Scam in CambodiaOn the street
Persistent ride and souvenir selling in Cambodia
How it works
Drivers may repeatedly press pedestrians to take a ride. Drivers outside the Foreign Correspondents' Club are described as particularly pushy and aggressive. Children may also press visitors to buy bracelets and other goods. Persistent selling does not always involve fraud.
Warning signs
- A seller keeps pressing after you decline.
- Several offers interrupt your walk.
How to avoid it
- Give a brief, calm refusal and keep walking.
- Say 'otday awkunh' to mean 'no thanks'.
- Walk half a block away from the Foreign Correspondents' Club before hiring a driver.
If it happens to you
Repeat your refusal without arguing. Move toward a staffed business if the attention becomes intimidating.
- 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 persistent ride and souvenir selling scam in Cambodia?
Drivers may repeatedly press pedestrians to take a ride. Drivers outside the Foreign Correspondents' Club are described as particularly pushy and aggressive. Children may also press visitors to buy bracelets and other goods. Persistent selling does not always involve fraud.
How can I spot it early?
A seller keeps pressing after you decline. Several offers interrupt your walk.
How do I avoid persistent ride and souvenir selling in Cambodia?
Give a brief, calm refusal and keep walking. Say 'otday awkunh' to mean 'no thanks'. Walk half a block away from the Foreign Correspondents' Club before hiring a driver.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Repeat your refusal without arguing. Move toward a staffed business if the attention becomes intimidating.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Tourist areas across Cambodia; especially Phnom Penh city centre and outside the Foreign Correspondents' Club
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: friendly invitation leads to a rigged card game, new friends ask for money for sick relatives, fake monks asking tourists for money.
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