Retiring THAILAND vs CAMBODIA - Why Cambodia Might be a Better Fit

Expats love both Thailand and Cambodia. Retirement in Southeast Asia is getting more and more popular, and these two countries are 2 of the top choices. However, after a trip to Thailand, I am here to give you some reasons why Cambodia might be a better choice than Thailand when it comes to living and retiring. We'll discuss retirement visas, as well as the new tax law that is hitting foreigners living in Thailand.
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👤 ABOUT ME
I currently live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and I am constantly exploring and traveling the country and other parts of the world. I've lived abroad with my partner in crime Sara for over 9 years (Vietnam, China, Ecuador, Cambodia). We are expats 4 life.
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🎵 MUSIC
"Blitz" by Eric Reprid / ericreprid and Clueless Kit / cluelesskit
Additional footage provided by: www.vecteezy.com
0:00 Cambodia 4 life
1:59 Transportation
2:58 Cost of Living - foreign food
5:12 Cost of alcohol
6:10 The bigger picture... freedom.
7:52 Malls and convenient stores
8:28 Coffee
9:17 Retirement visas
11:16 New tax law in Thailand

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Quick correction. In the video I said to enter Cambodia on a tourist visa and then change it to a retirement visa. You actually need to get an E Type, not a tourist visa, in order to change it to a retirement visa.

[@ironbuffaloXX]

Cambodians are good people.

[@shavariu]

I am your French audience ;) I like your videos which I find particularly funny and also useful as I prepare to move to Cambodia.

[@travelaroundlife]

Yes, retire in Cambodia and just visit Thailand. Thanks for the info.

[@woodoopui184]

Why visit to Thailand? Travel a lot in Cambodia is better to him.

[@golden166]

Dont come here stay where you are farang.

[@mimibigdy1917]

Great job 👏… team Cambodia 🇰🇭 wins

[@hf..7271]

Khmer Empire ! Indeed !

[@eclipse0018]

Very interesting details information about retirement in Thailand and Cambodia for both countries, I am so happy to hear that Cambodia is better retired than in Thailand. Good luck dude!

[@chrish8903]

You're 100% right on the retirement visa comparison. Thailand is a big hassle. One reason why I won't retire there even though I am card carrying member of Team Thailand. Good luck on your taxes. I did mine a few days ago with only minor damage to report. I know you discussed it before but health care in Cambodia is a worry for older folks. Greetings from Toronto.

[@cookietulis6252]

Thai people are nice, but Cambodians take the kindness to a whole new level. Seriously among the friendliest people on the planet. That's worth a lot more than the lost dollars or infrastructure inconveniences in my opinion.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Good call. I should have mentioned this.

[@suryavarman6058]

Brilliant comment ❤

[@trevr1969]

Wow that's really less complicated of a retirement visa system compared to Thailand.

[@AmblingAloof]

I agree with the restrictive Retirement Visa requirements in Thailand. It is one of the biggest reasons I am going to be visiting Cambodia this year to scout it out as a retirement destination. It seems much simpler. I also like the minimal licensing requirements for motorbikes under 125cc.

[@darrenbayford108]

Spot on as usual, I had to watch this one twice as I was waiting for that burger to arrive and got distracted 😂

[@sojeanify]

You're always hilarious and informative. It's always fun to watch you.

[@user-ju3er3yt9z]

You are an absolute legend! 😂 Love your sense of humour and impeccable delivery. 🎉 You sold me on Cambodia in this video. I’ll be sure to go back and watch all your previous uploads. Can’t wait for new ones. ❤

[@FrugalWanderer]

I am with you on being team Cambodia for life. I agree with everything you listed. Do you buy those bamboo skewers in bulk? I like the idea of using them. It will remind me of being back home in Canada and watching the American news again. Send me a link to where you get them and I order myself a bunch. Haha

[@sukikom2259]

😂😂😂😂

[@BellaBella-jw9ef]

You mean the Canadian news…

[@heymaddo]

G'day All ! You see here is informative content with a bit of humor , been there done that type , not like those click baiters , lots of what itchy's said i've been there done that too (i don't like jumping through hoops) ! for those looking to retire Cambo does look good ! and Cambo for meeeee , so well done itchy... Catchya...

[@jlong232]

Thank you for your support and love Cambodia🙏🙏

[@geelucky13]

Omg that was hilarious man & you are bang on the money ! Cambodia rules....love your ch man

[@LJ-jq8og]

Great Video 💪❤

[@coreana.aesthetics]

That is why I always wonder why people say Phnom Peng is more expensive than Bangkok. Everything is at least 20-50 % more expensive in Bangkok than in Phnom Penh, but except imported product from Thailand.

