Spending the last month here has been such a global experience, but definitely not quite what I was expecting. I was expecting the main language, which is Khmer (COO-my), to be everywhere. I was expecting to drive on the left side of the road. I was expecting the main currency, aka reel (re-AL), to be the only form of money accepted. When actually, Cambodia has way more features of America than I was expecting.
Language… road signs are translated into English. Khmer is usually on top with the translation underneath. Food packages and popular stores have English in their names. Those in the city are more likely to understand English, than rural store owners, but it’s still common enough that you could get by without a translator some of the time when in an urban area.
Driving… it’s on the right. Granted, that’s the only similarity to the US, other than the drivers are still crazy. There are just quite a few less driving rules. Wanna drive in the left lane for an extended period of time? That’s cool, just honk a lot. On a moped and want to cut in front of that bus? Go right ahead, just honk a bunch and stick your hand out. They won’t hit you. Honestly! I have not seen a single accident since being here. It’s the most bizarre thing! And when it comes to filling your car or transporting stuff, people just do it! Literally! I one time saw a minivan with three motos (aka mopeds) hanging out of the trunk with about 10 luggage bags tied to the top of it. The trunk was strapped down and everything. The road freedom around her is amazing… and really nice. Oh and… I haven’t seen an ounce of road rage. Honking here is a sign of courtesy and communication, where in the states it’s usually trying to convey a message that lines up with that of the middle finger.
Currency… I am blown away by how much USD is used here. In Penom Phen, the capital, USD was used everywhere we went. Granted, the reel was used when it came to change less than a dollar, but literally none of us had to exchange mass amounts of our cash because its used everywhere. Now reel is in thousands. So every 4,000 reel is equivalent to $1. Let’s just say it took awhile to get used to hearing people say 1,000 for a bag of potato chips.
I wonder how similar Thailand will be to America…
Thanks for reading!
