How We Choose What Country to Live In - Expat Life

[@Charlie-phlezk]

Nice! I was an expat for 7 years in China alone! Preparing to do it again in Cambodia, and using channels like yours to live vicariously until I arrive. :)

[@colmclaurin9452]

Well after living in Cambodia post 30 years which is longer than my country of birth, and 49 years as an expatriate, Cambodia is a bit like a wart, it grows on you. Life just gets better and better. From the days when Phnom Penh's city water supply was available, it had already been filtered through someone else's kidney's, to today where PNH's city water is 100% potable and has won international awards for it's cleanliness. From the time of Communist Cambodia where PNH needed 72mW of electricity but produced just 19mW (sometimes) being more like North Korea of a night during the UNTAC peace keeping mission. Where inter provincial road travel could only be safely carried out in a convoy during day light hours and where civil war didn't stop until 1998. Where between 1968 and 1972 the USAF bestowed the title on Cambodia as being the heaviest bombed country in history, then civil war and a genocide, no country in all of SE Asia suffered as much horror as the the Khmer people of Cambodia did. Where from a war torn failed Communist State of approx 5.5 to 6 million population (according to an averaged census by the UN in 1993) to a thriving modern population of approx 16 million 30 years later, just goes to show the resolve of the Khmer people to survive and prosper. Those You Tubers who wish to compare Cambodia with Thailand and the Philippines haven't a clue on what this country has been through to reach where it is today, and the respect and friendliness that the Khmer people extend to foreigners. Learn a few words of greeting in the Khmer language and be greeted with a big welcoming friendly smile that completely removes any vestige of perceived aloofness. Cambodia offers a high quality of living to foreigners and the lack of a stifling level of bureaucracy that foreign visitors to Thailand and particularly the Philippines need to face.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

30 years is a really long time. What city are you in?

[@kaigaku4220]

amazing! Just amazing!

[@colmclaurin9452]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Phnom Penh, but over the years all the country

[@charlie6751]

Well said

[@kaigaku4220]

@@colmclaurin9452 u are the man my friend! U sound pretty intelligent also! Love Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@sonya5598]

Making my move to Phnom Penh November 28th. Can't wait to get there!

[@MyLifeThai371]

How is work going in Phnom Penh?

[@sonya5598]

@@MyLifeThai371 I unfortunately had to delay my move. Now leaving February 27th.

[@rothtakeo6276]

All the people are welcome to Cambodia 🇰🇭 please stay safe and healthy.

[@bhutstar]

Thanks for choosing Cambodia, love the vids and it keeps me up to date on things back home. Hoping to go back and visit next year! More videos pls 🙏🤗

[@carldseekingpeace]

Been an expat... five years working in Saudi Arabia; eleven years in Thailand and now I am moving to Cambodia December 4. Expats create unique realities for themselves and develop extraordinary hunger for aspects of life domestic friends have never considered.

[@issarak]

Enjoy your video, thanks for picking Cambodia.

[@squidble]

The man washing the windows at 5:29 was amazing. No machinery or scaffolding to rent. Not blocking the road and interfering with traffic as well.

[@snp0011]

That was terrific, thank you for sharing such positive sentiments for Cambodia, my homeland. You are “the King of Expat”. Appreciate you and Sarah!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Beautiful country and on the up; great to see the government taking such positive steps in improving the infrastructure there. Very welcoming people also

[@hemvibol]

Thank for choosing my country . hope you and everyone safe and healthy .

[@TRUTHx247]

Cambodia will be my 2nd home as well. I would love to treat you & Sarah when I visit. Love your humor & I know we would get along just great.

[@kantaseylo9232]

Thank you so much, very much that you like my country, Cambodia.

[@graysonjamesgraysonjames645]

Great Choice love Cambodia…❤. Not just saying that because I’m Cambodian and I live in America.

[@phanal8232]

Hello from Québec, Canada. It's great to hear that you guys like Phnom Penh. Me too, I like my Cambodia native land. But now I'm living abroad because of the Khmer rouge civile war. I'll be back there one day.

[@jazzpianoman01]

I’m moving to Cambodia next year

[@narith8725]

I plan to move back to Cambodia and possibly retire there part time. I’m glad you’re able to call Cambodia home.

[@KarlEFX]

I was horrified when you guys got betrayed and robbed at gunpoint in Ecuador. So glad you found a place you can call home.