[@mhouse1572]

Team Cambodia for life all the way❤😂🎉

[@suryavarman6058]

Wish Cambodian government the best doing their job to improve safety and living standard for the world to go retire there.

[@brucemacmillan9581]

Good and interesting deets. I'm Canadian and I'm considering Cambodia, but also Philippines. Will be over in early 25 to take a look at both.

[@sukikom2259]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. 😅😂

[@bongchan531]

Hey Ryan, thought I say what's up. I am Khmer American and is currently in Phnom Penh and thought I see if you want to grab a beer sometime.

[@lychheng9004]

Great info, Thanks🙂

[@macinhiodasilva]

I really like thailand as a holiday country, but many things such as visa policy just make foreigners not feel very welcome. Glad to live in Laos, where delicious beerlao is available 24 hours and a 12 months visa can be easily done in ~ 7 days without any bs similar to cambodia 😉 cheers from neighbouring Laos 🇱🇦

[@markbigelow2608]

Is that a 12mo retirement visa?

[@chrish8903]

Yes please share what the 12 month visa is in Laos. I know about the business visa but not anything else that would cover 12 months.

[@macinhiodasilva]

@@chrish8903 I shared it in my comment above, you can read all the information there

[@jtns2845]

add another request for information on a 12 month renewable “retirement” visa in laos!

[@scotttracy9333]

Any truth in difficulties dating Laos girls ? I've heard Police are very strict when a foreigner dates a Laos girl who isn't his wife

[@wrt8883]

Thanks for sharing

[@Santa-ny1yp]

First time seeing you. You are hilarious. Thanks.

[@virginiabrewster8444]

Hiiit that retirement algorithm!!!

[@stormstereo]

Hahaha. Damn right he did.

[@rafski-travels-1984]

I think Thais are getting sick of foreigners because that international culture is smothering theirs. Also as a country develops visa requirements naturally increase. Many African countries are easy to enter too. Cambodia at the moment is a nice balance of rustic/ modernizing so enjoy it while it lasts.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Exactly this.

[@mysimplelife7259]

Lol, totally agree with you re Thailand been there a few times but came away feeling that something is amiss! …

[@ampiciline]

wow ! that was priceless information .thank you bro

[@perpetualmoto]

You gotta live in both to understand what ur saying. for many people T-town may be easier since they have been in the Tourist business since the 70's...but they are more expensive. My experience has shown that in Cambodia you will be more included into the local communities you live in participate in and it seems like (to me at least) the cities have anything you would ever need alongside countyside living being quiet and relaxing....I'm also team Cambodia, but to each his own...or is it their own... own?

[@phlezktravels]

not everyone is a male, so it's definitely "to each their own" ✌️

[@dansecor8753]

Arrived 3 days ago in Phnom Penh and signed a $200 a month one-year lease on a furnished two bedroom apartment. This city is so cool and the process of moving here seems relatively easy Yeah, its hot as hell but so cheap and the people are really chill . I'm full-on Team Cambodia.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Nice! You picked the hottest time of the year to arrive, so you can look forward to better weather.

[@TRUTHx247]

Team Cambodia fo’sho! 😆 🇰🇭🙏🙌

[@dannyho6786]

Funny man, good one ! Wheres old Sarah today ?

[@ntstudio28]

Thailand existed much after the Khmer. How they think Khmer copy them is a bit confusing. Anywayyyyy.. cheers!

[@mysimplelife7259]

I believed they weren’t big on history the little knowledge they do have is limited and has been altered to fit their needs. Sad!

[@samkheng]

Even though there's endless proof, Thai would never admit they came from Khmer. Not like the relations between the US and the UK, and many other countries with similar cultures, which they have historically enjoyed and maintained a special relationship rooted in common history and shared values. Hope things get better.

[@mysimplelife7259]

@@samkheng quote the saying of Michelle Obama ´when they go low, we go high’.

