Cambodian Culture Basics: Things to do| Not do

​There are social norms in every society and Cambodia is no different. It may even have more rules given the ancient culture, reverence to authority and social hierarchy that is prevalent in virtually every aspect of society. There are certain social rules one should be aware of; from how Khmer people address each other through honorific titles, manners in the pagoda, family dynamics, to the work environment. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts in Cambodian culture that may come in handy as you navigate through the complex ​social norms. 
 
(Some information has been gathered through other websites, conversations with colleagues, and recollections from childhood).  

 GENERAL

DOs

• Dress Modestly at the Pagoda: Upper arms and legs should be covered.

• Take Off Shoes: When entering a pagoda or someone’s home.
• Sampeah to show respect: Sampeah is the traditional Khmer greeting when you meet someone. There are different levels of sampeah depending on whom you are greeting (age and status). See this helpful  link for a step by step guide.
• Bring money for weddings and other special events: If you are invited to a Cambodian wedding, instead of a traditional gift (toaster oven, cutlery, etc.) bring cash. Cambodian culture is very community oriented and traditionally guests chip in by donating cash instead of gifts to help pay for the wedding. This is also true in the case of funerals, housewarmings, birthdays, etc. Guests are generally expected to bring money in lieu of gifts or flowers to help offset the cost of the event. 
• Bargain at the local market: It's customary to have a bargaining dance when buying things at the local markets, but don't so go low that you end up offending the shop owner. 
• Tip the  Security Guard Helping You Get Your Car Out:  One of the best things about driving in Cambodia is everywhere you go, you always have a human backup camera which is usually the security guard. This is super helpful and absolutely necessary when there aren't really any parking spaces and you have to park your car up on a curb or sidewalk. The guy has a tough job, sometimes walking into traffic to stop cars so you can get yours out (often causing more traffic) or pushing cars (that are in neutral) to make space for your car. So next time when your driving, tip the parking/security guy at least 1,000 riel (equivalent to .25 cents) for his help. He will appreciate it. 

DON’Ts

• Touch a Cambodian Person on the Head: As a country with over 90 percent Theravada Buddhists, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. For young children it's generally considered ok, but usually in the instance of praising him/her. Touching a persons head, either a peer or someone who is older, is considered "bap" which means "bad or sinful" and shows a huge lack of respect.   
• Point Your Feet at Someone When Sitting: The feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Khmer culture. When sitting down, in general, one should sit with the feet pointed to the side or bot ch'ung (fold the feet) so the bottom of it does not to point it at someone, especially at the pagoda. Crossing your legs, especially women is frowned upon when sitting down.
• Throw Things: It is considered rude to throw things to people. If you are playing a game of catch or engaged in a sport, it is acceptable. But if you ask someone, say a colleague, for an item (a pen for example) and you throw it to him or her, it is considered rude and inappropriate, especially if that person is older than you or is higher ranking (your boss for example). Growing up, I remember my parents scolding me if I ever threw something to them.
• Cross Over A Person's Body (Ka'long): If a person is sitting down on the floor  or sleeping and has their legs straight (not pointed at anyone), it is considered rude and "bap" to walk over their legs (ka'long) to get across. The appropriate way is to walk around the person's legs. In Western culture, normally one wouldn't think twice, but in Khmer culture it is considered "bap".
• Walk Tall Around Elders (Higher Ranking Officials): If a group of elders are sitting around talking and you need to pass by them, don’t walk by them nonchalantly (with good posture and all). As you pass by them ow'n kbal  or lower your head and crouch down a bit as you pass by them to show respect. This also applies for individuals who are high-ranking (your boss, and higher ups at work). 
• Point with your Finger: It’s generally considered rude to point with your finger. You may have noticed that some Khmer people sometimes point with their lips and a nod of their head to show you where something is. 
• Get Angry in Public: Cambodians generally do not display extreme emotions in public, either happiness, sadness or anger. If one does show anger in public to another Cambodian, the reaction is oftentimes an awkward silence or a polite smile, which may lead to the person who is angry to get even more infuriated and frustrated. Try to keep your cool. Showing anger in public, especially in Cambodia, usually doesn't solve anything. 

BUSINESS

• Do Put Your Picture on Your CV:  If you’re looking for a job in Cambodia it is customary to put your picture in your resume. Some resumes also include relationship status, height, weight, etc., leading me to think are they looking for a job or a date?
• Don’t Hand a Card with One Hand:  In business hand over and accept a business card with two hands.
• Don’t Cross Your Arms:  It is considered rude for men and women to cross their arms when the boss or someone higher ranking speaks to them. It shows a lack of respect.
• Don’t Sit When the Boss is Speaking: It’s traditionally more appropriate to stand when the boss or someone who's higher ranking is speaking and have arms to the side or to the back, not crossed. For example, if your boss walks into your office/cubicle, and speaks with you one on one, it is customary and more respectful to stand and talk to them while they are standing. 
• Don’t Walk Tall Around Your Boss/Higher Ranking Officials: Similar with the elders rule, if you walk pass your boss/someone higher ranking, it is customary to ow'n kbal, lower your head slightly as you pass them.
• Don’t Question Authority: Generally Cambodians don’t ask too many questions or challenge someone in a position of authority. Things have been generally accepted as they are, for better or worse. This is a common cultural trait and generally prevalent throughout society, from obedience in the home, to school, to the workplace. But as more western influence comes into Cambodia, and the omnipresence of social media, the younger generation is starting to speak up and ask critical questions in politics and in the workplace. However, the majority of the time, asking critical and challenging questions, especially challenging the boss in a traditional workplace environment, and in front of other people, is often frowned upon and shows a great lack of respect. Therefore it is not common in the Cambodian business environment.  
• Do Give Bonuses on the Major Cambodian Holidays (Pchum Ben, Khmer New Year):  If you have a small business or employ household staff (nanny, cook, or driver) it is customary to give a bonus (generally half month's salary) to your staff on these two major holidays. 

Here’s a few other interesting sites where you can find more dos and don’t in Khmer culture. If you have other do's and don'ts please  share on the comments section. I'd love to hear them! 
 
http://www.cambodianview.com/do's&don'ts.html 
 
http://www.tourismcambodia.org/travel_info/index.php?view=do_dont
 
http://goseasia.about.com/od/cambodiaculturepeople/a/etiquette_cambodia.htm