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Occasional in Cambodia

Scam in CambodiaChanging money

Poor exchange rates when spending Thai baht in Cambodia

Areas near the Thai border

How it works

Businesses may accept Thai baht using an unfavourable rule-of-thumb rate. You can lose money by spending baht directly instead of exchanging it first.

Warning signs

  • A seller converts the price at 30 baht to US$1.
  • The exchange rate is not explained before payment.

How to avoid it

  1. Change baht at a bank or money changer before shopping.
  2. Ask which currency the price is in.
  3. Confirm the conversion before paying.

If it happens to you

Check the calculation and ask about paying in another accepted currency before completing the purchase.

  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.
What it can costThe unfavourable rule-of-thumb rate described is 30 baht to US$1.
Where it happensAreas near the Thai borderBattambang, Koh Kong, Poipet

What travellers report

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

More scams in CambodiaAirport taxi driver tears your dollar note: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor exchange rates when spending Thai baht scam in Cambodia?

Businesses may accept Thai baht using an unfavourable rule-of-thumb rate. You can lose money by spending baht directly instead of exchanging it first.

How can I spot it early?

A seller converts the price at 30 baht to US$1. The exchange rate is not explained before payment.

How do I avoid poor exchange rates when spending Thai baht in Cambodia?

Change baht at a bank or money changer before shopping. Ask which currency the price is in. Confirm the conversion before paying.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Check the calculation and ask about paying in another accepted currency before completing the purchase.

Where in Cambodia does this happen?

Areas near the Thai border It has been reported in Battambang, Koh Kong, Poipet.

How much can it cost me?

The unfavourable rule-of-thumb rate described is 30 baht to US$1.

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: damaged notes passed to tourists, 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.

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