Scam in CambodiaChanging money
Damaged notes passed to tourists in Cambodia
How it works
Merchants may use tourists' lack of experience to pass on imperfect foreign notes that other businesses or banks may refuse.
Warning signs
- Change contains torn or visibly damaged notes.
- A seller wants you to accept a questionable note without checking it.
How to avoid it
- Inspect notes before accepting change.
- Politely hand back damaged notes immediately.
- Check cash from a bank ATM before leaving the branch.
If it happens to you
Ask for a replacement straight away. If a bank-attached ATM gives you a poor-quality note, ask that bank to change it immediately.
- 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 damaged notes passed to tourists scam in Cambodia?
Merchants may use tourists' lack of experience to pass on imperfect foreign notes that other businesses or banks may refuse.
How can I spot it early?
Change contains torn or visibly damaged notes. A seller wants you to accept a questionable note without checking it.
How do I avoid damaged notes passed to tourists in Cambodia?
Inspect notes before accepting change. Politely hand back damaged notes immediately. Check cash from a bank ATM before leaving the branch.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a replacement straight away. If a bank-attached ATM gives you a poor-quality note, ask that bank to change it immediately.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Cash transactions across Cambodia
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: poor exchange rates when spending Thai baht, high guesthouse cheque-cashing commissions.
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