Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

1. Tuk Tuk Overcharging

Avoid overpaying for tuk-tuk rides by negotiating prices beforehand or using metered services.

Negotiation: Effective negotiation can help reduce costs.
Metered Services: Using metered services ensures fair pricing.
Knowledge of Local Rates: Being aware of standard local rates helps in negotiation.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides and stick to registered tour agencies for authentic experiences.

Registration: Checking for registration ensures legitimacy.
Recommendations: Seeking recommendations from trusted sources can lead to good tour guides.
Local Knowledge: A good guide should have extensive local knowledge.

Always check the authenticity of Cambodian Riel and USD bills by looking for security features.

Security Features: Familiarize yourself with the security features on both Cambodian Riel and USD bills.
Change at Banks: Exchanging money at banks is safer than doing so informally.
Credit Card Usage: Using credit cards reduces the risk of handling cash.

Negotiate prices at markets and shops to get a fair deal on souvenirs.

Haggling Skills: Good haggling skills can help save money.
Avoiding Markups: Buying directly from artisans can avoid markups found in shops.
Local Market Prices: Checking local market prices helps determine fair values.

Choose busy street food stalls with hygienic conditions to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Busy Stalls: A busy stall indicates a popular choice among locals.
Cleanliness: Look for clean, sanitary conditions in food preparation areas.
Recommendations: Seeking recommendations from locals can lead to good street food options.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas and avoid machines with suspicious features.

Be wary of temple scammers offering to clean gold items and never give up original pieces.

Original Items: Never give up your original, valuable items.
Unwanted Touching: Avoid anyone trying to touch or clean your personal belongings.
Reputable Shops: Use reputable shops for cleaning services if needed.

Always book tours through reputable agencies or directly with the providers to avoid scams.

Reputation: Check the reputation of travel agencies before booking.
Direct Booking: Booking directly with providers can save money and reduce risk.
Recommendations: Seeking recommendations from trusted sources helps find good agencies.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who may lead you to scams or overcharge for services.

Suspicious Behavior: Be wary of anyone acting unusually friendly.
Local Reactions: Locals may react negatively to scammers, providing a warning sign.
Trusted Sources: Seek advice from trusted sources before engaging with strangers.

Avoid drug-related situations to avoid scams, arrests, or other complications.

Legal Consequences: Understand the legal consequences of drug possession.
Personal Safety: Your personal safety can be compromised in such situations.
Reputation: Negative experiences can damage your reputation and travel memories.

Be cautious when donating to street charities as some may be fraudulent.

Verification: Verify the legitimacy of charities before donating.
Reputable Organizations: Donate to reputable organizations or established NGOs.
Official Documentation: Look for official documentation showing the charity's legitimacy.

Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or venues to avoid fake or overpriced tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets only from authorized vendors.
Overpricing: Avoid overpriced or fake tickets by buying directly from the venue.
Online Purchases: Purchase tickets online to ensure authenticity and availability.

Avoid bars offering 'too good to be true' deals as they may involve hidden charges or low-quality drinks.

Hidden Charges: Be wary of hidden charges such as cover fees.
Quality of Drinks: Check the quality of drinks before making a purchase.
Reputable Bars: Choose reputable bars for better experiences and fair deals.

Book accommodation through trusted sources or agencies to avoid scams and ensure quality.

Trusted Sources: Book accommodation through trusted websites, travel agencies, or directly with the provider.
Quality Assurance: Ensure quality assurance by reading reviews and checking amenities.
Location: Choose a location that suits your travel needs and preferences.

Use trusted internet cafés or be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to protect your personal information.

Trusted Internet Cafés: Choose reputable, busy internet cafés with good reviews.
Public Wi-Fi Security: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like banking.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN to protect your online activity and personal information.