Living In Cambodia: $50.00 Apartment And The "Crick-pocolypse"!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Hello everyone. In this video I'll talk about lifestyle choices and give you a short tour of our $50.00 apartment. Donate: www.paypal.me/daveinthailand or www.ko-fi.com/ddcambodia

[@heofthebee]

Tape some netting up there

[@leevikiviranta9071]

i´ve been living in one room apartment all my life, I´m 60 years old. no any problem to live in small room. all what i need is window,shower/toilet, fridge, maybe a little cook place....minimalism makes you free!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I agree! Plus I'm always out and about during the day so having a big place isn't my thing. A one room place has everything I personally need.

[@johnweeks-y2i]

For some of us, less is more. 👍

[@tubewatcher3100]

An entire apartment for $50 to $80 (utilities extra) with electricity, running water, and indoor plumbing and free secure moto parking is very comfortable living for local people from the provinces who typically earn $200 a month in the city. I've seen the pictures of property listings in PP, the apartments although spartan do look very nice (if you dont mind the garish wallpaper or color scheme). The only downside is needing to have a moto because of the location.

[@michaelmcshane6280]

Dave, I have been watching your videos for about 2 years now. I always enjoy your content. I have met Kelly at autumn Asia and he is a very nice man. I look forward to meeting you one day. I walk around a lot and someday I think I may just run into you. Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy life. The only thing that matters is it if youare happy in your life. I like the idea of being a minimalist.

[@catfoodmillionaire7838]

The minimalist home looks beautiful to me. Thank you for the tour.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Thank you!

[@heymaddo]

G'day mate , Been looking at a few apartments here in P/P , prices do vary and location convenience size , its all subjective everyone will be different , in other words up to you !! you got a great little place that works for both of you and that is what matters . Catchya...

[@johnweeks-y2i]

I'm happy hope you're happy too. I live in a 16'x 24' one room cabin in the U.S.

[@Always_sojourning]

Minimalism is not to be shamed. If a person is happy with their circumstances, that is all that counts. The opinions of those that don't matter , don't matter.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Well said and I agree!

[@mjs2402]

good to see a place in this price range rather than so many others at 250-400. places between 50-150 a month are personally interesting to me.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Awesome! As I said I'm going to contact some landlords and see if I can come and film their apartments in that range.

[@KB3TLE]

Me too ! -- Told him that. Tired of all the big places ! (I want - to - $120) 🤗

[@patrickprendergast9589]

maybe give it a try

[@peteredan7352]

Perfect. I lived in a room half that size in Thailand for two years, no kitchen even. The bigger the place the more you have to clean. Life is for living not hording 'things' and constantly cleaning around them.

[@merlemcgonigal-hm1wv]

Hahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahaha😊

[@w.m.p-w8989]

Thumb up to you and Sieng Lai for living as minimalists for 6 years... Many wealthy.couples wouldn't last a year in mansions...Thanks for sharing knowing that there are haters out there in the Internet space...

[@imperialkhmer6146]

I rent a place for 120 a month in the middle of PP city. It doesn't have a kitchen but am single so I just need a bed, AC, and bathroom. That's all I need 😅

[@wisconsinchristian]

Looks good to me, and did I even see you have a water heater in the shower area? My problem with rentals in PP was a beautiful setting during the day, but the nighttime music from bars far away was nerve wracking. Hope to send you a BD gift this month Dave, take care and God Bless!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

No water heater but the water in the tank heats up during the day and gets... not really HOT...but warm enough. It's always wise to check out a living area during the day and then at night to make sure the noise or dogs aren't going to be an issue! I once lived in a beautiful area. Lots of nature, not many foreigners, and access to almost everything. But at night it seemed like every single stray dog wanted to voice it's displeasure lol.

