[w1ntermute]

Some more questions:

Is it difficult to wire money from America to developing countries like Cambodia?

For those cases where the people don't speak English, is it particularly difficult to learn the language when you're actually immersed in it on a daily basis?

What is the local social scene like? Is there a large expat community? If not, are the natives welcoming?

Hopefully it'd be possible to get some action. I don't mean to be crude, but that's sort of a requirement for me (and a lot of guys) to live in any place. It's obviously not an issue anywhere in America, but it certainly can be abroad. I have quite a few high school friends in the military, and those stationed in Japan and Korea have no problem getting local women, but Afghanistan and Iraq are a completely different story.

[white_devil]

For those cases where the people don't speak English, is it particularly difficult to learn the language when you're actually immersed in it on a daily basis?

Just hearing it all day every day won't make you suddenly magically start to understand it.

Of course, the difficulty level depends on the language. For example, many South-East Asian languages have tones and a highly bothersome writing system (especially compared to the 26 characters you're used to).

But no matter what foreign language you decide to learn, expect to make a huge effort.

[w1ntermute]

> But no matter what foreign language you decide to learn, expect to make a huge effort.

Haha, I guess this can't really compare to a few years of high school Spanish (not that I really learned anything from that either).

[math]

You can open a bank account at all banks if you have a local job. If not, Foreign Trade Bank are the ones to go with.

Transferring money is no problem (though the service I use to get a good rate - ozforex.com.au ask additional questions).

I've tried to learn Chinese and (a little bit of) Khmer. Khmer is much easier than Chinese, you'll pick up lots. But it's not essential.

It is VERY social, unlike any other place I've lived. Don't worry, the local girls will love you.

[w1ntermute]

> I've tried to learn Chinese and (a little bit of) Khmer. Khmer is much easier than Chinese, you'll pick up lots. But it's not essential.

Is Chinese used there as well, or was that just a hobby? According to Wikipedia, it looks like Khmer, unlike most SE Asian nations, is not tonal. That'd make things a lot easier for a tone deaf person like me.

> It is VERY social, unlike any other place I've lived. Don't worry, the local girls will love you.

What about the political climate? Is it less oppressive than China, or about the same or worse?