[@larinacooking9418]

Hi Ryan, You're videos are so hilarious and so much fun!! I have learned so much about Cambodia!! I am living in S Korea from U S. I was born S Korea so its really super fun to be living back to mother land. Thank you for the history of why and where you have lived. You guys are my favorite!! I look forward to visiting Cambodia!! For surrrrrr!! Later Ryan!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@krychanna-d2r]

thanks you for your best recommend for Cambodia..we are always welcome & smile to every foreigner ...

[@sovannkh7107]

glad to hear that you like Cambodia

[@Hea9lt9hy9]

Great overview of PP life and your previous teaching experiences..

[@mikecotten1862]

Good to see you back on YT!

[@arthurbarney3309]

Ryan...great video..hearing that I am special from you really resonated with me.!!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Just play it on repeat whenever you're feeling down.

[@Khmer-cu1ow]

I'm happy that you found a humble place to settle. Thanks for sharing.

[@rojano4458]

So happy that you like to live in my country. It is not good a 💯 but we are kind...welcome for a good person.

[@virginiabrewster8444]

Lots to think about!

[@Dabloodymess]

Great vid, very relatable topic. I recently came to Phnom Penh for work at what could be called the 'second best' school. We quite like it here and will probably stay a while... But we are stayers, it was 7 years in our previous country

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

There's nothing wrong with that. I think it takes a full year to even get used to how a new country operates. By the third year you start to learn the language. Beyond that, I wouldn't know, but hopefully in a couple years I'll find out.

[@SuccessReveal]

Thanks for sharing, hope you live here for a long time.

[@MoconutLife]

Ugh...humor on point in this one. Best teacher in the world. FACTS! 🍻

[@kirstinurso2285]

Love your varts Ryan!

[@richardglopes1814]

You're right!

[@simonbaillieu7976]

thanks for the video ✅

[@roni2715]

Good topic, I live in Kampot, not for everyone but at my age too much excitement is not healthy anymore. The point is chose a place your happy with, luckily I'm retired so less dramas in that respect, all good and enjoy your varts, keep up the great content thank you.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Kampot is a great place to retire. My only concern would be the healthcare.

[@roni2715]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Growing old and fat disgracefully does come with health issues 😒

[@ryankeo9481]

Me either. My country of choice is Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@CaliforniaTravelVlogger]

Came across your channel and watched it til the end. Love how you describe places you live pros and cons. Great video 👍

[@channphanable]

I too love cambodia!! Best love ever

[@darrenbayford108]

Great video, interesting to hear how you chose your destination countries, got to love logic , local people, food and beer. Oh! And Dustin 😂

[@marvin2554]

I will be coming to Phnom Penh this November for about a 3 week stay. Leaving the 3rd and arriving the 5th. After resting for a few days plan on going to Siem Reap for a few days then back to Phnom Penh. Would love the opportunity to meet you guys in person if possible to discuss daily life there more in depth and also about the Teaching aspect of working there.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Maybe. We have a holiday that starts on the 5th, so we will probably be out of town until the 12th.

[@marvin2554]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Good morning from Florida. I actually will probably be out of town for a few days also. Plan on visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat for a few days once I see how my jet lag is going to be . I come in on a Saturday the 5th and plan on leaving on either Tuesday or Wednesday the 8th or 9th for Siem Reap and staying thru the weekend before coming back to Phnom Penh

[@WalkingTourAsia]

Interesting video, thanks for sharing😉

[@DiabloValleyPeds]

❤Your creativity is outstanding 🎉😊

[@gregsandifer2398]

Great info here

[@ratanakphin7561]

Great to hear your story ❤❤❤

[@davebrazier3970]

Insightful topic. We are early into our International Teaching careers and moved to PP in June. I agree that choosing a place based on your needs is so important but we both felt that not until living and experiencing a city can you understand whether it’s for you or not and that informs the list of variables for you to consider for the next move. But it’s all good fun, can’t complain.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Great point. I hope you're enjoying Cambodia.

[@Fitzaism]

Good video Ryan. Interesting topic. Also covered recently by 'For Riel' but from a different perspective. Good ot see your funny sense of humour returning.

[@joecambodia1326]

Ditto on Thailand 🇹🇭 sux…fun place to visit.

[@wrt8883]

Thanks

[@VietnamSteve]

Top Vart! I’m living in Ha Long, love the slower pace of Việt Nam regional life. I’m here for the people, the food, and the countryside.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Sounds great. We're back in Vietnam right now. First time in about 5 years. Managed to fit in 4 meals a day.

[@lequang5038]

Somehow! I thought Cambodia is ways better.

