Cambodia Other Essentials
Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug
Flat blade attachment plug (2 pin); round 2-pin attachment plug. The 3-pin flat blade UK-type is found in some hotels.
Local Traditions
The palm-together greeting common in Asia, called the sompeyar in Cambodia, is used between Cambodians but the handshake is now increasingly common when Cambodian men are greeting foreigners; women still use the sompeyar.
As with many Asian nations Cambodians loathe to raise their voices and lose control; the concept of retaining face is essential and losing ones temper is seen as embarrassing as you lose face in doing so. Try to remain calm under all circumstances.
Outward displays of affection in Cambodia are not appreciated – holding hands and linking arms between men and women is not practiced between Cambodians; kissing in public is utterly taboo.
As ever in Asia dress should be modest in cities, towns and villages avoiding shorts unless at the beach – Cambodia is more modest than Thailand or Vietnam so it’s long trousers and skirts. T.shirts rather than bare shoulders and strappy tops are advisable for women. Shoes are always removed when entering homes. The above dress code is essential when visiting temples – no bare shoulders or legs.
Always avoid pointing your feet at people when sitting or sat down and do not extend your legs so that people have to step over them. No-one should not be patted or touched on the head as the head is much revered as the seat of a person’s spirit. Respect should be shown to all images of the Buddha and again here the feet should not be pointed towards any Buddha image.
Beckoning with the finger is considered a rude gesture (open and close a palm-down hand as if grasping something instead). Also, Cambodian’s may be intrigued by men with ear-rings which in Cambodia are given to boys to assist with un-descended testicles!
