Scam in CambodiaTours and guides
Tours that do not match the promises in Cambodia
How it works
A tour may not deliver everything advertised or described when you book.
Warning signs
- The seller gives vague answers about stops or included services.
- Important promises are only verbal.
How to avoid it
- Get the itinerary and included services in writing.
- Confirm transport, guide services and any extra charges.
- Keep the advert and booking messages.
If it happens to you
Show the seller the written promises. Request the missing service or a fair refund, and keep evidence for your booking provider.
- 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.
- Travel blogFloating VillageThe travellers report that a promised sunset boat tour involved unexpected extra boat charges, donation pressure and an early return without the sunset.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogFloating Villages in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Responsible TravelThe article relays community reports of visitors paying for Chong Kneas boat trips and then being asked for additional money before departure.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the tours that do not match the promises scam in Cambodia?
A tour may not deliver everything advertised or described when you book.
How can I spot it early?
The seller gives vague answers about stops or included services. Important promises are only verbal.
How do I avoid tours that do not match the promises in Cambodia?
Get the itinerary and included services in writing. Confirm transport, guide services and any extra charges. Keep the advert and booking messages.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Show the seller the written promises. Request the missing service or a fair refund, and keep evidence for your booking provider.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Tour sellers across Cambodia
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: driver recommendations that earn commission.
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