WELCOME NEW FACULTY

Moving and Housing

We ensure a smooth transition with generous relocation support.

Flights: One-way economy flights are provided for you and your eligible dependents at the start and end of your contract. You also receive one return home leave flight mid-contract ($750 for Asia/Australasia; $1,200 for the rest of the world).

Relocation Allowance: A $600 taxable allowance is paid in your first payroll.

Housing: To ensure a seamless transition to Cambodia, the School partners with agents IPS and Knight Frank, who will accompany you on viewings to select your home. The HR team will remain reachable for any issues and concerns over rental agreements terms and conditions or property areas. These agencies provide comprehensive relocation assistance to all incoming SISPP staff at no cost. Their services include: 

1. Priority Housing: Managed property searches tailored to your preferences.
2. Settling-in Support: Expert guidance on local neighborhoods and lifestyle essentials.
3. Dedicated Consultant: A specialized agent to support you one-on-one.

To begin your search, please contact the following focal person, who will assign a dedicated agent to assist you: 

1. Ms. Monika Siv, IPS Development Manager, via monika@ips-cambodia.com; OR
2. Ms. Ross Wheble, Knight Frank Country Head via ross.wheble@kh.knightfrank.com 

Please review the Relocation Guide for a head start. 

Alternatively, you may choose from a variety of property agents based on your choice and the lists are as follows:

1. CBRE Cambodia: International property consultancy — strong for serviced apartments and higher-end rentals https://www.cbre.com.kh
2. Century 21 Cambodia: Large agency network with multiple Phnom Penh branches and rental listings https://www.century21global.com/en/l/offices/cambodia
3. Real Estate Cambodia: One of the most widely used property portals in Cambodia https://www.realestate.com.kh
4. Khmer24 Property Section: Popular local classifieds site with extensive rental listings https://www.khmer24.com/en/property

Living in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a welcoming city blending modern convenience with traditional culture.

• Transport: Most teachers use ride-hailing apps as recommended above for affordable tuk-tuk rides ($1.50–$3).
• Neighbourhoods: Popular areas include Sen Sok (near campus), Tuol Kork within 15 minutes of campus but closer to the city centre, BKK1/Tonle Bassac (central cafes and gyms), and Tuol Tom Poung (creative vibe near the Russian Market).
• Cost of Living: Typical monthly costs include $150–$250 for groceries, $6–$10 for mobile data, and $25–$60 for gym memberships.
• Weather: Expect a tropical climate with a dry season (November–April) and a rainy season (May–October).

Keeping Well: Medical Insurance

Teachers are covered by SafetyNet Business Health Protect (Category 2).

• Hospital & Surgical: Annual limits of $200,000 for in-patient treatment, accidents, and illnesses.
• Out-Patient Care: A limit of $1,500 per year with direct billing at partnered clinics (10% co-pay).
• Maternity: Coverage up to $3,600 for childbirth with a 10-month waiting period.
• Evacuation: Full international emergency medical evacuation and repatriation are included.

Staying Healthy in Cambodia

While learning about a new country, it is better to be cautious while you’re settling in:

• Do not drink the tap water. Bottled water can be easily delivered to your home.
• April is the hottest month in Cambodia with temperature rising to 35-40°C, and it’s easy to become dehydrated.
• Wearing suncream and a hat when outside throughout the year is advised to protect you from sunburn
• Wash fruit and vegetables well. Consider soaking in a pesticide removing detergent.
• If eating from a roadside stall, check the food is fresh and well cooked.
• Many people live in Phnom Penh without ever seeing a snake, but they are common in some Boreys (compounds with houses and gardens). Most are harmless, but some are poisonous. Teach your children to be careful when they play outside and use your common sense.
• Mosquito borne illnesses in Cambodia include Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, the Zika virus and Dengue Fever. Cambodia has both day and night biting mosquitoes. The best prevention for all of these is to wear light, long clothes and socks or to use mosquito repellents (such as DEET) on bare skin, especially at night or when near rivers, lakes or the coast. Use bed nets if necessary. Do not allow water to collect around your home, as stagnant water (water storage jars, flowerpots etc) is a favourite breeding ground of mosquitoes.
• Running around in bare feet is not advised. Apart from the obvious risks of foot injuries, there are still some risks such as Leptospirosis (from rat urine) and, in rural areas, parasites such as hookworms. If you have walked through flood water you should thoroughly wash all feet and skin that has had direct contact with water.