[@woodoopui184]

@@samkhengStupid Khmer history

[@Nine-nr1pe]

@@samkhengI can say that. No the Thai’s were from Sukhothai kingdom which eventually turn into Ayutthaya and later on Siam. Thus, the Thai’s are not from Khmer. In addition, Theravada Buddhism is what influence culture over the regions as the main culture which originates from Indian. Thus, its not just Thailand and Cambodia that have the same culture. But Myanmar, Laos, and some part of Vietnam does too. However, keep in mind that each country has its own unique culture that breakdown from the main culture, through historical events and encounters that eventually led to what you see today. Also, to say that Thais are copying from Cambodia is completely false. Again, India is the main cultural influence, similar to how the Romans has influence over Europe.

[@sopauljauck4163]

My favorite vid from you so far. Love the humor

[@fazbell]

I wish I had retired in Cambodia. I've lived in the "Land of Smiles" or nine years and I have pretty much had it with Thai visa problems.

[@sokolartnau]

I've heard that Thailand will increase the requirements for retirement visas, as they are not harsh enough now.

[@delayedtraveler]

Another great episode and I learned differences between the two countries that I hadn't heard from other youtubers. I've never heard once anyone bring up the fact that you cant drink during certain hours in Thailand. Thats just dumb AF. Thanks for the info.

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

Can't believe you used the epic nWo skit. God bless you man. wCw nWo fo fo fo fo for life!!!!

[@samkheng]

I just read on an average, there's around 2 million foreigners living in Cambodia. Good idea. Live and get a retirement visa at Cambodia and travel to Thailand when I'm bored.

[@ScuffedAndSwagga]

Such good content bro.

[@phlezktravels]

Order in, for sure. Out is for going.

[@leeemerson2235]

I moved to Cambodia last year as a retiree. The online portal Type E visa to enter the country was USD 42.00 and the renewable ER (retiree) 12 month extension of stay was USD 290.00 through an agent.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Good point

[@MissLizaYangonMyanmar]

Fantastic video. I'm not big on the rules. Myanmar for me bro but Siam Rep also looks good

[@patrickl.2761]

Are Foreigners allowed to buy property, house or land in Cambodia?

[@DylanE1]

Can buy the house but not the land, same as most countries

[@phlezktravels]

Nah, use a local.

[@wow888888able]

Great great great for Cambodia

[@eathsao3562]

Awesome

[@jahcSoft]

Your editing and jokes are awesome, I've just subscribed to your channel. Also I love Thailand and thank you for showing me another interesting place to visit

[@scareybailey]

You can go grab a cold beer, even if it is 4pm 😂😂😂😂😂

[@dannyho6786]

You really shoudnt be drinking until 5pm at the earliest, except for a few specials days outta the year and only on a weekend.

[@chrish8903]

Great video. Pro booze tip: you can buy booze in Thailand anytime at most independent mom and pop shops. Price will be about 5 or 10% more than 7 eleven. Problem solved. But beer is pricier than Cambo no doubt.

[@MrDobberdude]

The only advantage Cambo has is the visa if you are under 50...since you said retire that doesn't really matter....but I agree foreign food is cheaper in cambo same alcohol

[@JWnFlorida]

Can you buy real estate with a retirement visa? Awesome video as always

[@coreana.aesthetics]

You can buy condo in Cambodia, but not landed property.

[@tayshow5642]

😂 happy Khmer new year mr. Itchy

[@Dayz3O6]

Camnada yes indeed. Of All your old travels video I'm glad you found the destination country that is kingdom of wonders. Bangcock don't stand a chance trust me 😂

[@robertdunstan2911]

Hi Ryan, Love your videos and your sense of humour. I am an Australian living happily in Cambidia with a Retirement Visa. I'm really not trying to be a keyboard warrior and if I come across that way, I apologise. Your info is great in regards to Retirement Visa. Except on arrival, you need to get an E Type or Ordinary Visa,( $35 ) on arrival, not a tourist visa on arrival as Tourist visa can not be converted to Retirement Visa. Please keep your great videos coming. Cheers Rob 😀

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks for the info. I'll pin a comment for everyone with more accurate details.

[@tomharris2248]

Ryan is the GOAT 🐐 of VART. Great contents! Please keep them coming.

[@Nine-nr1pe]

I’m Thai and the wanted to say that both countries are great, only the weather is extremely hot. So prepare yourself.

[@phannatith2621]

Thank you Ryan. Now I can proceed to see all the anger comments....

[@ra4239]

😂

[@bryancbaker]

Billy’s is amazing… how is the American bbq in Cambodia?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Good. Options are a bit limited, but there are a couple newish places that opened up.

[@andylove9398]

Thanks!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks very much! You da mandylove9398

[@RTmommy]

I'm a subscriber since your Chengdu days! Would love to hear about your journey as an expat couple. My husband and I are seriously considering the expat lifestyle moving with our two young children but I think for us the concern is schooling. Thanks!!

