DOs & DON'Ts in Cambodia

• Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people or monks.
• It is customary to remove your shoes when entering a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple. Additionally, visitors should dress appropriately when inside a religious site (upper arms and legs should be covered, hats removed).
• It is respectful to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Though not always expected, a respectful way of greeting another individual is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as “Sampeah”).
• If invited to dine in a Cambodian family’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift for the host such as fruit, dessert, or flowers.
• If invited to attend a Cambodian wedding, it is customary to bring cash as a wedding gift.
• When using a toothpick at the table, use one hand to cover your mouth.
• Keep business cards ready, and present them with both hands. Accept business cards with both hands.

• Don't use your feet to point at someone.
• Don't touch a Cambodian person on the head.
• Don't begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite.
• Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them.
• Keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum