DO & DON'T OF CAMBODIA

DOS IN CAMBODIA

• Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people or monks.
• Support the local economy by buying Cambodian food and handicrafts,
• Remove your shoes when entering a place of worship such as a pagoda, temple. or someone's house
• Should dress appropriately when inside a religious site (upper arms and legs should be covered, hats removed).
• A respectful way of greeting another individual is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”).
• Bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers if you are invited to dine in a Cambodian family’s home.
• Bring cash as a wedding gift If invited to attend a Cambodian wedding.
• Cover your mouth When using a toothpick at the table
• Keep business cards ready, and present them with both hands and accept business cards with both hands.

DON’TS IN CAMBODIA

• The feet are considered the lowest form of the body and the head the highest form.
• Don’t point or gesture with your feet or put your feet on the furniture.
• Don’t touch someone on the head.
• Don’t start eating before your host if you are a guest at dinner.
• Women should never touch male monks or their robes or hand something directly to them. Don't take photos or disturb the monks during prayer times.
• Don't buy and consuming any type of narcotic drug (that is illegal).
• Don't Kiss and hug in public ( considered very impolite).
• Do not purchase historical artifacts or rob the Cambodian people of their history.