[@hf..7271]

My family are moving From North America to Cambodia there’s are many good school choices for international students ranging from minor ages and over , these Administrations it runs by United States they are Accredited professional teams .

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks for sticking around all that time! I'm hoping to do some 'Moving to Cambodia with a family' content. It's just hard because I've never done it. I'm not even sure HOW to travel with children. For example, are they carry-on, or do you check them?

[@sophaman9193]

Thanks Ryan for supporting Cambodia 🇰🇭 Thailand is better than Cambodia because they don't have war like Cambodia in the past if Cambodia don't have war in the past Cambodia is much better than Thailand compared people to people Cambodian people is much better than thai people you know Ryan I'm khmer living in Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 thanks for sharing your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@hf..7271]

Indeed! Our Khmer Empire were expanded to half part of South East Asia mainland . Was a powerful and heavily influencial Civilization . Imagine if Khmer Empire were never raided nor stole from us ? Then following the Mass Millions Killing not long agoes if these factors never happen Cambodia might be the top of Asia not mentioned North Korea 😅

[@CandycaneBeyond]

do you have a video? Comparing Vietnam versus Cambodia

[@wneighbor2523]

Tean Cambodia always. ✌️ peace ✌️

[@Anomaly66666]

Can you live off thr 1 year visa renewals there without being over 50?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Yes. I don't know much about it, but I know people are doing it.

[@saaem4045]

❤❤❤

[@peterRobinson10101]

How do I retire there under 55?

[@marialangley5528]

Great info and fun. Thank you from Maria and Col in Thailand

[@DylanE1]

You can always find beer at restaurants and your hotel in Thailand during the off hours, but of course it will cost more than at 7-11.

[@robertmyers655]

wHAT IS THE MOST MODERN AREA OF PHNOM PENH TO LIVE IN? WE ARE COMING IN MAY

[@engleng9763]

BKK, TK, TTP or all of famous Borey community like PengHuot, Orkide and ChipMong. Thank

[@mysfz8688]

What about that new project by the overpass, what is that area called. ?

[@sopauljauck4163]

Second day in phnom Penh. It is hot. Trying to figure out on what to do. Wish me luck on my exploration. So far I'm failing.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Don't walk anywhere. You'll melt. Get out of the Riverside area and explore other neighborhoods. Stay hydrated.

[@sopauljauck4163]

Im very sick since last night. Probably ate the wrong thing. Hope to get back out there soon.

[@brucedavis6244]

Do they sell chewing tobacco in Cambodia

[@sokcheachim5611]

Hilarious

[@jeffreytowson155]

Your list of Thailand retirement requirements is not accurate. You’ve mixed OA requirements with O requirements. For example, you don’t need health insurance, a criminal check, translations, medical certificate or notarization for o retirement visa. Also there’s no such thing as a multiple entry retirement visa. That’s the reentry permit

[@michelleperia920]

Better than all the rest on the BoobTube.

[@xhuyenan476]

🎉

[@phlezktravels]

Just realized that foot has cankles 🤭

[@getlow3143]

4 LIFE HOLMES

[@Alan-pv2bi]

Don't worry about your taxes, it took 2 years for CRA to send a request letter to file mine. 😂 If they owe you they will pay minuscule interest, but if you have to pay, they charge a much higher interest rate.

[@sohinkhun6241]

💖🥰💙

[@lynnbrooks5503]

Is Cambodia safe for single women.? Are there other types of housing rather than hotels and condos?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I know a bunch of single women that live here and feel safe. They do say it's hard to date here though. As for housing, a local house or apartment is much much cheaper, and it's cooler (temperature wise).

[@tonylewis3324]

5 Tuk Tuks park outside my apartment 24 hours a day. Phnom Penh best transport system in the world and very cheap

[@Wouter_apac]

Thai tax = 30%

[@KB3TLE]

