Pictured: Redsavanna
Cambodia is, sadly, a high crime country, and without doubt it's a place where tourists are targeted as a source of income. Unfortunately, there have been a number of reports of tourists falling victim to violent crime as well as petty thefts, but that shouldn't put you off traveling to this unique part of the world. Generally the Cambodians are warm, open, friendly and appreciative of tourists (and the economic benefits). You've just got to be aware of the threat and take precautions to keep yourself safe.
Here are a few suggestions that will help you to avoid becoming a target for the local criminals. They may seem fairly obvious, but hopefully they will get you thinking a little sharper.
You're a Tourist? You Don't Say!
So, you're out in the crowded streets of Phnom Penh, trying to enjoy the sights of this captivating city, but you're constantly approached by locals trying to sell you stuff you don't want. Although selling over-priced merchandise or pestering relatively wealthy tourists isn't a crime, some find it really annoying.
They can tell you're a tourist, but what gave it away? Was it the backpack weighing you down, the shiny brushed metal camera dangling from your wrist, or the crumpled map in your hand? The truth is, of course, that even without these things the locals will take one look at you, as you examine the local sights with more interest than your average Cambodian, and know straight away that you're not from around here but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to make yourself a little more invisible. You'll take the street vendor hassle level down a notch, and have the added advantage of being less attractive to the criminal element looking for an easy target.
Stash the Cash (& Valuables)
Hide the camera in a deep pocket where it's within easy reach for those vital picture opportunities.
Memories the map for a few streets in advance so you don't have to keep glancing at it.
If you're staying in a local hotel, leave your rucksack behind and just carry your valuables secreted about your person.
If you look like you aren't carrying any money, you'll be of considerably less interest to scam artists than the other tourists will be.
Watch Your Back
The pubs and clubs in Cambodian cities, including in the tourist hotspots of Street 51 in Phnom Penh or the aptly named Pub Street in Siem Reap, tend to be open buildings with square holes for windows, and in some cases, not even any walls.
This open design is adopted by most public buildings on purpose - the humid and tropical Cambodian night air doesn't lend itself well to enclosed spaces - but is also favoured by the lowest form of Cambodian crook, the Pickpocket. These cons are masters of weaving in and out of the sprawling bar stools and lounge seats that spill out of the pubs and onto the walkways, relieving unsuspecting, and often inebriated tourists, of their wallets as they go. And if you do happen to notice their delicate touch, don't expect to catch them - these cities are littered with more un-navigable backstreets than a Minotaur's maze.
The secret to avoid becoming a target here is to select a seat with a high, solid'back that's set against a wall. Never pick a seat with an opening next to your back pockets, especially if that's where you keep your valuables. Make sure that you're sitting on anything you'd rather remain in possession of, such as your passport or wallet, and be mindful to check they're still there whenever you have to get up to move.
Be Careful of Who You Engage in Conversation
English is the world's most common language, so you'll probably find that most people who approach you will automatically start talking to you in English. It's tempting to talk back, especially if you're asked a question. But beware, the criminals and con artists know this too, and engaging one of them in conversation is like offering a shortcut to your bank card. Once he thinks he's made a connection, he's really unlikely to leave you alone, and where one con artist shows an interest, others will follow.
To avoid this situation, definitely don't answer any questions that could cause you further problems, so if you're asked where you're staying in Phnom Penh, for example, announcing your hotel and room number is probably ill advised.
If you suspect you might be being scammed, and if you can keep a straight face, pretend you don't speak English. It's amazing how quickly you'll be left alone by petty criminals if they can't communicate with you. This works particularly well for travelers who speak at least one other language - unless that language happens to be Cambodian of course, because that might defeat the purpose.
Tuk Tuk in Cambodia
The infamous tuk tuk is a three wheeled vehicle, a little like a bike with a carriage on the back. Sometimes these vehicles are powered by an engine, and sometimes they're pedal power alone, but what they nearly all have in common is that the drivers will be on commission - and not just to you! Taking a ride in one of these vehicles may find you ending up miles away from your destination and away from the safety of the crowds.
The best advice is to walk wherever you want to go, or at the very least take one of the metered cabs which have seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.
