Survival Guide - Cambodia

Custom & Etiquette
The first step upon arriving in Cambodia would be to get accustomed to the customs and etiquette of the locals. It is important to note that greetings between Cambodians are dependent on the relationship/hierarchy/age between the people. The traditional greeting is a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at chest level, similar to bringing hands together for prayer. If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher. However, with foreigners, Cambodians have adopted the western practice of shaking hands. Women may still use the traditional Cambodian greeting. The simple rule is to respond with the greeting you are given. 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.
 

Cuisine
Khmer cuisine is quite delicious. There is also Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine available, particularly in the capital. Western style food is available in larger cities and at all large hotels. Try local Khmer food.
 

Money & Banking
It is important for you to have enough funds to survive on while you live in Cambodia. The Cambodian currency is called the riel, although you will find that shops quote prices both in riel and in US dollars. So, even if you do not change currency, you can still make purchases in US dollars. Riel notes come in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. The import and export of riel are prohibited. It is a good idea to have plenty of small denomination US dollars, as they are far easier to change than the larger notes. Thai bahts are also widely accepted. ATMs are fairly available in the major cities. Credit cards are also accepted in major establishments.
 

Health
Before setting off, check on some illnesses that occur in Cambodia. Some of the common illnesses include Hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis B. While the first 2 vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Cambodia, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those arriving from yellow fever infected areas in America. If your teaching assignment is going to be in rural areas for a long term, then protect yourself from Japanese encephalitis as well. While in Cambodia, if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with the nearest international hotel. Do check the list of clinics provided to know whom you can visit if you fall ill. There are health care providers in town catering for expats and tourists in Phnom Penh. These include Naga Clinic, International SOS Medical and Dental Clinic and the American Medical Center. It is not advisable to drink the tap water. Go for the bottled variety at all times, unless the water has been thoroughly boiled.