For me -- it's the Govt. restrictions - and requirements - the visa laws - and the fewer English speaking locals - that eliminates Thailand from 'my' retirement consideration ! --- They suck. --- Cambodia is my 2nd choice - yet - the country has many qualities which I prefer even over my # 1 choice. -?- The - "deal breaker" --- for me --- is the '''excruciating''' heat & humidity !!! > Can't take it. Too old and unable to cope with it. - - - Leaves me with very damn few alternatives in S E Asia ( ! ) now doesn't it ??? --- Fortunately - there are a 'select few' locations -- in the Philippines -- that are 2,000 ft. and 5,000 ft. -- above sea level -- that offer significantly cooler temps. for most - if not all of the year ! ((🤗)) A life saver for people like me - who don't need the beach - or the sweat all the time !!! (uch) --- The cost of living is even a bit less + everyone speaks English --&-- are just as friendly and welcoming as in Cambodia !!!!! 🤗 Makes for my ideal retirement destination.... ❤ 👍 🙏 👊 👋 🍺

[@rlmint]

Where in the Philippines are you thinking? Baguio? Tagatay? Or somewhere else? Malaysia and Vietnam have highlands that are cooler as well...

[@KB3TLE]

@@rlmint Tagaytay - as a compromise - primarily due to the proximity to the airport for travel & Manila for quality medical and just fun easy day trips. -- Malaysia & Vietnam are not visa friendly enough for my 'retirement' and their highlands are too isolated - much like Baguio. -- So - even though I'll likely travel enough to only use the tourist visa in the Philippines - it's enough ? (ironic) Most flexible. > Tagaytay is a beautiful area with clean air good food friendly people - a few expats and cheap enough cost of living - if - your wise.

[@fjidfdfjd2459]

@@KB3TLE hello i Thai ladyboy. i apologise that most of us do not speak English even though there have been a long history of farangs living and visiting our country. i just surpised with all the farangs living in our country our English skills still not improve🙄

[@rlmint]

@@KB3TLE Thanks Frank! I look at Tagatay closer...

[@mysfz8688]

What about the healthcare there for older folks?

[@mysfz8688]

Great. How’s the pollution compared to Thailand ( BKk & Pattaya)& Hua Hin) not Chiang Mai it’s just horrible there. Though I have to say Hua Hin hasn’t been much better. Great video and really helped to open our eyes a bit got other options.

[@edhuber3557]

Witty guy, and nice hair/wig/toup. (Yes, I'm just envious on all accounts.)

[@angryashell100]

Cambodia is easy on the visa issue. I lived there for years. Food is terrible. It's dirty as hell with mountains of garbage unless you're in siem reap. I will always love Cambodia but it's a third world country. It's seriously crazy. The difference between Bangkok and phnom penh is like the difference between NYC and Pascagoula County, Mississippi

[@fjidfdfjd2459]

hello I Thai ladyboy. do you think the reason why ladyboy culture is so common in Thailand is because Farangs have been emasculating Thai men for the past 50 years? remember the US used to have navy bases all over Thailand during Vietnam war and of course brothels were established to cater to US soldiers. i believe Farangs have been emasculating us for so long that a lot of Thai men nowadays are gay and trying to be ladyboys

[@ourfinesthour6994]

Neither is a good place to live. Great to visit though. Too much noise, heat and humidity.

[@sparkygirl9083]

Tuank you

[@Wouter_apac]

Fpcs is done by your agent as well, I paid 290$

[@KhmerMinnesnowta]

Thailand is for rich retirees while Cambodia is for everyone rich or poor but there are always prod and cons no matter where we live. Sharing is caring as life is short to do the things we don't love doing. We're still hopping between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam for now even we have permanent visa to live in the Kingdom of Wonder. Peace out. Itchy🐾!

[@phlezktravels]

Hello again, how's the weather in Minnesota?

[@KhmerMinnesnowta]

@@phlezktravels It's spring here with rainy day and 10C to 20C temps. Good to hear from you!

[@w.m.p-w8989]

It's the crazy rules and intrusive news into your private life . Rich people don't like paying taxes as well.

[@mhouse1572]

Rich people don’t like rules and taxes.. Cambodia wins…

[@phlezktravels]

@@KhmerMinnesnowta 🙏😇

[@samedikoch3371]

🇰🇭🇺🇸❤️👍 !

[@stanleykyle]

Here in Thailand for another 2 .5 years then will be 55. but might explore options in Laos.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I'm curious about Laos too. I've been a couple times and loved it. Last time I was in Vientiane was over 12 years ago. I need to go back.

[@bezonie9800]

Oh no now you probably gonna get all the hate from Thailand.

[@laa5572]

hello, what do you think about fake smartphone in Cambodia ?

[@polinung2045]

No Mexican food. I'm going to have to move over there as a Cambodian man growing up in La. I'mma have to make some tacos and chorizos

[@mysfz8688]

Love the tacos in LA!!!!