Phnom Penh Tourist Scams
Cambodia
Phnom Penh scams are lower-frequency than Bangkok but higher-severity when they happen. Bag-snatching + tuk-tuk overcharge + fake pharmacy medications are the main risks. USD is often used alongside Cambodian riel — carry small denominations to avoid change-scam scenarios.
Drive-by motorbike bag snatch
Walking with bag on road-side; motorbike approaches.
Same pattern as HCMC — Phnom Penh is one of the highest bag-snatch cities in Asia per capita. Injuries common.
- ✓Cross-body bags on the inside arm.
- ✓No visible phones on streets. Use inside cafes/hotels.
- ✓Money belt for passport + main cards.
- ✓Take PassApp (tuk-tuk app) instead of walking with valuables at night.
- →Do not chase. File report at police station for insurance.
- →Report to Tourist Police: +855 12 942 484.
- →Cancel cards immediately.
Tuk-tuk "no-meter" overcharge
Driver quotes USD 10+ for a 2 km ride.
Standard tuk-tuk ride in Phnom Penh is USD 2-4 for 3-5 km. Tourist-targeted quotes are 3-5x.
- ✓Use PassApp / Grab — app-priced, no negotiation.
- ✓If negotiating, know that USD 2-4 is fair for most in-city rides.
- →Refuse + take another tuk-tuk.
Counterfeit prescription medication
Small pharmacy with unusual branding sells prescription medication (antibiotics, malaria pills) without asking questions.
Estimated 50%+ of prescription drugs in Cambodia are counterfeit or sub-therapeutic. Antimalarials + antibiotics frequently faked. Real health risk on treatment failure.
- ✓Only use large chain pharmacies: Pharmacie Aeon Mall, Pharmacie de la Gare, U-Care Pharmacy.
- ✓Bring medications from home for the whole trip.
- ✓For malaria prophylaxis, buy in your home country or Bangkok.
- →If treatment failed / side effects unusual — go directly to Royal Phnom Penh Hospital (private, international-standard).
Royal Palace / Killing Fields "closed" tuk-tuk detour
Tuk-tuk driver near Royal Palace tells you it's "closed today" and offers alternative tour.
Same script as Bangkok Grand Palace scam. Ends at gem shop or aggressive-sale silk factory.
- ✓Royal Palace opens 08:00-11:00 + 14:00-17:00 daily. Killing Fields opens 07:30-17:30 daily.
- ✓Verify on the venue website or hotel concierge.
- →Report to Tourist Police (+855 12 942 484).
Phnom Penh emergency contacts
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