Cambodia Safety Tips: What Every Traveler Should Know

Is Cambodia safe to visit?

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Cambodians are warm and hospitable, and serious violence against visitors is rare. Most problems are petty theft and money scams, both easy to avoid with a little awareness.

Common scams to watch for

• Bag-snatching from motorbikes is the most common crime in Phnom Penh. Thieves on mopeds grab phones and handbags from pedestrians and even tuk-tuk passengers. Keep bags on the inside of the pavement and never dangle a phone near the road.
• Tuk-tuk and taxi overcharging. Agree on a price before you get in, or use the PassApp or Grab apps, which show fixed fares.
• Fake orphanage visits. Avoid "orphanage tourism" — many are scams that exploit children. Reputable charities do not offer drop-in tours.
• Tampered tab and "closed temple" tricks. At Angkor, ignore anyone who says a temple is shut and offers a paid "alternative." Buy passes only at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket office.
• ATM card skimming. Use machines inside banks and cover the keypad.

Areas to be careful

• Phnom Penh riverside and Street 51 at night: fine but watch your belongings and drinks.
• Sihanoukville has changed rapidly with casino development; petty crime and scams have risen, so stay alert after dark.
• Rural border zones and unmarked fields: Cambodia still has landmines and UXO in parts of the countryside. Never walk off marked paths near Battambang, Pailin, or remote temple sites.

Health and road safety

• Traffic is the biggest real danger. Wear a helmet on motorbikes and avoid driving yourself unless experienced.
• Drink bottled or filtered water and use mosquito repellent — dengue is present.
• Carry small US dollars; they are used alongside the Cambodian riel.

Emergency numbers

• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 119
• Fire: 118
• Tourist Police (Phnom Penh): 012 942 484

Save your embassy contact and keep a digital copy of your passport.

Stay connected in Cambodia

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translate menus, book transport, and call for help without expensive roaming charges.