In each country we go to, there are always those lovely cultural norms and rules that are nice to know that will HOPEFULLY eliminate a few awkward moments. There’s always a few anyhow, but here’s some cultural norms and some other factoids about Cambodia and much of Asia!
(Thank you to YWAM for the cultural orientation!)
The current monarch is King Norodom Sihamoni. His father Norodom Sihanouk gave the kingship to his son in 2004. Their royal family has held the monarchy for centuries. The Cambodian people have great respect for the king. Even if a family lives in a 10x10foot shack, they usually have a picture of the king on their wall. Don’t mess with it!
Most people in Cambodia enjoy an extended 2 hour lunch break. I think I would enjoy bringing that practice to the States!!! So, if you’re looking to find something in the market from 11 to 1… and the people who are eating in the back of the store look at you like your nuts for trying to get their attention… chances are they are a little annoyed that you’re interrupting their lunch break.
Cambodia currently uses the US Dollar with their currency. Do to the recent genocide; their money has practically NO value. 1 USD = 4000 riel. So, what they do is give you change in Riel. So, if you by something for 1.50, and give them 2 bucks, they will give you back 2000 riel for change. It’s quite an interesting system!
Also: most bathrooms don’t have TP, so it becomes quite normal to have a small roll in your purse or pocket at all times. You REALLY don’t want to be “that girl” trying to ask for toilet paper under a stall to a person who speaks no English. 🙂
The drivers honk their horns CONSTANTLY to let the motorcyles, mopeds, and bicyclers know they are coming. It’s really annoying. On our bus ride into the country, our driver seriously honked the horn on an average of every 30 seconds. Sorry… but it’s really hard to sleep on a Cambodian bus without an ipod. If you get honked at, it’s not because their mad. No need to pick a fight…they’re just warning you that they’re coming your way, regardless if your 2 inches of 100 feet away.
Box of Special K Fruit and Yogurt Cereal at the grocery store: $6.07 USD. It’s RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICED. But, it’s also my absolute favorite, and the only place I’ve seen it since we’ve left the US. I’ve decided that if I work out consistently for 5 days a week, I’m treating myself to a box at the end of the month.
One stick of butter: $4 USD.
Western culture emphasizes eye contact as a sign of paying attention, but in Asian culture that’s a sign of either wanting to fight or that you are attracted to them. We’re advised to watch our eye contact.
In Cambodian Society, and most Asian cultures, the head is considered the most holy part of the body and the feet are the most profane or dirty part. So, we’re not supposed to touch people’s heads or pass something over people’s heads, such as food at a dinner table. You’re supposed to avoid stepping over people or things of importance as to not defile it. You’re also not supposed to point your feet at people or move anything with your feet.
It’s pretty funny when you’re feet are falling asleep from sitting Indian style for too long, but you know you can’t put your feet directly out because it might be pointing at a person! I’m constantly thinking now about where my feet are pointed. That will be a funny transition when we get back to the states- we’ll all be thinking about whether or not we’re dishonoring people with our feet!
Correct: Incorrect: VERY incorrect!
