Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula, and bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and the Bay of Thailand. Since the 1990s, Cambodia has been experiencing steady economic growth and has one of the strongest economies in Asia, with yearly growth averaging around six percent each year.
If you plan on moving overseas to Cambodia, whether it's for employment, for family or just for a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing for an international relocation to Cambodia from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Some things you just can't leave home without, especially if you're moving overseas. You're going to need a handful of documents to clear customs in your destination country, so it's important to them all easily accessible when you arrive in your new country. You will need:
- Bill of Lading (OBL)
- Inventory in English
- Itemized packing list should include value of each item
- Passport (copy)
- Insurance documents (if applicable)
- Letter from Cambodian employer verifying employment transfer (on official letterhead stating length and purpose of employment)
- Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying employment
- Letter written on company or agency letterhead requesting duty-free status (given to customs authorities)
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Before you can clear customs, you'll have to make sure that your shipment of belongings fits all of the shipping regulations. Each country has its own unique set of guidelines that must be followed. When moving to Cambodia, you can expect:
- Free import of tobacco products and spirits under control of customs agents, within reasonable amount
- Customs agents may conduct random checks
- Household goods and personal effects may be duty free if:
- Customer is a diplomat
- Customer works for an NGO
- Customer works for a private company (must be registered with the Cambodian government)
- Items less than six months old are considered new (subject to duties and taxes)
- Avoid packing goods in original boxes as they will be considered new
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Each country has its own list of items that are prohibited. Attempting to import these items can result in confiscation and possible prosecution for possession. To avoid this potential disaster, make sure you investigate what items are prohibited in Cambodia prior to your move. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Narcotics
- Pornographic material
- Alcohol
- Food
- Medication or other controlled substances
- Counterfeit items
- Shortwave radios
- Toy guns
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While some items are strictly prohibited from being imported through customs, others are simply regulated and restricted - these items are usually subject to taxes or are limited by quantity or weight. Try to acquaint yourself with some these restricted items before your move so you're prepared for what to expect:
- Firearms, ammunition and weapons (permitted under special circumstances only)
- CD's, DVD's and other video/audio tapes (must not be for re-sale, and in reasonable quantities)
- New items (owned less than six months)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're planning on bringing your car with you when you move to Cambodia, there are several regulations regarding the importation of a motor vehicle into the country through customs. Before you move, take some time to familiarize yourself with these regulations so that you can be prepared when it's time to relocate overseas with your vehicle:
- New or used cars are dutiable and taxable, and must be left-hand drive
- Only individuals with diplomatic status or individuals employed by an NGO can import motor vehicles duty free
- Documents required:
- Certificate of Registration (displaying engine and chassis numbers)
- Proof of ownership
- Commercial invoice of proof of value
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying diplomatic status or employment (for duty free shipping)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Pets and certain animals are always welcome when moving overseas; after all, you wouldn't want to move without them, would you? However, you'll find that many destinations around the world have their own laws and regulations pertaining to bringing animals into the country:
- Pets must have a microchip (this is the only identification form accepted)
- Health certificate (issued within 10 days prior to flight by an accredited veterinarian in country of origin) - it is recommended that the certificate is endorsed by the USDA or CFIA
- Vaccination certificate (issued no less than seven days prior to entry date, must contain microchip number)
- Cats and dogs may require an additional Veterinarian Good Health and Rabies Inoculation Certificate
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate to a new country. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations that have been put in place by your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: