Greetings
The greeting is an integral part of Cambodian culture. Regardless of gender, age, or social rank, Cambodians use the same greeting form, Soksabai. This form of greeting is used when greeting familiar and unfamiliar people and is a key part of Cambodian etiquette. It involves bowing the head slightly and saying “soksabai,” which translates to “hello” or “how are you?“. It is important to remember that this form of greeting is used instead of a handshake or hug.
Handshakes
In Cambodia, greetings are essential, and a handshake is the standard way to greet someone in a professional or business setting. However, western customs can’t match up with all the local traditions of different countries and cultures. In Cambodia, a handshake is offered when you first meet someone, but it should be light and followed by a gesture of respect, such as bowing slightly.
When you shake hands with someone of higher status than yourself – especially someone older – it’s polite to clasp your hands together in front of your face before shaking their hand as a sign of respect. Likewise, handshakes are exchanged when saying goodbye but may not necessarily involve two hands if you know the other person well enough.
Namaste
Namaste is a traditional form of greeting that is mainly practiced in Nepal, India, and other parts of South Asia. However, it can be used in an informal setting and has spiritual and cultural significance. In Sanskrit, the word “namah” means to bow down or pay homage, while “te” (“tay”) refers to you. When using the traditional Namaste greeting, hands are placed together in a prayer-like gesture; the gesture symbolizes coming from the heart and conveys the meaning that I bow down to you with respect.
A slight bow generally accompanies Namaste as a sign of respect toward another person.
When used as part of Cambodia’s cultural customs and etiquette, people often use namaskar (a modified version) instead of Namaste – both have very similar meanings. However, it is essential to take note of body language when deciding which one to use. For example, if two palms are facing outward with spread fingers touching each other, it would be best to say namaskar instead of Namaste since this particular gesture implies greater familiarity between two people than when palms are held together (as during Namaste). Generally speaking, it is always appropriate to opt for namaskar if unsure of which would make better sense on any given occasion!
Bowing
Bowing is an integral part of Cambodian cultural etiquette. Generally, the lower the bow and the longer it is held, the greater the respect expressed. Seasoned travelers may recognize this custom from countries like Japan, as Cambodia borrows heavily from its neighbor in customs and etiquette.
A bow is a sign of deference and humility and should always be used when meeting or greeting another person, especially one of higher status or age. Sometimes, a simple nod or slight head tilt may suffice when addressing strangers on the street. Men can also slightly raise their hands in front of their chests with palms bent inward; this gesture is sometimes similar to ‘namaste’ in India and Nepal. Women are not expected to perform bows to their male counterparts, but they often do as a sign of respect or politeness.
Bowing shows appreciation for another person and, if done properly, can give travelers insight into Cambodian culture, allowing them to understand social hierarchies more thoroughly during their visit to Cambodia.
Dress Code
Regarding the dress code in Cambodia, locals dress moderately and modestly. Cambodians dress conservatively, and people visiting the country should follow the same customs and etiquette. Shorts, miniskirts, and tight clothing should be avoided, especially in religious places or royal palaces. Furthermore, when visiting temples, it is essential to dress appropriately with arms and legs covered.
Men
In Cambodia, men are expected to dress conservatively and wear ankle-length trousers in public. Tailored, short or long-sleeved shirts in muted colors such as grey, beige, navy, and green are accepted. It is also important to avoid bright colors like pink and yellow for business situations. Men should avoid wearing shorts since this disregards traditional dress customs.
Sandals or loafers may be acceptable if informal, but dress shoes should typically be worn. It is also considered common courtesy to remove one’s shoes when entering someone’s home or other sacred places such as temples, churches, and shrines.
Women
Regarding dress code etiquette, women should know that modest, conservative clothing is generally appreciated. Cambodian culture is influenced by Buddhism, in which modesty and respect are encouraged. Therefore, shorts or skirts to the knee or slightly above, light-colored clothing fabrics for warm days, and conservative evening wear are all appropriate. Low-cut clothing is not recommended, and tight-fitting pants such as yoga pants may draw unnecessary attention.
Entering a temple while sightseeing or on a more private home visit, shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect. Scarves can easily be used to cover shoulders if needed. For specific occasions such as business dinners or formal events like weddings, wearing darker colors and slight evening wear would be appreciated; however, this is not typically expected outside of these occasions.