[@KB3TLE]

I appreciate your perspective Dave - fully (!) - even though some or even many don't ! --- Less is more in my view - and easier to take care of. Although I would prefer a bit more comfort than what you currently show here - it still would not meet most people's approval. --- I've seen numerous rentals in the Philippines from about $60 - $80 - $120 usually unfurnished. Flush toilets there are a luxury for Filipinos who won't spend the $ for them. A bucket is used. --- Many US expats rent long term & spend a couple thousand to furnish them - some w/ac added & have nice places for $80 - $120 + elect./wifi/water/gas to cook. A few painted added elect. outlets or flooring.... as needed (?) - for 'personalized' comfort ! - - - I would like to see what some more "frugal" look like in Siem Reap - from the $50 - up to $100 especially (!) - maybe $120...... to remain frugal / thrifty - and for a somewhat tight budget - of perhaps $800 - but with meds expenses for old people too - perhaps diabetic or high blood pressure (?)....... THANK YOU SIR !!!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

$800.00 a month is absolutely doable here. I recently saw a studio apartment for $40.00 a month with an air conditioner so anything is possible! Even I, as frugal as I am, have limits. Like a "squat" toilet? No go for me. Okay, maybe at $20.00 a month I'd consider it but...lol! Our apartment is great for us and I think that's the most important thing. If people want more amenities, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. As long as you can live there without regrets I think that's just fine.

[@ifh4030]

I would be so good with that place for $50 a month. Heaven not having to stress over too much stuff. The only annoying thing would be the lack of outlets in the kitchen, lol.

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

As long as you are good with intense heat and high humidity , no a/c and a room full of bugs and the critters that come in the openings to eat them

[@stevenjb.9275]

Who needs a lot of rooms. You can only be in one room at a time. Perhaps some mesh screen over the open window, and a piece of the mesh over the floor drain could keep some critters out. You going to collect US Social Security at 62-years?

[@lorne2691]

The minimalist thing is to be admired but I don’t think I could do without AC. How did you fair through the previous heat wave?

[@KB3TLE]

You wouldn't have to do w/o ac --- beauty of a small 'frugal' studio is it's cheap to clean & cool !!! I know of some in the Philippines who run ac 24/7 - for $80 - $100 / mo. elect. which includes fridge and all else needed - in small studios & 1 br apartments.

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

@@KB3TLE There's frugal and there is beyond . If not for me then surely for the lady I would want to upgrade at least to as inexpensive as possible place with A/C and perhaps a functioning kitchen . It's nice to know these places exist if all else fails .

[@KB3TLE]

@@MichaelDuignan-p2c kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJq1eKd6rJasq9ksi=iGRQUqPDZiDCijhX

[@terry.morgenstern]

I keep thinking, "There has to be some catch (besides low amenities)...". Is the area safe? Can you secure the apartment well? Is it safe from flooding?

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I haven't personally found an unsafe area in Siem Reap. We've had no problems with that. Our apartment has a push lock in the doorknob and a deadbolt. Bars on the windows are pretty standard. We live on the ground floor but the awning outside sluices off the rain into the alleyway so no flooding. They're not all like that though so be aware of that when looking!

[@Hea9lt9hy9]

@@DaveDoesCambodiavery safe… don’t have bad neighborhoods in SR… just close to town or further from town…

[@terry.morgenstern]

Another couple of questions... How far are you from the center of town (for example, the park with the bats, near the royal residence)? How long is your lease term? How short of a lease term do you think you could have possibly gotten at the $50 price?

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I'm about 1.5 kilometers from the Royal Garden and Residence. I don't have a lease, it's month to month. And there was no security deposit required, just the first month's rent.

