Thoughts and advice two weeks in on my move to Cambodia, circa 2009.
Before sunrise – picking up supplies at the market
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 will 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 completely 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 and that following customs tends to get you further and earns you more respect. eg. on going to the Customs and Excise 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 official, 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. However, women should not touch Cambodian men though unless you’re very well acquainted. Another tip, 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 well being of about $20 us. It’s a great place and I’m loving it so far.
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