Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Living costs - elective

Brian asks... ": I was just wondering if you could give me an estimate of living costs and perhaps an average amount that is spent on living there for two weeks? Thank you very much".
 
Reply   "Hi Brian:
 
I can give you some rough estimates but please don't hold me to them!
 
Guest house accommodation ranges from around $10 to $20 -- there is a guest house very close to the hospital which is clean and spacious and includes hot water, a/c, etc for $10 per night.  However - Takhmao is fairly quite and rural, most students end up moving to Phnom Penh which is about 15-20 mins by tuk-tuk.
 
Food can be very cheap if you are ok with local food (Cambodian food is actually really good) - beer is cheap - around $1 to $1.50!  If you prefer western food you'll end up paying more obviously.  Here is a menu from a pretty good restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet -  this would be 'middle range', if you eat at street stalls it will be cheaper.
 
http://www.frizz-restaurant.com/frizz-menu-khmer.html

Tuk Tuk to and from Phnom Penh to the hospital is around $4 each way -- crazy price considering you can get to Saigon for $8 - but that's westerner prices.  If you ride a moto (motorcycle w driver)  it is cheaper - $1.50 to $2.00 but you are strongly advised to wear a helmet, if you can bring one with you.
 
I hope this helps -- this is all my personal experience.   Rose is not accountable if you find your own experience to be different.
 
~Jan "
 
 
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