[@kimnavy5453]

Welcome to Cambodia sir. Enjoy your time in Cambodia 🤗🤗🤗

[@scotta7082]

I bought you guys a coffee/dinner a while back and this vid. deserves another. Or at lease a KZbin Grammy....do they have those? Still here in BKK, but planning the big move to PP around December & can't wait. Go Bills!!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Hmm, maybe a tubey? That sounds like a thing.

[@scotta7082]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Yes, it was the "sadness" scene which just blew us away....well, and your hair was colmed too

[@zheliak6536]

Great video bro Ìm from Ecuador I really liked your videos and they helped a lot during the pandemic it’s great too see you both doing fine, if you had any regrets about leaving Ecuador just don’t cause things have been going south especially about the permanent insecurity and unemployment crisis, seems I should be looking forward leaving too Asia seem nice, anyway I wish the best of luck see ya.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

That's unfortunate. While making this video I had to go through a lot of old footage and there's a lot I miss about Ecuador. It was a fun place to live for the most part.

[@andrewfrechtman6536]

Great, insightful video... Reinforced and confirmed my own limited understanding e expatriation. My first choice is Vietnam (HCMC) but due to the changes in visa law in VN, I have fallen back to my second choice Phnom Penh...🙂

[@kaigaku4220]

I cant wait to go to Cambodia and Live! love watching your video! You enjoy Cambodia more than Vietnam? Had no idea you been to so many different countries! All the memories you are creating is beautiful!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I'm actually back in Vietnam visiting right now and I think I prefer Cambodia to live. It's less chaotic, especially in the cities.

[@kaigaku4220]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap i totally agree!

[@dannyho6786]

@00:47 what kinda beer was that, was it dark beer, can U get dark beer in Cambodia, I really LIKE Dark Beer !!

[@linasin1646]

🥰

[@armunro]

Great humor as usual; ignore the other poster who doesn't like your humor. Did not realize Sara is a teacher; your choices for location make alot of sense. I have lived in Thailand on and off for about 30 years, and I mean the real countryside Thailand and not the cities or tourist areas. Love it, we have a house there and I now spend 6 months every year there (nearing retirement and hate cold N Europe winters). Never got to Cambodia; never had a reason to visit. Must go some time, if just to visit Angor Wat!

[@Yovo555]

What a big miss! Should take time to visit Angkor Wat. It is not far from Bangkok. Cheers

[@bananapatch9118]

We like SE Asia, except for the heat and humidity. But, Vietnam has Dalat, Malaysia has Cameron Highlands, Philippines has Baguio City….all cool weather. Does Cambodia have any nice cities that have cooler temps ? We are retiring in 6 months and seeking a cool weather , safe, low cost of living city, with decent healthcare. We are 55 and 60. We are going to start in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico and slow travel south to Argentina…then off for a couple years in SE Asia. Thx !

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Maybe Mondulkiri. I haven't been there yet, but it's mountainous. I'm not sure if there are any big cities there though, or how the infrastructure is. Stay tuned. We're planning on traveling there soon.

[@snp0011]

Also Bokor

[@walsakaluk4630]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Mondulkiri is much cooler. There is one "city" there, Sen Monorom. It's really a rural town. Very quiet. You won't find a bona fide international school there. Just locally operated private schools, ergo low salary. It's nice for a get away or agribusiness and mining. I like it. Rattanakiri is also cooler it's even more remote. There's a cool volcano there... Stung Treng is cooler too. Right up at the Laos border. Actually anywhere at altitude or further north gets cooler in Cambodia. I have had to use the heater in my car here. Someone suggested Bokor. It gets chilly up there but ever since a sealed road was built and "developed" it just wasn't the same. It's only advantage is proximity to PNH and the coast. You really want to tone down your "king of the expats" claim and labelling losers. I have been here since 1990.... now quasi retired. IB is International Bacalaureat. I sent my children to such schools here. Not cheap, not for "losers". First consultation is free.

[@araverse]

One of my friends moved and stayed in Vietnam, they really like it.

[@revelationmd]

Just the thought of moving all my shizzle, every change of country, gives me palpitations! Good for you though - definitely want to visit Phnom Penh one day.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

The good part is it forces you to look at what you have, and really determine what you actually need. We came to Cambodia with about 6 suitcases.

[@revelationmd]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap yeah I bet. I can’t imagine how we’d even start to condense all our accumulated crap into 6 suitcases!

[@amyyates8273]

IB = International Baccalaureate! The highest rated program in the world, IMO. Our kids went to an IB school when we lived in Shenzhen. Great school, city and lifestyle if you ever want to return to China.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Definitely planning trips to China. Flights right now from Phnom Penh are cheap. Shenzhen is on my list.

