Scam in CambodiaTaxis
Airport taxi driver tears your dollar note in Cambodia
How it works
The driver takes your dollar note out of sight, slightly tears it, then rejects it. You may be left with only larger notes, for which the driver says there is not enough change.
Warning signs
- The driver takes your note out of view.
- A note you checked is returned with a new tear.
- The driver rejects it and says there is no change for your larger notes.
How to avoid it
- Carry smaller notes for the fare.
- Show the driver that each note is undamaged before handing it over.
- Get the driver to agree that the notes are acceptable.
- Keep the payment in view.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and point out that the note was checked together. Seek help from a staffed location if the payment dispute continues.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Stop further payments. Do not pay more to recover money already lost.
- Protect your accounts. Freeze missing cards, contact the issuer and lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking messages, payment records and a short account of what happened.
- Report the incident to police and the relevant business or booking provider. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the airport taxi driver tears your dollar note scam in Cambodia?
The driver takes your dollar note out of sight, slightly tears it, then rejects it. You may be left with only larger notes, for which the driver says there is not enough change.
How can I spot it early?
The driver takes your note out of view. A note you checked is returned with a new tear. The driver rejects it and says there is no change for your larger notes.
How do I avoid airport taxi driver tears your dollar note in Cambodia?
Carry smaller notes for the fare. Show the driver that each note is undamaged before handing it over. Get the driver to agree that the notes are acceptable. Keep the payment in view.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and point out that the note was checked together. Seek help from a staffed location if the payment dispute continues.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Airport taxi journeys It has been reported in Phnom Penh.
How common is this scam in Cambodia?
Occasional. Scams are plentiful in Cambodia. Common problems include tourist price markups, unclear taxi fares, border bribe demands and tours that do not match their promises. Petty theft also happens, including phone and bag snatching in Phnom Penh, although violent crime is described as fairly low overall.
Are there similar scams in Cambodia?
Yes: unclear taxi and tuk-tuk fares.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police in Phnom Penh: call 012 942 4840 if fake monks harass you. Local police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud. Bring any evidence and ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report disputed transactions. Bank branch: if a bank-attached ATM gives you damaged notes, ask that branch to replace them immediately. Bus company, tour seller or booking provider: report missing luggage items or services that did not match the booking. Provide tickets, receipts and written promises. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of loss. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or if you need help after a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh tourist police, listed for harassment by fake monks: 012 942 4840.
Reviewed by @snuck