Safety Tips in Cambodia

I would suggest that you avoid hotels in Cambodia if possible. A number of most peculiar coincidences in Hotel rooms in Cambodia caused me to suspect that my privacy was being grossly abused along the lines of spy cameras or other covert surveillance in my room.

When I made enquiries at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police - Office of Central Security, the man who received my enquiry seemed to me most evasive, was very unhelpful, and refused to even tell me his name.

Not sure whether the Cambodians are following some of the precedents set by their Khmer Rouge forbears or whether they are taking their cues from some of the more satanically deceitful cur bullies that exert influence in western society but I suggest that you don't go to Cambodia at all.

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CAMBODIA
Cambodia has a reputation as being dangerous at night. This I beleive is the case especially in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The daytime is fine ,but still be aware with your valuables, drive by motorbike bag snatches happen as do pickpocket activities. Many locals will advise you about the dangers and especially of being out alone after dark. Of course being in crowded areas like bars full of western travellers might seem fine but if you have been consuming lots of "cheap" alcohol be careful.!!.Women especially walking alone at night attract unwanted attention to themselves. This can be a heavy place at night.
The warning signs are there !!! Get a taxi.!! especially if you are intoxicated .Don't bother with a "moto" (tuk tuk) as some drivers will take you to an isolated place and demand a large payment for your return trip. This is a known scam. As you won't know where you are !!.They will "rip you off" if they see that you are intoxicated and if you are a female ,maybe even worse.
Take and heed locals advice.

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CAMBODIA
Like most big cities of the world crime against tourists is big buisiness. The big cities of Asia are really known for their "drive by bag snatches" and different forms of robbery.The streets are crammed with thousands of small motorcycles and are a thiefs dream. Having your wallet or purse stolen by a pick pocket is a real likelehood of happening..I know!!...its happened to me ,and of course I didn't know till well after it happened. A friend I travelled with had his shoulder bag unzipped and valuables removed..and he didn't know!!. A friend I was waiting for got out of her taxi , put her bag down..and it was gone in a second..all her money and documents. Being "ripped off" really upsets your plans...
.REMEMBER These people are good at what they do!...they do it for a living.
Be very careful when in crowded areas : Railway and bus stations are a favourite with thieves.
Market places, crowded bars and restaurants.
Never put your bag down without some form of restraint.
Carry your bag in front ofyou NOT behind
Always carry your bag around your neck NOT over your shoulder.
Be very aware when hugging a "friendly" stranger.!!!
Do not keep all your money in one place.. have a form of money belt hidden away.

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CAMBODIA
When travelling here in Cambodia..Like everywhere else. Make sure that you have Travel Insurance to guarantee your safety in case of an unforseen accident. Ambulances in lots of SE Asia are few and far between and really are not the places to have extended stays in Hospital.
Make sure that before you set out on your travels that the Travel Insurance coverage that you take out is the right coverage for your needs. Accidents happen anywhere and anytime.Mother nature also can play a hand in upsetting your travels also with a flood, Earthquake or any unlikely event she can think of. I always include a repatriation clause with my Insurance in case of unforseen dire events happening.. as they say..
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT !!!

CAMBODIA
Wherever I travelled in Cambodia the sun was fieircley hot and the heat really oppresive. It is imperative to make sure that you carry and use a strong sunscreen with you. I always have a small tube of at least 30+ and make sure that I cover my nose and the tops of my ears. and the backs of your hands. These are the two most prominent areas of skin cancer. The best advice also is to wear a hat and sunglasses. While walking around the huge areas of Angkor Wat found myself sometimes to really feel the heat and I used so much water due to fluid loss..just be aware of dehydration. it was just so hot!!! I beleive Burma is the only other place where it was hotter.
A couple of other items that I carry with me in my day bag are:
A small tube of moisturiser
A tube of lip balm
A small packet of wet wipes ..mainly for the heat but also to wipe small injuries.
A small packet of tissues...just in case the roll is empty..!!

CAMBODIA
I found that travelling in South East Asia anywhere I ALWAYS carried and used a reliable Mosquitoe and Insect Repellant. Mainly due to the heat and the humidity here in the tropics it is imperative to use a Mosquito Repellant everyday..Malaria and Dengue fever are prevelant and can be fatal.I always covered up with long sleeves and long pants but the main thing is to apply a repellant on any exposed skin.. Dont worry about the smell everyone around you should smell the same ....if they are smart..

Whenever I am travelling in and around South East Asia I am never without sufficient fresh Bottled water.
As these tropical climates produce such extremely hot and humid days it is imperative when out exploring usually as so much walking/hiking is involved it is just so important to replace lost fluids. Dehydration can come upon you quickly without sufficient water. I ALWAYS make sure that I have enough with me at ALL times..
Be very careful when purchasing bottled water , and make sure that the seal on the bottle cap is unbroken and is NOT a refill...I have been caught out this way much to my misfortune.

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Cambodia is not affected as much as Thailand but Siem Reap had been flooded and the central area was under water. google or youtube for more photos and videos.
Just yesterday my brother wrote to me to say that he is thinking of closing his hotel temporarily because of lack of business. Another friend wrote to say she couldnt get to work because of the floods and her house was under water.
Keep that in mind before you go to Siem Reap. I am not sure of the situation elsewhere in the country.