Safety Tips in Phnom Penh

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Due to extreme heat and humidity here in Cambodia it is necessary to always carry plenty of fresh drinking water as it is surprising just how much your body loses in the heat of the day..I always got my water when travelling at super markets and kept it in the hotel refrigerator and then it was always on hand when heading out early in the day...

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Crossing the street in Phnom Penh is an adventure every time you do it. There are so many cars, motorcycles and bicycles to dodge. It is especially fun to do when the street is two lanes on each side, i.e., twice as wide. Of course, hardly anyone pays attention to the lanes. You just have to time it after one vehicle and before the next one, and hope that everyone sees/dodges you if you must stop in the middle. I did not drive but turning left in Phnom Penh is almost as much fun as crossing the street.

Begging is very common throughout Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Many of them are children.

Think twice before you give them money as you will then be helping them to depend on this way of living. Many of them work for gangs or are made to beg by their family, a lot beg to support their glue sniffing habits - especially in the market areas.

Its far better to buy them a drink or something to eat!!

Violence against tourists is pretty rare, however if you are in a crowded nightclub or bar, just be alert.

If you do happen to get into an argument with a young rich Khmer, just back off, many of them carry guns so its just not worth standing your ground and arguing.

Last night I was real scared in a dark house with very unpleasent people. Because tunderstorm it was blackout(no electricity).
Any way story goes like this: very short version. You meet a local and after short talk he tell you that his sister will soon fly to your country for work. He ask some advice and of course we western people are ready to help!!! Next step is to be asked to their home to have a dinner and talk with his sister. Of course I go. I want to help and meet new local people.
I went but now sister... but some casino men tellig you everything how to make easy money. Yes I never think money comes easy. But I still waited sister. Next step they teach to play Poker and win without risk. Next phone ring and some singapore man call and wanted his member card to casino. After a while he come with huge money along. It was still heavy rain so they desired to play poker. Casino man gave me 500 $ for play. I said I do not want to play but ... few rounds and I won 10000 $ and still two more game they insist. But then I stood up and asked to stop and leave. I told my friends are waiting.
I went out but door to street was closed and I could not jump over. Wall was 5 meter tall and ironspikes.

I was very scared. Lesson learned. Never ever trust anybody!!! Do not try to help people you do not know. Do not tell you name, mobilephone where you stay ie.

This scam is not only in Campodia but all over Asia. Google Blackjack Scam to know more.

Hired a cyclo driver for a short trip, the cost $1. When I paid, he saw I had more in my purse, so it went up to $2, then he wanted more, which he didn't get.
Best to try not let them see into your purse if possible.

The sight of children begging is familiar throughout the developing world, and Cambodia is no exception. There are many child beggars around Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor and it is often difficult to resist giving them some money. However, giving to child beggars may create a cycle of dependency that can continue into adulthood.

Due to the high poverty rate, crime is higher in Cambodia than its neighbors. Your hotel can also be susceptible to thievery. Always keep important documents either on you or in a hotel safe. A locked hotel room doesn’t mean it’s safe.