Traveling to Cambodia offers incredible cultural experiences and historical sights, but like any destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe trip. This guide provides essential security advice for visitors to Cambodia, drawing upon official sources to help you navigate your travels with confidence.
Cambodia remains a country with a relatively low risk of terrorism compared to some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. However, the U.S. Department of State advises vigilance due to the potential for terrorist actions against Westerners in Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the ability to conduct attacks in locations frequented by foreigners. While attacks are not common in Cambodia, it’s wise to exercise caution in popular tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, bars, places of worship, and public transportation hubs. Maintaining a high level of personal security awareness and avoiding large crowds or demonstrations are recommended practices for all travelers. Remember to stay updated on current travel advisories from your home country’s government before and during your trip. Planning your trip also includes ensuring you have the correct travel documents, so be sure to check the latest Cambodia Travel Visa requirements based on your nationality to avoid any issues upon arrival.
One of the unique safety concerns in Cambodia is the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in rural areas. Provinces such as Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, and Oddar Meanchey are known to have these hazards. When exploring these regions, it is crucial to stick to well-trodden paths and always use a local guide for trekking in forested areas or even dry rice paddies. Small bridges on secondary roads are also considered high-risk areas. If you encounter anything resembling a mine or unexploded ordnance, do not touch it under any circumstances. Instead, immediately notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center.
Crime is a significant concern in Cambodia, with a critical crime rate that includes street crime. Despite efforts by authorities, military weapons and explosives are unfortunately accessible to criminals. Armed robberies are frequent occurrences, and foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have been victims. Burglaries of residences and hotel rooms, even while occupied, have been reported in Phnom Penh.
“Snatch and grab” robberies are particularly common. Thieves target easily accessible items like cameras, jewelry, purses, backpacks, and mobile phones. If you are traveling by tuk-tuk, be extra cautious as passengers in these open vehicles are often targeted. When walking on the street, carry bags and valuables on the side furthest from the road to minimize risk. If confronted by a robber, it is crucial to surrender your valuables immediately. Resistance can provoke violence, potentially lethal force. Sadly, there have been reports of robberies escalating to fatalities.
Pickpockets operate in crowded markets and tourist sites, sometimes disguised as beggars. They may use distraction tactics, like placing a hand on your shoulder, to pickpocket you. Be aware of overly friendly strangers in these areas.
To protect your important documents from theft or loss, carry photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, and other essential documents. Keep originals secure in a hotel safe. Avoid using your passport as collateral for rentals. It’s important to note that local police may not always thoroughly investigate crimes against tourists, and recovery of stolen items is unlikely. Some police stations have even been reported to charge foreigners to file police reports.
Tourists in Cambodia should be wary of scams. Card game scams are common, where tourists are approached in public places and lured to private homes to participate in rigged card games designed to steal their money. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact your embassy for assistance.
Another scam to be aware of involves drugged drinks, particularly in bars. Drinks may be spiked to incapacitate victims for theft or sexual assault. Never accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drinks unattended.
Be cautious of online scams as well. Requests for financial assistance from individuals claiming to be in Cambodia and in need of help may be fraudulent. Large-scale scam operations, often involving false promises of employment, have been reported. Victims are lured into participating in online financial scams. Be extremely wary of unsolicited job offers from unfamiliar sources in Cambodia.
Fake currency is also a problem. Visitors have reported receiving counterfeit $50 and $100 bills from ATMs and banks. Always examine cash received from ATMs or tellers while still at the location. Fake bills often feel different and may have markings indicating they are novelty items. If you suspect a fake bill, show it to the ATM camera or teller and notify the bank immediately.
When traveling outside of Phnom Penh, especially in rural areas, exercise extra caution. Many areas lack effective policing. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in Sihanoukville, especially along the waterfront. Be especially vigilant during festivals and in tourist hotspots like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where snatch-and-grab thefts increase.
Practice good personal security habits: vary your routes, maintain a low profile, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry, and do not walk alone at night. Travel by car rather than moto-taxis or cyclos, which are more vulnerable to robberies and traffic accidents.
Commercial surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia since 2016. U.S. citizens and other foreigners are subject to Cambodian laws.
While gambling is legal in Cambodia, exercise caution if visiting casinos. There have been reports of fires, violent assaults, murders, and suicides at casinos.
If you become a victim of crime: Report the crime to the local police and contact your embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating crimes. In cases of sexual assault, contact your embassy first before contacting local police. Your embassy can assist with medical care, reporting the crime, contacting family, explaining the legal process, providing lists of attorneys, and offering emergency financial assistance if needed.
Domestic violence victims can also contact their embassy for help.
The tourism industry in Cambodia is not always rigorously regulated. Safety inspections may be infrequent, and safety signage may be lacking. Staff may not be properly trained. Medical treatment may be limited outside major cities, and emergency services may be less accessible in rural areas. Purchasing medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended.
By staying informed and taking sensible precautions, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safer and more rewarding travel experience in Cambodia. Remember to check for updated travel advisories and Cambodia travel visa information before your departure and throughout your trip to ensure a smooth and secure journey.
