Scam in CambodiaShopping
Tourist price markups in Cambodia
How it works
Visitors may be quoted higher prices. Bottled water sold for 1,000 riel or less may be marked up to US$0.50–1. Central Market in Phnom Penh is described as touristy and pricey. Higher prices alone do not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- No price is displayed.
- The price is much higher than at nearby sellers.
How to avoid it
- Ask the price before accepting or opening anything.
- Compare prices for larger purchases.
- Agree the final price before paying.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly about the difference. If you have not bought the item, decline and leave.
- 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 tourist price markups scam in Cambodia?
Visitors may be quoted higher prices. Bottled water sold for 1,000 riel or less may be marked up to US$0.50–1. Central Market in Phnom Penh is described as touristy and pricey. Higher prices alone do not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
No price is displayed. The price is much higher than at nearby sellers.
How do I avoid tourist price markups in Cambodia?
Ask the price before accepting or opening anything. Compare prices for larger purchases. Agree the final price before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly about the difference. If you have not bought the item, decline and leave.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Tourist businesses, markets and bottled-water stalls
How much can it cost me?
Bottled water: tourist prices of US$0.50–1, compared with 1,000 riel or less.
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: imitation Kampot pepper, reproductions offered as antiques, fake branded goods.
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