Common scams in Cambodia

The scams you'll actually run into

1. Tuk-tuk 'agreed' price changes at the end

   A driver agrees a low fare, then at the destination insists it was per person, in dollars not riel, or only for part of the trip, sometimes with a friend backing him up.

   H.A.C.K. · Hurry

   The move — Use the Grab or PassApp apps (both work in Cambodia) so the price is fixed. If you agree cash, write the total, the currency and the route on your phone and show the driver.

2. Motorbike rental damage and passport hold

   The shop keeps your passport, then finds 'new' damage on return or claims the bike was stolen, holding the document until you pay. Note: driving a motorbike as a tourist is also often technically not permitted.

   H.A.C.K. · Kill-Switch

   The move — Leave a cash deposit, not the passport. Photograph and film the bike before riding. Consider hiring a driver instead.

3. Torn or old US notes refused

   Cambodia uses US dollars alongside riel, but shops and drivers refuse any note with a small tear or heavy wear — while happily giving you those same notes in change.

   H.A.C.K. · Comfort

   The move — Refuse damaged notes in change on the spot. Ask your bank for crisp, newer bills before the trip.

4. Angkor ticket and 'closed temple' guides

   Unofficial 'guides' at Angkor attach themselves and demand a fee, or someone claims a temple or the ticket office is closed and steers you to a tour or shop.

   H.A.C.K. · Authority

   The move — Buy the Angkor pass only at the official ticket centre. Licensed guides carry a Ministry of Tourism ID; the men who approach you at the gates do not.

5. Child-begging and 'buy milk for the baby'

   Children or mothers ask you to buy formula or rice from a specific nearby shop; the goods are returned to the shop afterward and the cash split. It funds organised begging, often keeping kids out of school.

   H.A.C.K. · Comfort

   The move — Don't buy goods on request. If you want to help, give to an established local charity instead.

What these scams have in common

Most Cambodia scams lean on Comfort. Whatever the trick, the way out is the same three moves — Pause · Assess · Talk: stop before you pay, hand over a document or follow someone; ask what the request really wants; then say it out loud to someone you trust, or your bank on the number from your card.

Cambodia travel-scam FAQ

Official travel advisories for Cambodia

Fraud and scam wording pulled from the official Canadian and New Zealand travel advisories. Use the government sources for current travel decisions.

Scam guides for nearby destinations

H.A.C.K. — the four pressure tactics

Every scam on this page is tagged with the tactic it uses. Recognise the tactic, not the trick.

H Hurry

Urgency. A deadline, a countdown or a “right now” that leaves no time to check.

A Authority

Officialdom. A badge, a title, a uniform or an official-sounding request you feel you can't question.

C Comfort

Familiarity. A friendly local, a routine or an emotion that makes the request feel safer than it is.

K Kill-Switch

The cut-off. The moment you're pushed to pay, click, hand over a document or follow someone — before you can verify.

The way out of all four: Pause · Assess · Talk.