[@robertwilliamson922]

Hi Dave…. My apartment in Siem Reap was $150 a month, furnished. But that was going through a third party before I left Canada. If I had waited and rented when I got there, I could have gotten it for $100 a month. Nice simple apartment with a large bathroom with wonderful shower, and of course the all important “bum gun” beside the toilet. My windows all had screening and bars and there was security downstairs and wall and locking gate for the building. What you need for the crickets is one or two common little house geckos 🦎. I had two geckos in my apartment and they had their own little hiding place….coming out to hunt for bugs. They kept my apartment bug free. I grew up in a fairly wealthy family, and don’t need all that stuff anymore. Living a simple life gives an amazing feeling of freedom. Going minimalist is the way. Happy to see you are able to live that way. Not being dependant on so much useless stuff that we can’t take with us when we go anyways. I find peace in Theravada Buddhism these days Dave. And I’m 72 years old now. Never turned my aircon on. Only used fans. My electric bill was surprisingly low compared to my neighbours. Happy birthday …..and take care. I can’t wait to come back. 👏🏼👍🏼🎂🍰🍨 🦎. 🌴 🌴 🌴 ☸️

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I will let crickets, geckos, and spiders in here with no problems. Those huge flying cockroaches though? It's not that they're bad or dangerous or anything but they're heavy because of their thick exoskeleton. So when they fly, it's uncoordinated and they'll often land right on your head when you least expect it lol!! Back in the States I had SO MUCH stuff which I never used. I find that having just what you need is freeing. I really hope you get here so we can sit and have a proper conversation. I always appreciate your insights!

[@boxingmonkey8621]

Dave, you have the most pleasant upbeat happy go lucky demeanor The minute I heard your first video I came across I subscribed You are an absolute credit to vloggers who live overseas Wish you all the best from Sydney 👍🏼

[@MartinHuggert]

Great!

[@georgewest3926]

This channel just keeps getting better and better every day pure quality entertainment well done dave 👍 😊

[@simplyrogue]

boy are you fooled

[@LuisCastro-hy9st]

My friend, you hit the nail in the head with this kind of video. This is what I've been waiting for all alone for a very long time now. I'm retired here in the US and planning to move to Cambodia by the end of this year. I'm on fix income , and I'll be looking for something like this when I get there. So, please help ! 😊

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I'm always around if you want to get a hold of me when you get here!

[@MrsNolastname]

Happy birthday Dave 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Thank you! It's on July 30th so I still have some time to stare down death lol!

[@jazzpianoman01]

How’s the power situation there in SR? Do you get any outages?

[@sweetoldbuzzard6087]

“The bigger the place, the more stuff you must buy to fill the place.” George Carlton said that. May I suggest using baking soda and a chocolate cake mix to eliminate crickets, rats, and ants? Please keep it in a dry powder form. To hurry up the death process, have some water nearby. When added to baking soda, water creates gas and is safe around pets and children. Keep up with great videos.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

@@sweetoldbuzzard6087 I don't mind the small critters. They were here first and all. But that's a great suggestion for anyone who wants to keep them out! Thank you!

[@zhubajie6940]

You do you. As Mark Twain said, "A difference of opinion is what makes a horse race." We all have a variety of hopes and means so no judgment should be given to what level we like, be it high or low, as long as we can afford it.

[@urbantours365]

What area of the city are you in? Usually the cheaper the farther from downtown

[@terry.morgenstern]

Thanks, Dave. This is interesting. How did you find the apartment? Were there signs posted in the neighborhood or did your girlfriend ask around? Wondering how an expat without Khmer language skills or personal connections could find an apartment like this.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

We walked around. Seriously, that's the best way to find these places. Even if there's not a sign or advertisement just approach and ask. Most of the less expensive places don't advertise at all. But it does help that Seng Lai knows how to communicate that. It's not necessary to have a local. My first place I found by myself.

[@MarkBennett007]

Wow….thats cheap. Are there other apt available

[@KB3TLE]

I want - FRUGAL - a studio around 250 sf. -- but -- a kitchen sink - fridge - micro wave & ac equipped = frugal but 'comfortable' - easy to clean & cheap to cool ! ??????? 🤗

[@johnnysguitarandsongs2805]

Good for you man.. Inspirational. Thank you🙂

[@jazzpianoman01]

For one person the 50$ isn’t too bad; a bit small for me as I have a fair bit of stuff. A/C I guess you can can get installed

[@idrathernot_2]

It's cool to see these. Online the listings usually start $150+, which is still fine. And I completely agree with the internet intelligentsia sniffing their own supply judging life styles.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Yeah, these kind of apartments are rarely advertised. You have to go out walking and find them basically. But there's more of them than most people think. It's just a matter of getting boots on the ground to suss them out!

