LANGUAGE
Khmer is the official language. French is also spoken, but English is fast becoming popular with the younger generation.
CUSTOMS
Permission should be sought before taking pictures of people, particularly monks.
Avoid touching someone on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of a person's body.
Women should wear modest clothing, preferably a long skirt or loose-fitting trousers.
When visiting religious sites, shoes should be removed, and shorts not worn.
A traditional greeting in Cambodia is a bow, bringing together the hands at chest level (similar to hand position for prayer). With foreigners Cambodians sometimes convert to the handshake. The simple rule is to respond with the same greeting you were given.
Developing a personal relationship in Cambodia is important before any business can be discussed, which includes talking with local construction workers on the site, especially the supervisor. Never cause a Khmer to 'lose face', but use tact and an indirect approach to business.
On introductions, the most senior in the group will be introduced first, and visitors are advised to do likewise so that the hosts understand the hierarchy of the group; the highest-ranking person on both sides should greet each other first and perform the introductions. For example, the team leader(s) will introduce the team to the local workers, starting with the older team members. A bow, with hands together, is appropriate response when introduced.
In Cambodia people are addressed with the honorific title 'Lok' for a man and 'Lok Srey' for a woman followed with the first name or both the first and surname.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
More on Health & Safety
HEALTH
Malaria and dengue fever are common in Cambodia. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in the heavily populated areas. Insect protection measures should be taken throughout the day.
There have been outbreaks of bird flu with four deaths in Cambodia, and although the risk of contracting the disease is slight, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, wild and caged birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.
Main water supply is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is widely available.
Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages with ice.
Medical facilities are poor, except for a few expensive private clinics in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.
SAFETY
Cambodia remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world. Visitors should travel with a local guide and never stray off the main paths. It is not advisable to travel anywhere at night.
Caution should be taken in the capital, Phnom Penh, especially at night, as street crime is a problem, and there have been several incidents involving foreigners walking in the streets as well as around popular tourist nightspots in Phnom Penh. After dark there is also a risk of violent crime in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Visitors should be aware that bag snatching is becoming an increasing problem on tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis and while walking in the main towns.
Malaria and dengue fever are common in Cambodia. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in the heavily populated areas. Insect protection measures should be taken throughout the day.
There have been outbreaks of bird flu with four deaths in Cambodia, and although the risk of contracting the disease is slight, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, wild and caged birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.
Main water supply is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is widely available.
Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages with ice.
Medical facilities are poor, except for a few expensive private clinics in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.
SAFETY
Cambodia remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world. Visitors should travel with a local guide and never stray off the main paths. It is not advisable to travel anywhere at night.
Caution should be taken in the capital, Phnom Penh, especially at night, as street crime is a problem, and there have been several incidents involving foreigners walking in the streets as well as around popular tourist nightspots in Phnom Penh. After dark there is also a risk of violent crime in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Visitors should be aware that bag snatching is becoming an increasing problem on tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis and while walking in the main towns.
Electricity, Money, Climate
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, 50Hz. Travellers should be aware that power cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is generally only available in the evenings.
MONEY
Riel (KHR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency is difficult to exchange with the exception of US Dollars. Most transactions require cash. US dollars and Thai Baht are accepted, although smaller transactions are usually done in riel. A torn US dollar note renders it useless. (make sure all the US cash you bring is in good condition - no writing, not torn)
Credit cards are only accepted in a limited number of tourist-orientated hotels and restaurants in Phnom Penh and larger towns. There are a few ATMs in Phnom Penh, but they shouldn't be relied upon as a source of money; travellers cheques in US dollars or sterling can be cashed at a limited number of banks and larger hotels, though travellers cheques are not recommended due to limited acceptance.
TIPPING
Tipping for food in restaurants, for scheduled transport and for scheduled activities is covered in your fees. What is not covered is when you go out for a meal on your own, personal services in the hotel, an personal activity you schedule on R&R, etc.
Tips are not expected, but are welcomed for personal services, as salaries in the country are very low.
CLIMATE
Cambodia's climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 81-95°F (27-35°C). The dry season is characterised by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 63-81°F (17-27°C) and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F (29-38°C).
220 volts, 50Hz. Travellers should be aware that power cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is generally only available in the evenings.
MONEY
Riel (KHR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency is difficult to exchange with the exception of US Dollars. Most transactions require cash. US dollars and Thai Baht are accepted, although smaller transactions are usually done in riel. A torn US dollar note renders it useless. (make sure all the US cash you bring is in good condition - no writing, not torn)
Credit cards are only accepted in a limited number of tourist-orientated hotels and restaurants in Phnom Penh and larger towns. There are a few ATMs in Phnom Penh, but they shouldn't be relied upon as a source of money; travellers cheques in US dollars or sterling can be cashed at a limited number of banks and larger hotels, though travellers cheques are not recommended due to limited acceptance.
TIPPING
Tipping for food in restaurants, for scheduled transport and for scheduled activities is covered in your fees. What is not covered is when you go out for a meal on your own, personal services in the hotel, an personal activity you schedule on R&R, etc.
Tips are not expected, but are welcomed for personal services, as salaries in the country are very low.
CLIMATE
Cambodia's climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 81-95°F (27-35°C). The dry season is characterised by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 63-81°F (17-27°C) and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F (29-38°C).
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