Cultural Differences

Five Cultural Differences Between Phnom Penh and Phoenix, Arizona:

1.       In Phnom Penh, the motos (scooters) outnumber the cars by about 20:1 and many of the cars have their brand written in big block letters across the side (especially if it is a Lexus or Land Cruiser). In Phoenix, if you drive a scooter you will certainly not refer to it as a “moto”, you will be outnumbered by cars about 150,000:1, and the Land Cruiser that runs you off the road will not have its brand written in big block letters on the side.

2.       In Phnom Penh, all drinks are served with a straw. Even if you buy a hot tea or bottle of water the cashier will put a straw in the bag. “To go” drinks are called “take away” and are given to you with a thin plastic sleeve that fits around the cup and has a handle (like a grocery bag) attached. In Phoenix, the 98 ounce Big Gulp from Circle K is too big to have a carry handle attached to it and while you do get a straw with it that straw is actually about the same size as the plumbing pipes in Phnom Penh.

3.       In Phnom Penh, there is no expectation of tipping at any restaurant. In Phoenix, even if you get rude and/or non-existent service at a restaurant you are still expected to tip at least 20%.

4.       In Phnom Penh, traffic is a mess, the roads are in grave disrepair, and yet no one ever gets road rage. In Phoenix, traffic is usually fine, the roads are in great shape, and yet people are constantly getting road rage.

5.        In Phnom Penh, two popular games are: soccer with a really small ball, and something like hacky-sack that is played with a rocket like object that clicks when you kick it. In Phoenix, two popular games are not either of the two I just mentioned.