[@wrt8883]

Thanks for sharing

[@Farang189]

let's do some $50 residential place

[@QuinnPrice]

As I mature as an expat, I have come to appreciate ways I can spend less. Same with the "stuff" I have bought. I have more than I use, even after committing a minimalist lifestyle. I'm human. But I'm learning. And adjusting. Everyone should understand their "floor" or the essentials you need and what is fluff you don't need to spend extra on.

[@Don-Muttley]

Good video Dave. Let's be honest though, if you had the money, I'm sure ypu would not be living in such basic conditions. If someone choose not to work and rely on others, then they would need the bare minimum. If your comfortable, that's th3 most important thing.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

When I was making $800.00 a month, we lived in a $70.00 apartment. Why? Because I don't have or need a lot of stuff. A bigger space wouldn't do me any good. But you're correct that if you're comfortable, that's all that matters. I'm not advocating for people to live as inexpensive as possible. Each individual has his/her own wants and needs. Back in the States I had so much stuff. I didn't even realise it until I went to sell it all to come here. Seriously, it was a mess lol! I came here with one suitcase and two carry on backpacks and, if I were to leave for some reason, I would have the same... just with more old dude clothes lol

[@wneighbor2523]

Some of us enjoy existing in small space and less stuff… Glad that you don’t take apartment advice from strangers not living in SR…

[@jamesdee2434]

Clean and a roof above your head What more do you need when you can go out 🤔

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I love getting out and about. Kelly (Autumn In Asia) is always inviting us over and we sit there and shoot the shit for hours. But even when I'm home, as I said, I'm either reading or writing most of the time and that's my personal sweet spot!

[@jamesdee2434]

​ With rent so low it must be possible to live cheaply if you only have a small pension and don't drink or smoke. Seems great as the weather is nice and in England you can spend a lot on utilities especially heating in the winter

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

@@jamesdee2434 You missed the cigarette in hand during the tour ? Maybe it was something else I mistook

[@jamesdee2434]

@@MichaelDuignan-p2c I don't smoke l was talking about

[@rusco1948]

ANOTHER GREAT VODEO

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

@@rusco1948 Thank you very much, I'm happy you enjoyed it! 👍🤘🍻

[@janeenkledlow5419]

Less to clean! 🙂 And ideal for you and your wife. Who cares what others think. Good for you!

[@simplyrogue]

its not his wife. and shes the laziest drunk Khmer here

[@mhouse1572]

You live your lives your ways… like Sanatra, you do it your way!!! If you are happy, nothing matters!!!

[@jameswilde3203]

i will be in Cambodia in January 2025 will be needing a place to lay my head down bought your book on Cambodia interesting and informative read that kinda place would suit me just fine take care James

[@PescaEViajemPeloMundo]

Cool place dude! I love minimalist stuff. As you say, there is no sense pay a lot to have empty spaces. :D

[@johnnysukhumvit9242]

Is there air con, Dave? What neighborhood is this?

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

@@johnnysukhumvit9242 No air con, no refrigerator. It's right off Night Market Road over by Onederz hostel.

[@mimibigdy1917]

Kudos for you and SL-- who cares about the haters? Great living as minimalist 😊The haters don’t pay your rent anyway…

[@touchsmith4630]

It's a nice apartment for that kind of money I see nothing wrong with it

[@Robert-x2n8g]

Hi Dave. Glad you and your partner have a place that's working for you. Kudo's to you brother. Ignore the trolls and keep enjoying life. I'll be over there VERY soon. Hope to cross your path someday around the city. Wish the two of you the best!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Thank you very much! I hope you'll get ahold of me when you arrive in Siem Reap.

[@bigroundwatermelon6456]

It’s about “to be content”

[@TomTripsOut]

ive caught and released like 5 giant crickets this week from inside my apartment.

