Menu
Expat.com

Do and don't in Cambodia

Last activity 02 August 2009 by knyom

Post new topic

expat.com


Are you living in Cambodia? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :)

Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Cambodia?

Could you please share with us a list of the do's and don't's in Cambodia?

Thanks!

jacq rawson

I've been in Phnom Penh for a whole two weeks now :)but maybe being a newbie and describing my "hot off the press" experiences might be helpful.  I'm volunteering and will be here for 18 months.
I don't think it's hard to get used to the customs at all.  The ones that I know about anyway.  You should obviously do a bit of homework so that you don't completey offend everyone in your path but having said that, Cambodia has/is quickly getting used to westerners and they let us get away with a lot more than they would their own.  I'm a big believer in doing as much as you can to try and fit in though and that following customs tends to get you further and with more respect.  eg. on going to the Customs and Exicse department to get my cargo freed up, I lowered my head and said hallo in Khmer and handed him my documents in two hands (as is the custom)I'm not sure but I got the feeling he appreciated this and certainly remembered my name when I turned up the next day to get the signed paperwork.  My advice would be to greet all offical, older or important people in this way. Other than that, don't walk around looking like you're going to the beach, cover up a bit and don't touch anyone on the head including children.  The head is sacrosanct and not to be touched.  Cambodians are very tactile and you often seen men hugging men.  Women should not touch men though unless you're very well acquainted obviously.:)  Another one, if you invite, you pay!  None of this Dutch business here and if you get invited to a wedding the expectation is you'll provide a contribution to the couples wellbeing of about $20us.  It's a great place and I'm loving it so far.

knyom

do? : everything you would not do back home
don't?: everything you would do back home
simple.

Julien

knyom > Your response doesn't help at all ...

I read all your posts and realized you didn't help anybody; you may even have offended other people. Next time I will intervene

knyom

sorry, Julien , I was just trying to be funny.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Cambodia

All of Cambodia's guide articles