[@biffsboozetours9952]

Absolutely love Cambodia ❤would retire there in a heartbeat. But wife doesn’t want to!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Well, if you ever decide to come here and start a booze tour, let me know!

[@dannyho6786]

Your sorta like Sara's manager as I see it, nice touch !

[@jsoriano413]

It brings me so much joy to hear someone enjoying life being surrounded by people of color and/or of different culture and ethnicity. Thank you for that; truly a breath of fresh air. I live in California in the Bay Area, it's a melting pot of diversity which is one of it's many charms.

[@sobesao6477]

thats just so sad

[@koufax174]

I wish you would talk more about clear differences

[@KennethCouch-m2k]

I'm wanting to retire there. I'm living in the Philippines now but the immigration make you leave once a year.

[@haung5767]

You are right! Told us about Cambodian is much more welcoming and friendly warm heart with foreigners. Example: Mr Prime Minister Hun Sen allowed the traveling ship with sickness travelers to park in Cambodia.

[@charlie6751]

Beer and pork can be found in Sabah North Borneo it's a wonderful place to live, it has everything give it a try

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Sounds good. Maybe I'll travel there this year and see how it is.

[@Commandamanda]

Love your sense of humor! The info that you provide is priceless. PS: How do you avoid *questionable* ingredients in your food? I used to go to a buffet place in Chinatown (visited by only Chinese folks) and half the dishes were...uhm...very strange. The other half were great! Buuut...asking what they were was prolly the problem. The folks there would just shrug and say, "I dunno, try it!" Heh.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I think I'm more like your Chinese friends. If you don't question it then it's not questionable.

[@chrish8903]

Great review of all your travels. As a long time Thailand fan, your vids have convinced me to check out Cambo this winter. P. S. Any anti-china vibe you sense is usually anti gov't surveillance rather than the people who are really cool. Who would want to be stuck there now as the Covid theatre nonsense now enters its third year. Toronto says hi as the leaves starting to turn.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks. Definitely check out Cambodia. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Koh Rong, and Kampot if you have time.

[@brakmaster]

IB stands for International Baccalaureat. Yes only the best schools in the world have this. Only reason I know this is because I went to an international school that offered this program.

[@ChrisKirtley]

I had the same experience - travelled in Asia before moving to the US. I thought Central/South America would be just like Asia, but realised I had to much more careful there. Tried China & all of SE Asia, and considered Malacca, Malaysia in the end to live - it's a nice historical place, English-speaking and handy for KL & Singapore. But I got bored and came back to Australia - Gold Coast. That was lucky, otherwise I'd have been stuck due to Covid! I haven't travelled since.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I've been to Malacca. Great place.

[@Csgardi]

@The King of Expats - Ball hockey at the CIS dome, Tuesdays at 8:30 pm. All skill levels welcome

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I've been considering it for a while. I gotta get on a pair of skates and see how that goes first. It's been a very long time.

[@Csgardi]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap ya, Inline plays Wed/Thur, ball hockey is the running game, like floor hockey I guess

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Oh, well that's more my speed. Do they provide the sticks?

[@Csgardi]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap Yep, they have plenty of sticks. First time is free for everybody, $5 after that for foreigners.

[@ibrahimrahim8714]

Your intro and outro music is dopeAF

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks! Check out some of Eric Reprid's other music on SoundCloud.

[@nicolec2311]

What school is Sara teaching in? My husband is also a high school science teacher and we're looking to move back to Asia.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

We prefer keep that information private, but email me his info (what science he teaches, what curriculum he has experience in, etc) and I'll find out if they are still hiring. I think most schools have already hired for next year though. [e-mail]

[@bobjackson4720]

As a young man I left UK in the early seventies and travelled overland to Australia. I enjoyed being an expat for 13 years in Papua New Guinea. I've lived in Australia for about 35 years not as an expat but as a POM. UK does not attract me much.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I was reading about the diversity in Papua New Guinea just a few days ago. Sounds like a unique place. Hopefully I'll make it there one day.

[@tonysofla]

Would Kunming China be something you would consider if a teacher's jobs where available there? or maybe the smaller city Dali.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Sure. I haven't been to Dali, but Kunming is great. Yunan is one of the most beautiful provinces in China.

[@reachzer0868]

Love your videos! Keep it up

[@vanhalen45]

Do you both earn enough to save for the future?

[@hurryharry1230]

Have you considered moving to Japan? Lots of international schools here.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

We've definitely considered it, but my concerns are 1) it's too expensive, and 2) the working hours and expectations from teachers seem quite high.

