You’re right to wonder, is Cambodia safe for tourists? After all, before heading to any new country, safety is always on your mind. The good news is, Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s friendliest and safest destinations when you know what to expect.
In this guide, you’ll learn what safety in Cambodia really looks like, from common scams and travel tips to cultural etiquette and local laws, so you can explore this beautiful country with confidence and ease.
Common Safety Concerns in Cambodia
Over the years, Cambodia has become one of Southeast Asia’s most tourist-friendly destinations. Major cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang are generally considered safe, and most visits are trouble-free.
Violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare; tourists don’t get attacked or swept off of the streets. And travellers often mention how kind and helpful the locals are.
The main issues you might encounter are petty crimes:
- Pickpocketing
- Overcharging by tuk-tuk drivers
- Small scams in touristy areas, like a fake mom begging for money with an infant.
- Phone or jewellery snatchers on motorcycles.
- Vendors
- Theft
- Heavy traffic (Foreigners might find it hard to ride through the traffic.)
These are the common ones, but you can also find these petty crimes in almost every country. With a bit of awareness, these can be easily avoided.
Tips to Stay Safe and Places to Stay Away From
When it comes to safety tips, some are just common sense, while others are unique to Cambodia and worth knowing before you go.
- Don’t flash stacks of cash and shiny jewellery in public areas.
- When using a money exchange bureau, always take a photo of your cash beforehand. In Cambodia, even slightly torn US dollars aren’t accepted. Some vendors may swap your fresh notes with damaged ones and demand extra money
- Check while you get money change from a vendor. Check for any $2 bills ($2 bills are not accepted in Cambodia). Understanding money in Cambodia is complicated, but we’ve made it easy for you!
- Be sensible with your belongings; don’t leave things unattended unless you know that it’s a safe place to do so.
- It’s especially important for women to cover their drinks with a hand or a lid, as there’s a risk of them being spiked.
- Try not to use cell phones while being a pillion rider on a bike or while sitting in a tuk-tuk. Phone snatchers can be common in some parts.
- Always ask around for the prices for a ride in a tuk-tuk. Some drivers might quote more money than others. Or simply book online through apps like Grab, especially at night.
- Don’t give your passport to anyone. In a new country, your passport will be your lifeline; losing that would be trouble.
- Never borrow or lend money to anybody that you have just met on the trip.
- Absolutely don’t trust sketchy recruitment promoting work opportunities for an attractive salary. This can end up in human trafficking and forced labour.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Always keep an eye around you; keep your phones and wallets safe.
- It’s best not to trek alone or wander into forests without a local guide. Cambodia still has areas with unexploded landmines, especially in remote regions with little human activity
- Don’t brag or show off your wealth to strangers.
- Never gamble with strangers on a trip.
- A traveller should always carry pepper spray regardless of their gender.
Women and Solo Travelers in Cambodia
Cambodia is popular among backpackers. Solo travellers of all ages, including women, young adults, and older people, often spend weeks exploring. These comments are based on Reddit users’ experiences!
Local Laws and Cultural Etiquette
When a guest enters our home, we expect them to follow a few house rules. Similarly, when we visit other nations, it’s important to obey and respect their rules. If not, the locals are not going to be very happy, and we might get ourselves in trouble.
Cambodia’s people are polite, and it is one of the truly tolerant nations. These are a few basic etiquette rules to be followed while in Cambodia:
- Always cover your knees, shoulders, and back while visiting Angkor Wat, any temples, or the city palace. This is a strict rule that must be followed.
- Shorts and sleeveless tops are okay in cities and on beaches, but general modesty is appreciated in Cambodia.
- Avoid smoking near children or the elderly
- Remove shoes before entering pagodas or someone’s home.
- Never talk badly about the royal family; it is considered a serious offence. It’s better not to discuss any politics while you are there.
- Don’t point your legs at anybody, temple idols, or monks. It is considered to be highly disrespectful.
- Hold your hands together and give a slight bow when speaking to monks, elders, or the royal family.
- If you travel with your kid, it’s common for people to touch the kid’s head. However, if you don’t like it, politely say no.
Other than these, being a decent and polite person will be enough to have a great time in Cambodia!
Emergency Contacts and Resources in Cambodia
It’s a smart idea to save a few essential contacts on your phone before traveling. This should include local emergency numbers like police, ambulance, and fire services, your country’s embassy, your hotel or accommodation, and a trusted local guide or friend
- Police: 117
- Fire Department: 118
- Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 119
- Tourist Police (Phnom Penh & Siem Reap): 023 992 222
- Road Accident Hotline: 128
Also, download apps like Grab, TADA, or WeGo Taxi. “If you notice someone following you on foot, head straight to a crowded public area. Once there, quickly book a taxi and flee the area immediately.
Conclusion
So, is Cambodia safe for tourists? The answer is a resounding yes! With a bit of awareness, common sense, and respect for local customs, Cambodia is a welcoming and safe destination for travellers of all kinds.
Just before you go, remember to save emergency contacts, respect local laws, and follow the safety tips outlined in this guide. Your journey will be smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.
Ready to explore Cambodia? Pack your bags, plan ahead, and start your adventure in one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations!
Frequently Asked Questions Cambodia Safety for Tourists
Is Cambodia safe for Indians?
Yes, Cambodia is a favourite destination for backpackers and travellers. It is definitely a safe place for Indians as well!
Is Cambodia safe for tourists?
Yes, Cambodia is one of the safest countries for tourists. The country partly runs on tourism, which makes the livelihood for thousands of Cambodians. So, yeah, it is safe for tourists.
Which language is spoken in Cambodia?
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. People also speak other languages like English and languages of the neighbouring countries like Thai, Lao and Vietnamese.
