Phnom Penh - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Everything under the sun. Some colleagues have spouses that telecommute internationally full-time. Others are teachers at one of the international schools, some are graphic designers, some cooks, some have their own local businesses here. We have some friends who volunteer at the local animal shelter, some volunteer teaching english, and others are involved in some of the many NGOs here. Local salaries are low but in general the cost-of-living compared to the U.S. is also very low so it's manageable. - Jul 2021
Expats come here with diplomatic missions, schools and NGOs. Some spouses have started small businesses or worn with their sponsoring organizations, but most don’t work. - Nov 2020
It's fairly easy to get a job teaching English, though it probably won't pay a lot. There are also a lot of NGOs that are often looking for staff. - May 2017
Teaching and other opportunities abound where permitted. Not sure about current status of bilateral work agreements. My spouse worked at the International School. - Oct 2016
It's okay, but competitive. Just showing up as an expat isn't going to get you a job, or even a volunteer gig. You need to have a marketable skill. - Feb 2015
Teachers are always welcome. Lots of expats have started restaurants here. Labor is very cheap here though, so most places prefer to hire Cambodians. - Aug 2013
Yes. The English schools will hire anyone with a pulse, it seems, but salaries are fairly low and I've heard working conditions can leave something to be desired. There are a ton of NGOs, though competition is fairly intense. I've met many highly-qualified people who have been unable to find a job here. Often you have to be willing to work on a volunteer basis to start, to develop connections and a local reputation. The business community is quite large as well. Many expats open their own businesses -- bars, restaurants, shops, guesthouses, etc. In many ways this is a land of opportunity. - Jan 2012
No - Aug 2011
Volunteering - Aug 2011
Not sure how "decent" - but it depends on skills and education level. In general I would say not really, unless you find something before you arrive. You can always teach English I suppose. - Oct 2010
Lots of NGOs, but local skills have increased dramatically, so jobs are tougher to find these days. It is easy to make your own business. - Feb 2008
