Author : GROUND Asia Team | Tag : Before Your Trip, Cambodia, For Students

Beyond the ancient temples, charming colonial towns and lush jungles lies the true national treasure of Cambodia, its people. You would be hard pressed to find friendlier people than the Khmers; their smiles and graciousness are one of the best parts about venturing on a school or university travel program to this part of the world.

Whether you’re traveling to Cambodia to work on a meaningful service-learning project, trek through Mondulkiri National Park, or to understand Cambodia’s recent history, it’s worth being prepared for some of the cultural differences and customs. Here’s our top 10 things to know about traveling to Cambodia from an insider’s point of view.

1. Weather
   Cambodia is a humid country which has two seasons: dry and rainy season. The dry season starts in early November and ends in April, while the rainy season starts in early of May and ends at the end of October.

2. Money
   The currency of Cambodia is riel but US dollars are also used throughout the country and are sometimes preferred. Large dollar bills can be used at large stores, restaurants or at supermarkets in the cities, while small dollars bills and Riel are more practical and economical to use for day to day items. Cambodia’s currency is available in 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000 riel notes. 1 USD is approximately 4,000 riel.
3. Food & Drinks
   Rice is the main dish of each meal in Cambodia. Average meals typically consist of more than one dish with a contrast of flavors, textures and temperatures using plenty of herbs, leaves, pickled vegetables, dipping sauces, edible flowers and other garnishes and condiments. The secret ingredient is prahok – a salty, pungent paste made from fermented fish that’s very popular and commonly used in most of dished. Even the famous Cambodian dish Fish Amok has prahok in side.

   If you are a vegetarian, vegan, allergic to any foods or adhere to a special diet, please inform the waiter before ordering.

   It is not advisable to drink water from the tap. Boiled tap water or bottled water is recommended but do check the expiry date before opening it. Ice is widely used in Cambodia and it is produced with treated water. It is better not to drink ice at street food vendors during your first week in Cambodia, but ice in hotels, cafés or restaurants is safe.

   While in Cambodia, we’d recommend bringing your own refillable bottle. Join us in our efforts to save our world by reducing your use of single-use plastic!

4. Safety Tips
   Cambodia is a pretty safe country for travelers these days. Anyhow, to avoid any risk happening, we would like to give you some idea:

•  Refrain from walking alone at midnight and always walk in a pair or group.
• Try to walk along brightly-lit main roads and avoid dark alleys.
• Store your passport in safe place in your hotel and keep a copy with you.

5. Traffic
   In Cambodia we drive and walk on the right-hand side, so depending on what side they drive on in your home country remember to be careful and aware of moving traffic.

   Motorbikes are very popular in Cambodia and you’ll find millions of them in Phnom Penh. The traffic in the city is very crowded and everyone just pushes and goes. So if you want to cross the road, just keep slowly walking straight or ask for help from a tuk tuk driver or people around you. Cambodians are very friendly and are always happy to help even if they can not communicate in English.

6. Internet
   It is free Wi-Fi at hotels and restaurants in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, but at rural area there aren’t any. If you want to use internet or make a call while you are at rural area, we recommend you to buy local sim-card which sell at Airport, border, market, shopping center or shopping area.
   

7. Giving Money to Kids
   Please do not give money, sweets or pens to children, as it encourages them to beg and encourages parents to take their children out of school as they can bring in more income through begging. If you would like to give something, better consult your local tour leader or guides on making donations to a local school or hospital.

8. Dos in Cambodia

• Ask for permission before taking photographs.
• It is customary to remove your hats and shoes when entering a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple as well as someone’s home.
• Som Pas is a polite way of greeting when you meet people – Som Pas is made by putting your two hands together (with fingertips near the chin) and a giving a slight bow with your head.
• When handing things to other people, use both of your hands or your right hand only, never your left hand as this is reserved for toilet ablutions!
• Wear long, respectable clothes when visit the temples or the Royal Palace.

9. Don’t in Cambodia

• Don’t use your feet to point at someone or something.
• Don’t touch a Cambodian on the head.
• Don’t touch monks (for women)
• Don’t wear short pants or skirts or and bear your shoulders when visiting a Royal Palace, temple or pagoda.
• Give in to frustration. Many Cambodians will become embarrassed and uncomfortable if you lose your cool, as this is not socially acceptable in Cambodia. They may even smile out of awkwardness, which can make the situation more confusing. Keep calm.

10. Basic Khmer
    A little Khmer will go a long way in Cambodia, so here are our top 10 words to help you while on your school or university travel program.

• Hello: Sou Sdei
• How are you: Sok Sabay te
• I’m fine : Sok Sabay
• Excuse me: Ot Tos
• Thank you: Or kun
• That’s all right: Min ey te
• May I have 1 bottle of water: Khnhom trov ka teuk mouy dob
• Not spicy: Ot yok hoeur
• How much: Thlai bun man
• Where is a toilet: Bontob teuk nov ai na