Question 1

What is the "Drive-By Bag and Phone Snatching" scam in Phnom Penh?

Accepted Answer

Criminals on motorbikes snatch phones, bags, and cameras from pedestrians and tuk-tuk passengers in Phnom Penh. Australian Smartraveller and the US State Department both flag this as one of the most common crimes against visitors, with incidents increasing in 2024. Hold bags on the side away from the road. Keep phones in pockets when not actively using them. Sit inside a tuk-tuk rather than on the outer edge. Be particularly alert near the riverfront and Russian Market.

Question 2

What is the "Gem and Jewellery Scams" scam in Phnom Penh?

Accepted Answer

Vendors near the Central Market and tourist guesthouses sell low-quality or fake gems — synthetic rubies, glass 'sapphires,' and plated jewellery — at prices presented as significant deals. Purchases cannot be refunded. Do not buy gems or jewellery from street vendors or market stalls without independent verification. If genuinely interested, have any stone assessed by a certified gemologist before purchasing.

Street Scams in Phnom Penh

Drive-By Bag and Phone Snatching

Gem and Jewellery Scams

Experienced a scam here?