In Cambodia, despite having their own currency they operate on a dollar economy. Only items that cost less than one dollar are usually priced in riels, so don’t be surprised to see a combination of price tags. ATMs dispense both. English teachers in Cambodia earn a decent wage in relation to the low cost of living in the country, and you can get a meal at a market for as little as $1, while a sit-down meal in a restaurant is still very cheap. Prices are rising, but it’s still a very cheap place to get by. As is the case anywhere, living and eating like a local is significantly cheaper than eating Western food, frequenting tourist bars, and indulging in home comforts, but the options are there in the capital and Siem Reap if you’d like a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Most teachers are on an hourly rate rather than a salary, so benefits such as paid holidays, accommodation, and health insurance are not typically included with the job. Also, with many voluntary teaching positions in Cambodia, a lot of expats are on a tight budget and you won’t find it hard to connect with other TEFL teachers who are in the same position as you. With a rich culture and many wonderful places to visit, such as Angkor Wat (the largest religious monument in the world), Battambang bat caves, the genocide museum, Koh Rong island, and Ta Prohm temple. Many expats in Cambodia cite the friendliness, humbleness, and openness of the locals to be one of the most endearing and charming aspects of the culture. Along with glorious weather and amazing food (with top dishes including fish amok curry, green mango salad, beef loc lac, crab and pepper, and pumpkin custard) it’s no wonder that many TEFL teachers are drawn to the adventurous lifestyle you can have in Cambodia.