Cambodia Scam Awareness

Overview

Cambodia is not a dangerous country, and most travelers have trouble-free trips. However, like any popular tourist destination, scams exist — mostly low-level price inflation and tricks aimed at extracting a few extra dollars.

The scams here are generally not aggressive or threatening. Most involve overcharging, misdirection, or playing on travelers' sympathy. Being aware of the common tactics is usually enough to avoid them entirely.

Scam Risk by Type

Transport Scams

Tuk-Tuk Overcharging

The most common scam in Cambodia. Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists, especially at airports, bus stations, and popular temples.

• Prevention: Use PassApp or Grab for metered rides. If using street tuk-tuks, know approximate prices (see our transport guide)
• City rides: Should be $1-3, not $5-10
• Airport to city: Use the app — should be $7-9, not the $15-20 touts will quote

The "Closed" Attraction Trick

A tuk-tuk driver says your destination is "closed today" and offers to take you somewhere else instead — usually a shop, gem store, or tailor where they earn commission.

• Prevention: Insist on going anyway. Attractions are rarely "closed." If the driver refuses, get out and find another.

Minivan Scams

Budget "minivans" advertised for intercity travel are often dangerously overcrowded, with reckless drivers. Multiple fatal accidents have occurred.

• Prevention: Stick with reputable bus companies (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express). The $3-5 savings isn't worth the risk.

Tourist Scams

The Gem Store Scam

A "friendly local" (often well-dressed) strikes up conversation, mentions their relative works at a gem store, and offers to take you. At the store, you're pressured to buy gems at "wholesale prices" that you can "sell for profit back home." The gems are worthless.

• Prevention: Never buy gems from strangers. If someone you just met invites you to a store, it's a scam. Always.

Milk or Food for Children

Children approach asking you to buy them milk or food from a specific store. After you buy it, the child returns the items to the store for a cash kickback. The store and child split the money.

• Prevention: Don't buy items on request. If you want to help, donate to a vetted charity

Bag Snatching

Not a scam but worth mentioning: motorbike-mounted thieves grab bags, phones, or cameras from pedestrians and tuk-tuk passengers, especially in Phnom Penh.

• Prevention: Keep bags on the side away from the road. Don't use phones while walking near traffic. Use a crossbody bag.

Border Crossing Scams

Land borders, especially Poipet (Thailand border) and Bavet (Vietnam border), are hotspots for visa-related overcharging.

Common Border Tricks

• "Health check" fee ($2-5): Not required. Refuse politely and walk past.
• "Processing fee" ($5-10): Officials may add a surcharge on top of the visa fee. The official fee is $30 tourist / $35 business — nothing more.
• Forced currency exchange: Being told you must change money at a terrible rate. You don't — have USD cash ready.
• "Visa office" before the real one: A fake visa office before the actual border where you pay inflated fees. Walk to the actual immigration counter.

Accommodation Scams

Fake Booking Confirmations

Booking through unofficial channels may result in arriving at a hotel that has no record of your reservation. Always book through reputable platforms.

"The Hotel Is Full" Redirect

Tuk-tuk drivers claim your hotel is full/closed and offer to take you to another (where they earn commission). Call the hotel directly to confirm.

Charity & Orphanage Scams

If you want to help children in Cambodia, support organizations that keep families together or provide education. See our vetted charities guide.

Digital Scams

• ATM skimming: Use ATMs inside banks, not standalone machines. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Fake WiFi networks: Use your hotel's official WiFi. Avoid connecting to open networks in cafes without verification.
• Fake booking sites: Only use known platforms (Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld). If a deal seems too good, it probably is.

How to Stay Safe

What to Do If Scammed

• Stay calm: Most scams involve small amounts. Don't escalate aggressively.
• Document everything: Take photos, note locations, save receipts.
• Report to Tourist Police: Call 012 942 484. They can mediate disputes.
• Contact your embassy: For significant financial loss or if you feel unsafe.
• Leave a review: Warn future travelers on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or travel forums.

Frequently Asked Questions