Uday Mukherji - Expat in Cambodia
Uday Mukherji is a 47-year-old corporate trainer based in Cambodia. He is originally from India, Mr. Mukherji relocated to Cambodia after being selected for an overseas assignment by an international non-government organization. Presently, he has been living in Cambodia for 5 years.
According to Mr. Mukherji, Cambodia has a large expat population, friendly people and an active cultural scene. However, he said that his most difficult experience as an expat involved dealing with communication problems and getting food. “I spent sometime in the rural areas,” he explained, adding that other negatives included the need to be alert to theft, burglary and unprofessional attitudes. “Government rules & regulations not clearly defined,” he added.
Expatriates abroad for business may feel frustrated when facing inconsistent rules and regulations, and expats will find that their nearest embassy can also provide them with advice and support while living in a foreign country. Expats who may want to familiarize themselves with overseas laws and policies abroad can get professional immigration services to aid them on brushing up.
Find out more about Uday Mukherji’s experiences in Cambodia in his full interview below.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: India
Q: What made you move out of your home country?
A: Wanted another overseas assignment, got one with an int’l NGO here
Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: Was selected for an assignment here by an int’l NGO
Q: How long have you been living in Cambodia?
A: 5 years
Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in your host country?
A: Food, sometime in the rural areas. Communication
Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance was particularly difficult in Cambodia? What was your experience with these?
A: Not particularly difficult, though int’l health experience is expensive
Q: Are you living alone or with your family?
A: Alone
Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in Cambodia? How did you manage to find a social circle in Cambodia?
A: Mainly socialize with other expats. Through work, events, professional forums
Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?
A: Travelling, hobbies
Q: How does the cost of living in Cambodia compared to your home?
A: A cup of coffee costs USD 0.5 to USD 2.00, while a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs USD 2.0 to USD 3.0. Meals in an expensive restaurant costs USD 6.0 upwards. A bottle of wine costs USD 5.00 dollars while a pack of cigarettes costs USD 0.5 upwards.
Q: How do you find the local culture and people in your host country?
A: Friendly
Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in Cambodia?
A: Friendly people, reasonably large expat community, active cultural scene, music, bar, night life. Negatives – need to be alert to theft, burglary; unprofessional attitudes. Government rules & regulations not clearly defined. Low governance standards
Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes?
A: Very less
Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: Depends on opportunities
Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
A: Generally not that hard, but need to make new friends as old ones leave
Q: What tips can you give other expats living in Cambodia?
A: Continuous learning of the language, read about past history, culture. Adapt willingly, focus on positives
Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about your host country?
A: No