Working in Cambodia

Cambodia is changing fast and there are many opportunities for new businesses. Many foreigners have already set up a new business and have invested a lot of money into it. However, many of them are also unsuccessful, because they have not done enough research or thought about what it will be like living in another country which is very different to their own.

If you are considering setting up a new business in Cambodia, it is a very good idea to spend some time finding out where to meet other foreigners and asking them to share some of their experiences with you. They will no doubt tell you that it can be very tough at times, particularly during the low season when there are less tourists around. You will need a lot of motivation and determination but, if you do your research, it is possible to do very well in Cambodia and make a comfortable living.

Looking for a job?

If you are looking for a casual job in Siem Reap then you can try going into some of the bars, hotels or guesthouses and asking them if they need any positions filled for barpersons or other similar positions. Some places in town will hire foreign staff on a short term basis to help them through high season, but this is mainly in bars or in small western run guesthouses or small hotels. Remember though that salaries are very low in Cambodia so do not expect much pay just because you are a foreigner, most places that do take on foreigners during high season will probably only give you a very small salary plus a room and food to eat.

For more information visit http://www.aaacambodia.com/.

Looking for a business to run?

If you are looking for a business to run in Siem Reap then you have many options, but most people decide to run a hotel, guesthouse, restaurant or bar. Setting up a business running a hotel or guesthouse can be expensive, because you will have quite a bit of money to pay out at the start. You will need to pay a deposit or bond for the place you want to rent, which could be quite high. If you want to set up a business running a restaurant or a bar then the initial outlay might be a bit less, but then it also depends on the standard of place you want to open. You can NOT buy a property in Siem Reap as a foreigner, even though people might tell you different. But, if you do decide to rent, then do your research first, because once you pay a deposit there will be little chance of you getting any of it back unless of course you make it to the end of your contract. Running a business in Cambodia can be very challenging!

So if you do want to set up a business in Siem Reap, then think small first and invest only a small amount of money which you can afford to lose, then if it goes well you can expand later. The reason why there are many opportunities in Siem Reap is because Cambodia is not as developed as other countries yet, so we recommend that you think very carefully about the type of business you could run before getting too carried away.

Volunteering in Cambodia

If you want to do some volunteering then there are opportunities to do so in and around Siem Reap. If you want to volunteer then do your research, because many organisations are just out to scam people. We suggest talking to a foreigner who lives in Cambodia and who knows about volunteering opportunities in Siem Reap or anywhere in Cambodia before volunteering. We would strongly advise that you do not arrange a volunteering position before you arrive, unless they are a very well known organisation or have been recommended by other people who have volunteered with them before.

We suggest that if you want to volunteer in Cambodia then there is no need to pay for it apart from your board and lodging which goes without saying. Do NOT expect to get a free ride when volunteering in Cambodia.