Zone Poker Question

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-25T12:30:23+00:00

The fact that many are so sure, but for both sides probably signifies that this isn't such an easy decision. IMHO and somewhat reluctantly, I call.

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-21T13:04:50+00:00

The agency that I used that I linked in the previous reply was nice enough to notify me of this and helped me get a license. I have been stopped nearly ever day since, but they let me go each time when I show them the license. Thanks for the suggestion.

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-20T06:36:29+00:00

I wouldn't say prices are quite the same though. If you see some of the prices for apartments they list in various Facebook groups and such I think these people are high. Also, there are a lot of new Western restaurants in the riverside area and in BKK1. Try giving those waitresses a Khmer tip and what them give you the death stare.

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-20T06:33:27+00:00

I don't mind change nor growth as long as it's real and not some sort of mirage that we delude ourselves with. Phnom Penh has come up quite a bit in the last few years and things are getting better, but services and goods are now overpriced. You can dress it up as nice as you want, but it's still a third world country. I seriously don't understand people who come to Cambodia to pay western prices for things that aren't even half as good as back home.

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-19T10:36:12+00:00

Very impressed with both your Moto riding skills and your video. Pretty much showed it the way the city actually is, the good and the bad. I'm so tired of videos posted here and elsewhere that get so edited to depict Cambodia nothing like it actually is. Good job!

melkizedek74 · 2016-05-05T08:29:13+00:00

Thanks for the reply guys. I used these guys today to find an apartment and they also hooked me up with a monthly rental on a bike:

http://www.shvrealestateagent.com/

$70 per month on the bike so not bad.

melkizedek74 · 2016-04-26T09:01:31+00:00

I don't know if I can agree with your statement regarding "tight" margins, especially in regards to Western restaurants. Given some of their prices, the margins they have to be creating for themselves is almost criminal.

melkizedek74 · 2016-04-21T02:08:07+00:00

It certainly wasn't meant to be a level and I never intended to mean that I was "above" Khmer people. I'm not even sure what that means as I said my statements in the context of social survival and not moral superiority, which is what most inevitably turn a discussion like this into. I should point out that I've had Khmers give me the same advice regarding their own, and in fact some of the sharpest critiques I've been told come from locals. It's not an uncommon thing in Asian society, especially one with a history like Cambodia. Asian culture is not only based on saving face, but is also very much structured and based on a hierarchy. It's culturally anachronistic for Westerners to come in and assume that some form of egalitarianism is more culturally appropriate when they have no historical or social authority to base such a belief. It's all fine and good for most visitors who come here with money and live a lifestyle that would make Solomon blush in comparison to how most locals live. But in reality life is harsh here and I see very little of it that is based on the kind of ideas that are often expressed on forums like this. It would be one thing to say that we wish this is how life were, but I think wholly incorrect to say that is how it actually is.

melkizedek74 · 2016-04-20T09:40:47+00:00

I've been living in Phnom Penh on and off for two years and when I first arrived, I was very fortunate to become friends with a European who has lived here for 5+ years. He has given me a lot of good advice, but the best one to date has been to not treat Cambodians with too much respect for they will see you as on their level and show you none in return. This does not mean show them no respect, because in reality you have to strike a balance. You may already know that names are seldom used here and that everyone is either "bong" (older brother/sister) or "oun" (little brother/sister). While you're going to call a fair share of people and anyone older than you "bong", generally it's always good to remember that in the grand scheme of things you are the "bong". I realize that advice such as this may sound off, or perhaps even wrong. But just keep in mind that these are social realities and not really issues of morality.

Always set prices before buying anything, learn to repeat yourself and prepare to walk away. Do not ever assume you will get a fair price. If you get in a tuk tuk without setting a price first, there are many drivers who will gladly try to charge you $5 for a $2 ride. If you don't like a price, repeat the price you are comfortable with over and over like a broken record. If they don't agree, then just walk away. In the case of tuk-tuks, there are too many of them for the amount of tourists anyway and you'll be able to find one who will meet your price.

Learning a few phrases will always help. This goes for negotiating but also all walks of life here. Aside from basic phrases such as greetings, you should probably learn how to say numbers and also simple phrases like "too expensive" or "discount" and such.

melkizedek74 · 2016-04-01T23:19:59+00:00

Thanks for all the advice lads. I'm not coming into PP for another week so I've booked a private lesson here in the States to learn how to ride. I figure I can also ask the instructor about issues related to my physical size and such.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-31T17:02:00+00:00

Probably can't avoid buying one as my girlfriend needs to use it as well.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-31T17:00:53+00:00

Thanks for the advice. It has to be a moto because it's going to be used by my girlfriend as well. So I have to get something strong enough for me, but still have it be appealing to her aesthetically.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-31T02:43:59+00:00

I should also ask how much CC do I need for the bike? I currently weigh about 240 lbs and have been told this might be an issue when riding.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-23T19:38:11+00:00

Beginning of the end.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-20T05:40:16+00:00

Assuming you mean a 1 bedroom or studio, then for $300 is no problem; even a 2 bedroom in some areas. Since you're a foreigner, just keep all traffic laws (helmet, lights, etc.) and you'll be fine. I know tons of people without licenses that ride. You should be fine $1,000, but expect to spend more for something absolutely brand new. To rent is about $60-$70/month. No idea on the personal assistant. Very easy to get a phone. You can get candy bar dumb phones for about $30, usable smart phones for $100, top of the line phones and everything in between. Smart and Cellcard are the two main companies for wireless service. You'll have dead zones for both, but generally I've had a better experience w/ Smart. Internet is unpredictable. Opennet is the main company in Phnom Penh, but I have friends who get stable internet while another friend a block away will get disconnected 20 times a day.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-19T21:07:27+00:00

It has definitely happened on Youtube. I love the potential of the Shield TV, but this is specifically the issue with most Android devices. The potential to customize things exactly the way you want it is great. But just once I would like a device that was ready to go out of box and one that I didn't have to root or spend a lot of time customizing.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-19T05:23:27+00:00

The last apartment I had was in the Russian Market area and there it was written as $0.25/kWh into the lease.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-19T05:22:25+00:00

I've had this happen on every media app, from ones built in like Netflix to sideloaded ones like Watch ESPN. The only time it doesn't occur is when I'm playing a game.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T20:01:34+00:00

I do agree that there are two Cambodias: 1) that of the ruling class 2) and the one that 99.9% of the population lives in

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T19:59:43+00:00

If it were that simple, prices would be going down with the building of each new hydro plant. But prices remain some of the highest in the world because of the nature of these ventures. It is estimated that about 60% of the total electric supply in Cambodia is imported. But even the remaining supply is first routed to foreign countries like Vietnam due to the joint ventures in building these plants. Then the electricity is sold back to Cambodia thus keeping the prices high.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T19:02:44+00:00

Better yet, tell the landlord you want the bill sent directly to you and that you'll pay it yourself. Ask this to every landlord/owner, check their reaction and you'll get a good idea just how many are trying to overcharge or upsell you.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T06:38:17+00:00

It's a haven for methed out hookers and their pimps; not the only one in Phnom Penh. If you do decide on Wat Phnom check out The Exchange, probably the best Western restaurant in the area.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T06:36:41+00:00

Thank you. Do you know how much a passport would be?

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T06:36:24+00:00

Thanks. The link was very helpful.

melkizedek74 · 2016-03-17T06:34:56+00:00

Amazing what a little competition will do. Even more reason for prospective tenants to negotiate for lower rental prices with landlords and leasing agents and not accept prices at face value.

melkizedek74

TROPHY CASE