Scam in CambodiaAirport and border
Border bribes and extra processing fees in Cambodia
How it works
Border officials may seek bribes. On journeys from Banlung to Four Thousand Islands, officials on both sides may demand passport-stamping processing fees. An inflated arrival fee may also be demanded on the Lao side.
Warning signs
- An official asks for an extra stamping or processing payment.
- The reason for an additional charge is unclear.
How to avoid it
- Ask what each charge covers before paying.
- Ask for a written fee or receipt.
- Keep the conversation calm and avoid confrontation.
If it happens to you
If safe, ask for a supervisor and a receipt. Record the crossing, time and payment details once you are away.
- 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.
- Government adviceCambodia travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports travellers being subjected to border extortion and officials demanding extra charges before allowing entry.Read on Government advice
- Travel blogPoipet Rhymes with Toilet for a ReasonThe traveller describes fake border personnel, inflated visa demands and pressure to pay an overpriced amount in Thai baht.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the border bribes and extra processing fees scam in Cambodia?
Border officials may seek bribes. On journeys from Banlung to Four Thousand Islands, officials on both sides may demand passport-stamping processing fees. An inflated arrival fee may also be demanded on the Lao side.
How can I spot it early?
An official asks for an extra stamping or processing payment. The reason for an additional charge is unclear.
How do I avoid border bribes and extra processing fees in Cambodia?
Ask what each charge covers before paying. Ask for a written fee or receipt. Keep the conversation calm and avoid confrontation.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If safe, ask for a supervisor and a receipt. Record the crossing, time and payment details once you are away.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Border crossings, including the Cambodia–Laos crossing on journeys from Banlung to Four Thousand Islands
How common is this scam in Cambodia?
Common. 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.
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