 Packing Suggestions

• We recommend bringing a reasonable selection of cool, comfortable, and professional attire, along with suitable footwear. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are particularly well suited to Cambodia’s tropical climate.
• Winter clothing is generally unnecessary; however, you may wish to include a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings by the coast, travel on air-conditioned transport, or visits to countries with cooler climates.
• Please note that clothing — including undergarments — sold locally may run smaller in size than those typically available in Western countries, unless purchasing international brands. In addition, there may be limited availability of larger sizes in both clothing and footwear.
• Bed dimensions across ASEAN countries may differ slightly from standard Western sizing, although they broadly correspond to double, queen, and king categories. Essential bedding items such as bed sheets and pillowcases are readily available for purchase in department stores, supermarkets, and local markets.
• Overall, most everyday items can be easily found, purchased, or ordered in Phnom Penh, with many imported alternatives available at competitive prices. However, if you rely on specific brands of medication or contraceptives, you may wish to bring an adequate supply to cover your initial period of residence.
• Electricity in Cambodia operates at 220V AC, 50 Hz. A range of socket types are in use, most commonly two-pin outlets (Type A or Type C), while UK-style three-pin outlets (Type G) are increasingly common in newer buildings and residential developments. Staff are advised to confirm compatibility of their electronic devices prior to travel and bring suitable plug adapters if necessary. The use of surge protectors is also recommended to safeguard sensitive equipment.

Other Professional Expectations

• Faculty and staff are expected to demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity at all times, both on campus and when representing the School at external activities.
• Staff should not offer political opinions or criticize the government or King either in person or on social media. Remain politically neutral at all times. 
• Personal appearance must be maintained to a professional standard, including natural hair colours, tidy hairstyles, and appropriate standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene.
• Staff are required to comply with occupational health and safety requirements and must dress appropriately for their professional duties, including wearing suitable footwear and attire when working in specialist environments such as Science laboratories or during Physical Education and related activities.
• When supervising or participating in outdoor activities, including duty, staff must wear appropriate sun protection, including a sun hat.
• Attire must remain modest and professional at all times; undergarments must not be visible.
• Tattoos must be discreet in nature or covered where appropriate in maintaining professional standards.
• Clothing should be respectful of Cambodian cultural norms, avoiding excessively revealing or inappropriate attire while on campus or representing the School.
• Staff must wear identification badges where required and comply with safeguarding and security procedures.
• Appropriate professional dress must be worn for formal school events, assemblies, and meetings with parents or external visitors.
• Denim, sportswear, or casual attire should only be worn where specifically appropriate to the role or activity.

Shipping Personal Effects

Some teachers relocating to Cambodia may choose to ship personal belongings to their new residence. Prior to arranging shipment, teachers should consult directly with their removal company regarding applicable regulations and timelines, particularly concerning the permitted arrival date of goods in Cambodia. In most cases, shipments should not arrive until a work visa has been granted or closer to their arrival date; otherwise, storage charges may be incurred at the port.

Import regulations and procedures may vary depending on the country of origin. Household goods are typically transported most efficiently by sea freight, with costs influenced by container size and destination handling charges. Teachers should note that destination charges generally exclude import duties, VAT, customs inspections, and other applicable fees. It is strongly recommended that shipments be arranged on a “door-to-door” basis rather than delivery solely to a Cambodian port.

For teachers employed on an overseas contract, the School will reimburse approved shipping expenses upon submission of receipts, with payment processed through the first payroll cycle in accordance with contractual terms.

The following companies have experience managing shipments through Cambodian customs and may be considered as potential providers. Teachers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before entering into any agreement:

• AGS Worldwide Movers Cambodia
• Asia Tigers Cambodia
• ASI Logistics

Some providers may offer personal storage services at additional cost should items arrive prior to teacher relocation. Due to space limitations and safeguarding considerations, the School is unable to provide storage facilities for personal belongings.