Children
Children are highly respected in Cambodia and should be treated with the respect expected of adults. Therefore, the dress code for children is usually smart casual, with young boys wearing shorts with neat shirts and young girls wearing skirts or modest dresses. It is important to note that it is not considered appropriate to dress children in revealing clothing; they should remain covered.
The older the child, the more tremendous respect they command from others, so appropriate attire for teenagers should be even more modest than for younger children. Also, bright colors are generally seen as too showy and generally avoided on formal occasions.
Social Interactions
Social interactions in Cambodia are generally guided by tradition and etiquette. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, it is customary for both parties to greet each other with a traditional Khmer greeting. Respect is important in social interactions, and speaking politely and introducing yourself is the best way to show respect. Eye contact should also be maintained, and people should avoid touching others or invading someone’s personal space.
Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of Cambodian social interactions:
Eye Contact
Eye contact can be an essential part of social interaction in Cambodia. Generally, people will make direct and modest eye contact when interacting. However, there can be a discrepancy between men and women; men may expect a lower level of eye contact than women. Even so, direct and longer periods of eye contact are often seen as signs of respect and politeness, especially among adults speaking with children or younger generations. Conversely, refraining from making extended eye contact may be seen as a lack of courtesy or interest in the conversation.
It is important to note that staring is rare and considered impolite in Cambodia, even when making direct eye contact. Additionally, averting your gaze too frequently may be seen as rude or uninterested. Striking a balance between maintaining appropriate eye contact without staring is difficult but essential for appearing polite.
Conversations
Before engaging in a conversation with someone, it’s essential to be aware of the Cambodian social norms and customs surrounding conversations. For example, a sign of respect when conversing is to slightly lower your head and eyes allowing them to appear weaker than the other person, as Cambodians believe that people in higher positions should show respect. In addition, when sharing ideas or stories, Cambodian culture also has nonverbal cues and gestures as mediums of exchanging information.
It is also essential to be aware that most conversations are initiated with a small talk where you address various issues while staying on general topics such as family, friends, and work. Moreover, jokes should be avoided, and speaking too directly can come off as rude or abrasive, so it’s best to opt for topics in a more indirect manner. Silence during conversations is familiar in Cambodian culture and may even be used to emphasize thoughts or ideas.
Conversations about religion should also be avoided unless explicitly invited by the other party since religion is an intensely personal topic for many Cambodians. Lastly, polite gestures such as offering food during a conversation will demonstrate respect toward the other person and diffuse any tension that may arise from awkward topics.
Gifts
Gift-giving is a part of social interaction in Cambodia that may take various forms and etiquette. For example, gifts are sometimes exchanged to show appreciation or gratitude, as expressions of hospitality and kindness, and often as part of an offering to the sacred guardian spirits of a temple.
When visiting a Cambodian household, it is customary for guests to bring homemade sweets, fresh fruit, or other goods that can be shared with host family members. Gifts should not be wrapped but placed into a laundry basket or similar container. It is polite to ask the recipient to open the gift after they are gone.
In business contexts, gifts that demonstrate strength and continuity in partnerships are preferred, such as quality perfumes, alcohols (joint gifting between two parties), items made of precious metals such as gold or silver (joint gifting between two parties), or other items like watches. Larger gifts may be given on special occasions such as opening offices, grand openings, or at the start of significant business deals, which can often involve white cloths dyed with gold trimmings. The value of these types of gifts should be relative to their company size and capabilities. All transactions involving money should be avoided in social settings; exchanges should focus on gratitude rather than commercial activities.
Eating Habits
Traditional Cambodian eating habits include the use of hands and spoons. However, the Cambodians are very particular about the etiquette that accompanies the meal. Generally, it is considered polite to use the right hand to eat or pass food to one another, even though the dominant hand is commonly used as a spoon while eating. It is also considered bad manners to point at someone with a chopstick.
Chopsticks are also not used in traditional Cambodian cuisine because it is seen as an imported Chinese concept.
Table Manners
It is considered polite to wait until everyone is served before beginning the meal. It is customary to use your right hand to pick up food and avoid pointing at anyone when eating. Using both hands when stretching across the table for something is not inappropriate.
It’s typical for several dishes of meat and vegetables to be brought out at once, and each person should help themselves with the various dishes or serve each other. When sharing a dish, it is polite to scoop food with a spoon for someone else rather than directly placing food on their plate.
