Scam in CambodiaTaxis
Unclear taxi and tuk-tuk fares in Cambodia
How it works
A fare can become a dispute if you have not agreed whether it covers one way or return, everyone or each passenger. Travellers arranging a Phnom Penh–Kampot taxi directly at Phnom Penh airport are also likely to receive a higher quote.
Warning signs
- The driver wants to leave before agreeing a fare.
- It is unclear whether the price is per person or for the vehicle.
- The return journey is not clearly included.
How to avoid it
- Agree the full fare and destination before getting in.
- Confirm the passenger count and whether the trip includes a return.
- Use Grab or PassApp where available to see an app price.
- Ask your accommodation to help arrange longer taxi trips.
If it happens to you
Repeat the agreed terms calmly. Ask your accommodation to help resolve the dispute if needed.
- 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 unclear taxi and tuk-tuk fares scam in Cambodia?
A fare can become a dispute if you have not agreed whether it covers one way or return, everyone or each passenger. Travellers arranging a Phnom Penh–Kampot taxi directly at Phnom Penh airport are also likely to receive a higher quote.
How can I spot it early?
The driver wants to leave before agreeing a fare. It is unclear whether the price is per person or for the vehicle. The return journey is not clearly included.
How do I avoid unclear taxi and tuk-tuk fares in Cambodia?
Agree the full fare and destination before getting in. Confirm the passenger count and whether the trip includes a return. Use Grab or PassApp where available to see an app price. Ask your accommodation to help arrange longer taxi trips.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Repeat the agreed terms calmly. Ask your accommodation to help resolve the dispute if needed.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Tourist areas; Phnom Penh riverfront, major hotels and airport taxi pickup areas
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: airport taxi driver tears your dollar note.
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