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Common in Cambodia

Scam in CambodiaTours and guides

Driver recommendations that earn commission in Cambodia

Restaurants, hotels and activities recommended by tuk-tuk drivers

How it works

A business recommended by a tuk-tuk driver is likely paying the driver a commission. The recommendation may serve the driver's income rather than your preferences.

Warning signs

  • A driver strongly pushes a particular hotel, restaurant or activity.
  • The driver keeps steering the conversation toward a business you did not request.

How to avoid it

  1. Choose businesses independently when possible.
  2. Check prices and reviews before agreeing.
  3. Clearly state where you want to go.

If it happens to you

You can decline the recommendation. If you arrive, check the price and terms before buying anything.

  1. Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
  2. Stop further payments. Do not pay more to recover money already lost.
  3. Protect your accounts. Freeze missing cards, contact the issuer and lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
  4. Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking messages, payment records and a short account of what happened.
  5. Report the incident to police and the relevant business or booking provider. Ask for a report or reference number.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensRestaurants, hotels and activities recommended by tuk-tuk drivers

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in CambodiaPhone and bag snatching: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the driver recommendations that earn commission scam in Cambodia?

A business recommended by a tuk-tuk driver is likely paying the driver a commission. The recommendation may serve the driver's income rather than your preferences.

How can I spot it early?

A driver strongly pushes a particular hotel, restaurant or activity. The driver keeps steering the conversation toward a business you did not request.

How do I avoid driver recommendations that earn commission in Cambodia?

Choose businesses independently when possible. Check prices and reviews before agreeing. Clearly state where you want to go.

What should I do if it happens to me?

You can decline the recommendation. If you arrive, check the price and terms before buying anything.

Where in Cambodia does this happen?

Restaurants, hotels and activities recommended by tuk-tuk drivers

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.

Are there similar scams in Cambodia?

Yes: tours that do not match the promises.

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.

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