pet

    If you have a furchild that you like to take everywhere with you, you'll be pleased to know its possible ...

  • Working in Phnom Penh
    Working in Phnom Penh

    When it comes to expat living, Phnom Penh has it all. Thanks to an influx of foreign investment over the past ...

  • Living in Phnom Penh
    Living in Phnom Penh

    Before going to anywhere in the world, people always try to find out about those places first. Likewise, before ...

  • Lifestyle in Cambodia
    Lifestyle in Cambodia

    If you are about to settle in the Kingdom of Cambodia, you are probably wondering about its inhabitants' ...

  • Student life in Phnom Penh
    Student life in Phnom Penh

    Adjusting to life as a student can be difficult. Even more so if you are trying to do it in a new country, but ...

  • Opening a bank account in Cambodia
    Opening a bank account in Cambodia

    As a foreigner living in Cambodia, opening a bank account is relatively straightforward and can save you quite a ...

  • Developing your social circle in Phnom Penh
    Developing your social circle in Phnom Penh

    Moving to a city where you have no friends or family can be daunting. Thankfully, Phnom Penh has a large and very ...

All of Cambodia's guide articles