That's not to say that you mustn't sample this traditional Asian transportation device if you really must, but try to do that safely, either by sharing with another tourist or traveling companion you know well, or by taking a trip along a route you'll recognize - that way you'll be able to spot the danger signs if you end up straying from the main drag.
Here are a few suggestions that will help you to avoid becoming a target for the local criminals. They may seem fairly obvious, but hopefully they will get you thinking a little sharper.
You're a Tourist? You Don't Say!
So, you're out in the crowded streets of Phnom Penh, trying to enjoy the sights of this captivating city, but you're constantly approached by locals trying to sell you stuff you don't want. Although selling over-priced merchandise or pestering relatively wealthy tourists isn't a crime, some find it really annoying.
They can tell you're a tourist, but what gave it away? Was it the backpack weighing you down, the shiny brushed metal camera dangling from your wrist, or the crumpled map in your hand? The truth is, of course, that even without these things the locals will take one look at you, as you examine the local sights with more interest than your average Cambodian, and know straight away that you're not from around here but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to make yourself a little more invisible. You'll take the street vendor hassle level down a notch, and have the added advantage of being less attractive to the criminal element looking for an easy target.
Stash the Cash (& Valuables)
Hide the camera in a deep pocket where it's within easy reach for those vital picture opportunities.
Memories the map for a few streets in advance so you don't have to keep glancing at it.
If you're staying in a local hotel, leave your rucksack behind and just carry your valuables secreted about your person.
If you look like you aren't carrying any money, you'll be of considerably less interest to scam artists than the other tourists will be.
Watch Your Back
The pubs and clubs in Cambodian cities, including in the tourist hotspots of Street 51 in Phnom Penh or the aptly named Pub Street in Siem Reap, tend to be open buildings with square holes for windows, and in some cases, not even any walls.
This open design is adopted by most public buildings on purpose - the humid and tropical Cambodian night air doesn't lend itself well to enclosed spaces - but is also favoured by the lowest form of Cambodian crook, the Pickpocket. These cons are masters of weaving in and out of the sprawling bar stools and lounge seats that spill out of the pubs and onto the walkways, relieving unsuspecting, and often inebriated tourists, of their wallets as they go. And if you do happen to notice their delicate touch, don't expect to catch them - these cities are littered with more un-navigable backstreets than a Minotaur's maze.
The secret to avoid becoming a target here is to select a seat with a high, solid'back that's set against a wall. Never pick a seat with an opening next to your back pockets, especially if that's where you keep your valuables. Make sure that you're sitting on anything you'd rather remain in possession of, such as your passport or wallet, and be mindful to check they're still there whenever you have to get up to move.
Be Careful of Who You Engage in Conversation
English is the world's most common language, so you'll probably find that most people who approach you will automatically start talking to you in English. It's tempting to talk back, especially if you're asked a question. But beware, the criminals and con artists know this too, and engaging one of them in conversation is like offering a shortcut to your bank card. Once he thinks he's made a connection, he's really unlikely to leave you alone, and where one con artist shows an interest, others will follow.
To avoid this situation, definitely don't answer any questions that could cause you further problems, so if you're asked where you're staying in Phnom Penh, for example, announcing your hotel and room number is probably ill advised.
If you suspect you might be being scammed, and if you can keep a straight face, pretend you don't speak English. It's amazing how quickly you'll be left alone by petty criminals if they can't communicate with you. This works particularly well for travelers who speak at least one other language - unless that language happens to be Cambodian of course, because that might defeat the purpose.
Tuk Tuk in Cambodia
The infamous tuk tuk is a three wheeled vehicle, a little like a bike with a carriage on the back. Sometimes these vehicles are powered by an engine, and sometimes they're pedal power alone, but what they nearly all have in common is that the drivers will be on commission - and not just to you! Taking a ride in one of these vehicles may find you ending up miles away from your destination and away from the safety of the crowds.
The best advice is to walk wherever you want to go, or at the very least take one of the metered cabs which have seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.
That's not to say that you mustn't sample this traditional Asian transportation device if you really must, but try to do that safely, either by sharing with another tourist or traveling companion you know well, or by taking a trip along a route you'll recognize - that way you'll be able to spot the danger signs if you end up straying from the main drag.