I’m am on my 4th trip to Cambodia and over this short period of time, about 4 years, a lot has changed. So much so that Cambodia is really not a place to visit. If you do, come specifically to see the temples.
Don’t Shit Where You Eat
It’s obvious that Cambodia survives on tourism and corruption. Really a shame honestly. Being the history between America and Cambodia I can understand some animosity to a degree. However the blatant racism is not just targeted toward Americans. Maybe there is a more worldly animosity that Cambodians have that me, as an American, am not aware of. Travelers who re-visit places regularly, like me, seem to be waking up to the scams in Cambodia. All over review websites people are speaking out about how they were scammed out of money in one way or another. What’s honestly going on here is the people are following the example of the government. Steal whatever you can and lie if they catch you. I don’t say that haphazardly. If you meet an honest Cambodian, they will tell you.
The Ripped Bill Scam
This happens all over Cambodia. Because Cambodian people are not educated on how to verify that a US bill is real or not they will not accept torn or bend US dollar bills. Boggles my mind why they are using my countries money and don’t know what it’s supposed to look like. Anyway, on to the scam.
For an example, you are eating out. The waiter brings the check, you stuff some US bills in the check billfold and he takes it. What happens next is they switch the bills on you claiming that they are ripped bringing you back bills that you can’t spend. What really happened is the restaurant takes in the ripped bills from Cambodians and pass them on to tourists. One place this happened to me at requested that I pay in US dollars before I even ordered coffee.
How To Avoid This Scam
This makes your trip to Cambodia a real big pain in the ass but you have to be focused on your money 100% of the time. Demand that the waiter look over all bills, US or Cambodian, and approve them BEFORE he leaves your sight. Better yet, have them bring the change and trade the bill money for the change at the same time. Be sure to check every single bill they give you. How’s that for shitting on your travels. You can’t even have a leisurely breakfast.
High End Places Won’t Scam Me
No matter if it is a large place or small place do not be fooled that you as a tourist are an outsider. There is no doubt a Cambodian alliance that is above anything. Even if the place is owned by a foreigner, Cambodians run the businesses. Best believe they are looking out for each other.
Half US Dollars Half Cambodian Real Scam
This is another SUPER common scam. When you make a purchase they give you change in Cambodian Real claiming to know the exchange rate. It’s a lie.
Because you don’t know what the exchange rate is they will short change in Cambodian Real. Happens all the time and when you call them out for trying to rip you off they claim is was a mistake. If you want to believe that, go ahead. But the God’s honest truth is most Cambodian market stall owners want to rip you off.
The Hidden Money Scam in Cambodia
Everywhere you go this is the first thing people that you exchange money with will do. Rather than laying out the money and counting it honestly the shop owner will hide the bill you gave him or her behind something. You can no longer see your bill. At this point they will pop up and say “The bill is ripped” or “This bill is fake” and hand you back what you think is the bill you gave them. What really happened is they switched the bill and left you with a counterfeit or torn bill. Similar to the ripped bill above but this can happen anywhere, not just a restaurant.
A Warning: Don’t Invest In Cambodian Land
While you are here you may be approached on how great of a time it is to buy land. Don’t be fooled. Chances of you actually seeing a fair return are slim. By the time an investor sees any of the profit there really will be about 5% of actual, if you are lucky. Cambodia is not cut and dry. Whenever someone decides to they just come down and tell you to pay them whatever, and if you don’t, well who knows. The quote was “They will not let you live there”. Whatever that means.
Nightlife Scams
I have a few bits to add about Cambodian Nightlife Scams. That is paid content but it’s well worth it. Should you decide to have “company” while you are here spend a couple dollars and let me set expectations for you trip to Cambodia.
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