David Richier - Expat in Capital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: France, Alsace, Strasbourg
Q: In which city are you currently residing?
A: Capital, Phnom Penh
Q: What do you do in your new city?
A: Business Opportunities
Q: How is the quality of life in your new city in comparison to that of your home city?
A: Life in Cambodia is usually much more peaceful in comparison (less stress & definitely better weather) to where I come from. Although, it may seem a bit noisy and chaotic at first but everything goes back to normal once you've found a decent place (flat, apartment, house, etc..) to live and/or settle.
Q: How would you rate the healthcare system in which you are currently enrolled?
A: I'm actually working on it right now. So cannot answer this question for now.
Q: How does the cost of living compare to that of your home city?
A: Obviously, life is much cheaper in Cambodia than in France (even if the cost of living has slightly increased those past few years). Also, you can get much better housing facilities for the same price than you'd pay back in France. The services are much better and numerous as well.
Q: Did you use a relocation company to help you with your move?
A: No. Came all by myself without any external help.
Q: How easy or difficult was the relocation process?
A: Pretty easy as long as you have the will to move out of your native country and moreover acknowledge the fact that anywhere in the world is different than what you have always known and experienced since your childhood. A big and unconceivable step for some, just a formality for others.
Q: Did you move here with any family members?
A: No.
Q: What is your favourite mobile app which you use to aid you in your expat life?
A: "TripAdvisor" to travel around.
"LebOOstCambodia" to go out, eat & drinks
"The Phnom Penh Post" for local and brief international news
"YellowPageCambodia" for miscellaneous needs
"StayWhere at Phnom Penh" to find hotels in PP
"All Khmer Job Sites" to find jobs in Cambodia
Not an app but an informative website on how to start business in Cambodia "http://www.b2b-cambodia.com/"
Any other Chambers of Commerce are good to look up for events such as forums, talks, etc.
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new expat in your new city?
A: Obviously, don't expect to live the same way than you would back at home and don't be afraid to mix with other communities to enlarge your network. This later piece of advice is aiming to the French community because French folks have a strong tendency to turn into antisocial dudes when it comes to communicate using a different language than their own :)