[@patrickprendergast9589]

o no crickit trap

[@EamonnHogan-eu3qc]

I'm assuming you have heard of an extension cord, so stringing one cord from the room with outlet into to kitchen, would solve that simple no outlet problem, don't know what an extension cord would cost in Cambodia, as I haven't bought one, but worth it for a $50 a month apartment. Now I gave you that bit of advise, and didn't go e-begging for a donation, so viewers already dontate their time looking at your chanell, in return you get a thing called KZbin revenue, so please don't beg for donations, just cuz 99.45% KZbinrs constantly beg, it doesn't mean you have to do likewise. Just saying 😂

[@wayneleader2364]

Good for you man

[@CDMaclintock]

I'll be retiring in Siem Reap 4/2025, and I'll be looking for an apartment in the $500-$600 range, so that amount should get me a VERY nice apartment....

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Yeah, that'll be a mansion type place lol!

[@Hea9lt9hy9]

A friend lives in $1,000/ month in PP because he can . He is not any happier or more sad than you and SL,.. All are good if you are happy. Like Taylor Swift, shake it off - ignore the haters…

[@simplyrogue]

yeah id quote that lesbian swift if I were u too

[@mhouse1572]

Yeah, agreed with Taylor and her football player BF, Shake off the haters….

[@Hea9lt9hy9]

@@mhouse1572👍👏

[@jasgsxr2726]

Everything you need and nothing you don't, nothing wrong with that; it's a very earth friendly way to live.

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

I am surprised you are only 61 but that's good news . On your next Bday you will hit 62 and hit the SS Button and be able to significantly upgrade your apartment choice And save Much more $ each month than you do now . To each his own but I just can't do No A/C in Cambodia Even If I traveled the 3 hottest months .

[@simplyrogue]

how do u know he has enough credits for ss? he hasnt even worked in the past 6.5 years

[@sandgroper6]

Hey Dave, there's a joke about Debbie doing Dallas. I don't think it's the same with you in Cambodia, is it?? 😂😂😅

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

@@sandgroper6 🤣😜😂 Not exactly but that was my inspiration for the channel name!

[@Always_sojourning]

Brother, get some screen!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Sun screen? 😂

[@PeterC245]

12 months until you get your 401 K

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

No 401K but social security!

[@oldbulldog9388]

@@DaveDoesCambodia Do you think it will be difficult to apply for Social Security as an expat? I want to do the same thing when I turn 60 (4 years) and live off my sold assets until I'm 62.

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

@@oldbulldog9388 I would apply in the U.S. with a U.S. address and bank account for the direct deposits . Then just transfer the $ as needed . BUT to each his own . With more and more expats every year And SS in jeopardy I would never depend on the US Never changing the rules on living abroad and collecting . I just would not let them know .

[@cloudnationmedia8326]

Cool!

[@terry.morgenstern]

In your information filled description box, maybe you should include your email address. Many of us are "anti-social media". No way to contact you (other than a very public comment section) unless we have social media. I don't have Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. If you're worried about trolls or spam, you could create a new email address just for KZbin inquires. Plenty of free email sites out there and KZbin inquiries won't "clog" up your primary email account.

[@Xxxcavsr1260]

The $50 a month I like it that would be just perfect for just me.🙏🙏

[@wow888888able]

How can you live like that 😂. You are living your lives the way you want…You are a minimalist blogger… people want luxury living, find another channel…

[@MichaelDuignan-p2c]

I bet he upgrades when he starts getting his SS checks this time next year . We shall see

[@simplyrogue]

why tell people to find another channel? you want me to have hunsen deport u?

[@simplyrogue]

@@MichaelDuignan-p2c bet u he doesnt. hes a poor prick who only buys beer. doubt he gets more than $500 from ss if he even has the credits

[@wow888888able]

@@simplyrogue go ahead make my day!

[@jeffkravitz9109]

Y film at night? Cant see shit😊