Slurping and munching on cuisine are generally seen as positive signs that you are enjoying the meal. However, it should not be overdone! Rice-based dishes are seen as staples in Cambodia; each person has a plate of rice and then ladles sauces, meats, and vegetables over their plate as desired. At the end of a meal, it’s considered courteous if you leave some food on your plate to show that you have had enough.
Food Etiquette
Etiquette in Cambodia dictates the way people interact with each other and how they use table manners when eating meals together. It is considered polite for diners to follow specific guidelines, such as washing their hands before the meal and eating all of the food from the common plate. At mealtime, most Cambodians do not serve children first; guests are usually given priority over children.
When sitting at a meal together, Cambodians will sit approximately a foot away from each other in a circle facing the center of the table. It is important out of respect for elders to wait until they have been served their portions before everyone else begins to eat; this also applies if any dignitaries are present at the meal.
How each person should hold chopsticks (or spoon) is up to personal preference; it is important, however, that the chopsticks should never be pointed directly at someone as this could be interpreted as rude or offensive. Likewise, food should be placed on your plate using your chopsticks and not left on other people’s plates or taken directly from shared dishes between bites. It is also poor etiquette to make loud noises while chewing food or talking with mouthfuls of food still present.
When people are finished with their meals, it is polite to place your fork and spoon side by side on a single plate or napkin when done eating to signal that you have completed the meal. In addition, after completing a meal, it is considered polite for younger generations to thank those who prepared or served them before leaving the table.
Business Etiquette
When doing business in Cambodia, it’s essential to keep in mind the cultural customs and etiquette of the country. Business culture in Cambodia tends to be conservative, so it’s important to be aware of the etiquette and customs expected in social and business interactions.
In this section, we will take a look at the business etiquette in Cambodia:
Business Cards
When engaging in business in Cambodia, etiquette and protocol must be adhered to to ensure a successful business relationship. One way to make an excellent first impression is by giving someone you are meeting a business card. When exchanging business cards, pay particular attention to the following:
- It is important to have both sides of the card translated into Khmer so they can be readily understood.
- Hand the card with both hands – never with one hand only!
- When receiving a business card that has been presented with two hands, take it using both your hands and ensure that you read it before you put it away.
- Do not bend or write on any business cards, as this could be seen as rude.
- Offer your business cards when necessary but do not expect them to be handed out unless asked for – some Cambodians may find this intrusive or presumptuous.
Meetings
When conducting business in Cambodia, it is essential to clearly understand the social customs and etiquette associated with local culture. Meetings should be scheduled in advance and arrive promptly, as punctuality is highly valued. Confirm the meeting style to switch between conservative formal or informal conversations. Business dress should be traditional and professional. Men should wear a suit and tie while women may wear trousers.
Shaking hands is customary when greeting someone for the first time and when leaving a business setting. Although introductions typically begin with an exchange of business cards, don’t forget to prepare enough cards, as having extras can show respect. Business cards should include titles. Photos are optional depending on the role or individual’s preference. You may wish to add your contact details on both English and Khmer sides if you know how to write in the local language – this will show consideration that you are willing to take time out of learning Cambodian culture and customs.
The concept of “saving face” is essential in Cambodian society; they consider actions that would cause embarrassment or shame highly offensive. Avoid creating public discomfort as it will damage relationships or even end a deal altogether; instead, focus on initiative and kindness throughout meetings by exchanging compliments and engaging in light conservation topics before delving into work-related discussions.
Finally, trust-building relationships take time; never expect immediate decisions after your initial meetings, even if everything goes smoothly. Some negotiations take multiple visits before reaching a consensus.
Negotiations
Negotiations are critical and should be conducted in a friendly and polite manner. Cambodians have great respect for those who take the time to learn about the local customs, and they appreciate them showing accordance with cultural expectations. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a respectful attitude and be patient while pursuing a successful result in business dealings.
Conduct thorough research before meeting with Cambodian businesspeople, as that will gain you greater credibility. Be prepared to put forth your views logically and factually, using relevant and reliable sources. Don’t bet on your side of the story being accepted – it’s best to keep an open mind instead. Decisions are based on consensus during negotiations, so patience is vital when sealing a deal!
Always remember that it’s important not to display any signs of aggression or impatience, as this could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of negotiations. It is also polite for the stronger party in a negotiation process not to take full advantage of their power – this shows a good level of mutual respect that will benefit all sides throughout your business relationship!