Things NOT To Do in Cambodia

Travellers to Cambodia still need to be wary when they head to the beautiful country. If you want to make the most of a trip to Cambodia, here are some simple suggestions to help make it the journey of a lifetime. Know before you go! 1. Don't help the children Okay, that sounds wickedly insensitive. But the kids approaching on the streets are likely being forced into begging or selling or even asking for basic needs like milk and books. And those children aren't getting what you give them. That's why. 2. Don't wear jewellery Keep your valuables securely in your pocket until you absolutely need to use them. Don't carry a backpack or a purse. Leave the jewellery at home. Generally, try to affect an appearance of having little to no cash on your person. 3. Don't use your left hand Just like a lot of Asian countries, the left hand is considered to be unclean. So it's best to avoid indicating objects, greeting people, eating or basically touching anything with your left hand. 4. Don't forget pickpockets If you go to Phnom Penh's bustling night spots, you'll have a good time. However, take as few valuables as possible. Sit with your back to a wall so no one can slink up behind you. And be sure to keep a close eye on your cash. 5. Don't exchange your American dollars for riels The currency in Cambodia is the riel. It takes about 4,000 riels to equal a dollar. As a result, even Cambodians don't particularly care for the riel. Most establishments will happily accept US dollars. Great! 6. Don't be disrespectful Cambodia is home to the largest religious mountain in the world, Angkor Wat. The complex actively welcomes visitors, but it's a functional religious site. So when you visit, just make sure you treat the place with the respect it's due. 7. Don't speak English with certain people The most popular language in Cambodia is English. However, con artists and criminals will approach you and strike up an English conversation. If that happens, pretend you speak German or French. That'll make the undesirables go away much faster. 8. Don't be careless on a tuk-tuk These are essentially just carriages strapped to the back of bikes or motorcycles. Some drivers will take you far out of the way and then charge you to get back on the right course. And there are more scams, so be careful. 9. Don't point at anything In Cambodia, it's pretty easy to make a mistake while gesticulating. Pointing is considered extremely rude. Instead, indicate directions and the like by holding out your open right hand. 10. Don't receive a non-legit massage Some of these establishments are legit, and you have nothing to fear but the loss of your attention. Others, however, exploit their workers and treat them as virtual slaves. So, if you head to a massage parlor, go to a legit one. Where would you like to know what not to do in next? Comment below.