[@fazbell]

The only drawback to Cambodia is healthcare. As a 72-year-old geezer, I need a place to go to the hospital, without air evacuation.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

This is definitely a concern as we get older and think about places to retire in. I've had a few experiences with Cambodian Healthcare and I can't say I'm impressed.

[@trevr1969]

Great vlog... Love your sense of humor... What is the cost of living for you two in Phnom Penh? Thanks

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I'm not sure. I've been tracking my savings for the entire time I've lived here. I'm planning to put out a detailed video about it soon, but I have to sit down and go through all the data. Stay tuned.

[@mayphum9002]

Out of the many countries I chose Cambodia for one reason, do whatever you want just don't mess with politics.

[@onymsov]

Now imagine being Sarah's student and finding your channel that would be cool

[@davidnhem9585]

I love my country. Cambodia is there No earthquakes No volcano 🌋 ……

[@peterward9755]

Lived in Sihanoukville for 3years now living in Trat Thailand with my Thai family Sihanoukville has to many Chinese gangster's for me

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Trat looks amazing.

[@kimpoindexter1481]

I am an expat in Fiji. I have been here for the last 25 years. Weather is great most of the time, most people are good friendly people, and most areas are safe 24/7. Down side is that it has become very expensive and the food culture is pretty poor. I am finishing up a major addition to my house and then it goes up for sale. Once it sells I intend to travel the rest of my life. Back to Asia, the Mediterranean and South American.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Wow. 25 years in Fiji. You must have some great stories.

[@kimpoindexter1481]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap It has been an adventure. Toughest thing was getting use to the extremely slow pace of life. Fiji makes Mexico look like New York City. People are great, at least most of them. Food is average at best. It is expensive now.

[@timallison8560]

how did your perceptions of what the crime in ecuador would be like compare to how it truly affected your every day life?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I didn't really think about the crime ahead of time, I just realized it when I arrived. I'm not even sure what made me realize it, I just had an uneasy feeling. But the only way it affected my life was it made me more cautious, it didn't let me relax as much when I was out. That plus the assault and robbery.

[@TheseStreetsReports]

The humour is keeping me on your videos 😅

[@jenniepink2536]

New subscriber 😅

[@eatingburger3506]

I am a expat! I moved to Phnom Penh a month ago! It's busy but it's a good experience. Still need to get used to it but your channel is helping me a lot!

[@1stAmerican]

cambodia. yes!

[@sleepwell2011]

🙏🙏

[@alexanderavis3513]

IB=International Baccalaureate

[@youxarexmyxsunshine]

Kind Sir, do what makes you and your partner happy. People will give their opinions but it can differ to yours. Thank you for your love and appreciation for Cambodia - a country has gone through deadly and cruel war that destroys a country and killing millions of innocent citizens. While Cambodia is trying to rebuilds itself, other asian countries are growing. As a result, Cambodia is behind, and a country who has gone through war, shall no longer want war but peace ☮️ for all. Happy traveling and may all your dreams and goals come true.

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

Hi, I'm Mishka and I'm an Expat! I live in California because it is soo International! LOL! The King of Expats? Geeez....I love the picture of "The Graduate" in the background...good classic movie! Getting it to talk though? That is just creepy! I'm just looking for a place to hide while things cool down Ryan...LOL...your editing skills are like FREAKING OFF THE CHART! LOL

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

When you run out of money in California, Phnom Penh will be here.

[@siv8721]

I don't care, but we're good. 🧡💚

[@khangems]

came to malaysia

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I love Malaysia. Sara has applied to many jobs there but it never worked out.

[@khangems]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap internation school a lot

[@crazyforanimez]

Can I ask what school does she teach ?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Sorry, she'd prefer to keep that private.

[@momratha]

From Canada to Cambodia is not far away from the same country start with C ,😜

[@MyLifeThai371]

They both have ABA bank to transfer your money back and forth!!!

[@vijays8555]

Kodaikanal International School in Kodaikanal and Good Shepherd, Stanes, Hebron all in Ooty are best schools you could try, they pay well too. I know, you have love and hate relation with India. But believe me, India has so many hidden spots that are best in quality and value for money.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks for the recommendations. We've been to Ooty and liked it. India has been calling my name recently. Thinking about traveling the north for a couple weeks.

[@steveaustin1984]

Most Canadians put little flags on stuff. Is that to announce that they aren’t American?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I remember being told to do that years ago when I first started traveling, but I think it's silly.