Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Safe Travel
Cambodia is a pretty safe country for travellers these days, but remember the golden rule:
stick to marked
paths in remote areas (because of landmines)
.
The
Cambodia Daily
(
www.cambodiadaily.com
) and the
Phnom Penh Post
(
www.phnompenhpost.com
)
are both good sources for breaking news. Check their websites before you hit the road.
Crime & Violence
Given the number of guns in Cambodia, there is less armed theft than one might expect. Still, hold-ups and
motorcycle theft are a potential danger in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. There is no need to be paranoid,
just cautious. Walking or riding alone late at night is not ideal, certainly not in rural areas.
There have been incidents of bag snatching in Phnom Penh in the last few years and the motorbike
thieves don't let go, dragging passengers off
motos
and endangering lives.
Should anyone be unlucky enough to be robbed, it is important to note that the Cambodian police are the
best that money can buy! Any help, such as a police report, is going to cost you. The going rate depends on
the size of the claim, but anywhere from US$5 to US$50 is a common charge.
Violence against foreigners is extremely rare, but it pays to take care in crowded bars or nightclubs in Ph-
nom Penh. If you get into a stand-off with rich young Khmers in a bar or club, swallow your pride and back
down. Still think you can 'ave 'em? Many carry guns and have an entourage of bodyguards, 'nuff said.
Mines, Mortars & Bombs
Never
touch any rockets, artillery shells, mortars, mines, bombs or other war material you may come across.
The most heavily mined part of the country is along the Thai border area, but mines are a problem in much
of Cambodia. In short:
do not stray from well-marked paths under any circumstances
. If you are planning
any walks, even in safer areas such as the remote northeast, it is imperative you take a guide as there may
still be unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the American bombing campaign of the early 1970s.
Scams
Most scams are fairly harmless, involving a bit of commission here and there for taxi or
moto
drivers, partic-
ularly in Siem Reap.
There have been one or two reports of police set-ups in Phnom Penh, involving planted drugs. This seems
to be very rare, but if you fall victim to the ploy, it may be best to pay them off before more police get in-
volved at the local station, as the price will only rise when there are more officials to pay off.
There is quite a lot of fake medication floating about the region. Safeguard yourself by only buying pre-
scription drugs from reliable pharmacies or clinics.
The Filipino blackjack scam has made it to Cambodia in the last couple of years, so don't get involved in
any gambling with seemingly friendly Filipinos unless you want to part with plenty of cash.
