From Workaholic to Retiree: Bob Coleman's Cambodian Dream

"I Used to Be a Workaholic...", recounts Bob Coleman, who decided to finally retire in Cambodia a few years ago. Previously, at the age of 55, Bob had set out to visit some popular destinations in Asia—Penang in Malaysia, Bangkok in Thailand—before deciding on the place where he wanted to spend his old age.

In that spirit, Bob began looking at neighboring countries offering the best options for a retiree, yet:

"If you look at countries in Southeast Asia, you quickly realize that Cambodia offers a very attractive cost of living, combined with very flexible visa procedures."

Phnom Penh is also ideally located in the center of Southeast Asia, with a modern international airport connected to the main regional destinations—it's a true hub for tourists, businesspeople, and intrepid explorers..., explains the retiree.

On the Lawns of the Royal Palace, Nap Time

But it's also the eclecticism of the capital that won Bob over: "...During my first visit to the city, I was truly impressed by the mix of old and new. So, on one street, you'll see old colonial buildings; on the next street, there'll be a traditional market; then, around the corner, a brand-new skyscraper.

The city is changing rapidly, it's building a lot, but Phnom Penh still has a unique Asian atmosphere... More importantly, the Khmers are really nice people—you can't walk down the street without someone saying hello or giving you a big smile. I've never felt such a warm welcome anywhere else in Asia...", explains Bob.

"As for the cost of living, Cambodia is a country where life is not expensive at all. I have a pension of a thousand dollars a month; I could spend less than I do, but I like to eat in good restaurants and socialize a bit."

"My biggest expense is my rent—I pay a little over 300 US dollars per month for a two-bedroom apartment in one of the nicest neighborhoods in central Phnom Penh.

I spend between seventy and a hundred US dollars on utilities, laundry, internet, and the like. As the country is developing rapidly, there are plenty of shopping malls where expats can find fresh produce and Western food," adds the happy retiree.

Bob goes to the supermarket once a week to stock up on essentials, but it never costs him more than a hundred dollars. He enjoys spending time with other expats—there's a community of about 80,000 long-term residents in Phnom Penh—and Bob goes out from time to time, never spending more than thirty dollars on a few beers and rounds at a convivial table in one of the many bars and restaurants in the capital that come alive at nightfall...

"Sometimes I feel like I'm at home, then I just step out into the street and rediscover local life—this country offers the best of both worlds.

My pension money would barely cover my basic expenses back home, but in Phnom Penh, I feel privileged, like I have a luxurious lifestyle." Bob also explains, adding that:

"In addition to this pleasant life, I manage to save every month and treat myself to some regular trips to Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City (before the pandemic)."