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Cambodia
30 scams
Many travel to Cambodia to see iconic locations like the temples of Angkor, the Killing Fields as well as the colorful markets along Tonle Sap.
However, some jokingly call the country “Scambodia”, due to a number of tourist targeted scams revolving around temples, floating villages, markets and transport.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 117
- Fire: 118
- Ambulance: 119
- Tourist Police: Phnom Penh: 012 942 484
- Tourist police: Siem Reap: 012 402 424
Travel resources
Tonle Sap floating village scams in Cambodia
5 2How it works: Situation: there are 3 floating villages here. Most are brought to the Chong Khneas floating village as it is closest to Siem Reap but you may fall…
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Fake border visa offices in Cambodia
5 0How it works: Opening: Version 1: scammers posing as immigration officials at border crossings. Version 2: fake border visa offices. Set-up: Get you to fill up forms you would receive…
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Cambodia
5 1How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: after you…
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Scam orphanages in Cambodia
4 0How it works: Situation: from 2005-2017, the number of orphanages increased by 75%. This is due to “businesses” which “rent” children from poor families ($25/month) promising families that children can…
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Coin collector scam in Cambodia
4 0How it works: A friendly local approaches and claims to be an avid coin collector. He asks where you from, then claims not to have any coins from your country…
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Royal Palace scams in Cambodia
5 0How it works: Touts/tuk-tuk drivers outside will tell you that the place is closed and offer to bring you on a tour elsewhere where they get a commission. Places to…
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Sihanoukville beach scams in Cambodia
4 0How it works: Scam 1: unsolicited massage ladies will rub your legs, claiming that it is only $5. If you allow them, they will add on services which will lead…
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Milk/baby food beggar scam in Cambodia
3 4How it works: A female with a (drugged) baby claims her baby is sick and needs medicine/milk which she cannot afford. She then brings you to a shop to buy…
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Home gambling scam in Cambodia
3 8How it works: Opening: a local asks where you are from and then claims to have a family member who is about to move there and is nervous. He invites…
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Border bus tout scams in Cambodia
3 0How it works: Part 1: after crossing the border from Thailand, touts will tell you to take the official bus as they claim that all other transport is illegal. You…
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Snatch thefts in Cambodia
3 11How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Massage parlour: where another steals from your…
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Romance scam in Cambodia
3 1How it works: Version 1: You meet someone offline whom you build a relationship over time. As the relationship gets stronger (with visits to family members included), money will be…
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Photo taking scam in Cambodia
3 1How it works: Opening: you may be approached by a bunch of people carrying a polaroid camera asking if they can take a photo with you. Set-up: after taking a…
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Fake gem, jewelry in Cambodia
2 0How it works: The gem and jewelry sold at some market stalls are fake. Places to beware: Siem Reap: Art Center Market, Pub Street Phnom Penh: Central Market What to…
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Shopping scams in Cambodia
2 0How it works: Version 1: only big chain stores have prices listed. Elsewhere, prices are quoted dynamically depending on how rich you look. Version 2: vendor swaps your product to…
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