Overall safety
Cambodia is generally safe for expat residents but has a higher crime rate than neighbours Thailand or Vietnam in certain categories [1,2]. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon but does occur, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. The main concerns are petty theft, bag snatching, road safety, and scams. Sihanoukville has seen increased violent crime linked to the casino and online gambling industry.
Crime
- Bag snatching / phone theft: very common in Phnom Penh, particularly along the riverfront, in BKK1, and around markets (Russian Market, Central Market). Thieves on motorbikes grab bags and phones from pedestrians (including from inside tuk-tuks). Keep bags out of sight in tuk-tuks (between your feet, not on your lap). Do not use your phone near the road edge.
- Residential break-ins: more common than in neighbouring countries. Choose a house with good security: solid gates, window grilles, security cameras. Many expat houses in Phnom Penh have 24-hour security guards (shared cost with neighbours). The guard is usually audible by mobile phone and responsive. Do not rely solely on locks.
- Gun crime: exists but rarely targets foreigners randomly. Cambodia has a significant number of unregistered firearms remaining from the civil war era. Most gun crimes are targeted in nature and related to disputes between Cambodian nationals.
- Drugs: penalties are severe. Cambodia has a very active anti-drug enforcement campaign. Possession of drugs can carry life imprisonment. Avoid any involvement.
- Scams targeting expats: common. Investment scams promising high returns on Phnom Penh real estate or "casino shares" have taken money from many expats. Do not invest in anything without independent due diligence.
- Online gambling / cyber-scam compounds: parts of Sihanoukville and the Poipet area are known for large compounds where foreign nationals are effectively held against their will working for online scam operations. These do not generally target expat residents but create a heightened security environment. Sihanoukville has seen violent incidents between rival groups.
Scams
- Tuk-tuk overcharging: Phnom Penh tuk-tuk drivers often quote double the standard fare. Use PassApp to compare. Negotiate firmly before boarding. A common scam: "the temple/market is closed, let me take you to a shop that sells...". Refuse.
- Currency confusion: transactions mix USD and KHR. Scammers take advantage by giving change in KHR at a poor rate. Know the current rate (~4,100 KHR/USD) and check your change.
- Visa extension scam: agents promising fast extensions at inflated prices. Check the official fee schedule at the General Department of Immigration.
- Land title scam: selling land the vendor does not own or has dual titles. Always use a reputable lawyer and verify at the Ministry of Land Management before buying.
- Charity scam: people approach you on the street with a clipboard for a children's charity. Most are not legitimate. Donate to established NGOs instead.
Traffic safety
- Cambodia has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world (about 12-18 deaths per 100,000 population per year).
- The main roads in Phnom Penh are chaotic. Traffic laws are loosely followed. Red lights are treated as suggestions at many intersections.
- Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of death for foreigners. If you ride, wear a helmet (enforced by law, fine 5-15 USD), avoid riding at night, and never after drinking.
- Road quality outside major routes is poor. Potholes, unlit vehicles, and livestock on the road are common hazards, particularly in the provinces.
- Drink-driving enforcement exists but is inconsistent. The legal limit is 50 mg/dL. Penalties are fines (50-100 USD).
- Driving on the right.
Scams targeting expats
- Rental deposit scam: in Phnom Penh, a landlord demands a large deposit then claims deductions for pre-existing damage at the end. Photo-document everything at move-in. Use a written contract (in English or Khmer with an English translation).
- Business partnership scam: a local "partner" proposes a joint business, takes the foreigner's investment, and the business never materialises. Due diligence through a reputable lawyer is essential.
- Visa overstay fine scam: immigration officials may demand excessive overstay fines. The official rate is 10 USD per day. Pay only at the official counter with a receipt.
Areas with elevated risk
- Sihanoukville: elevated violent crime linked to the casino and cyber-scam industry. The UK FCDO and other governments advise caution. Some expat communities avoid the city entirely.
- Battambang / Poipet border area: scam compounds and illegal gambling operations. Exercise caution crossing the Thai border at Poipet.
- Phnom Penh riverfront: after midnight, the area attracts petty thieves and drunk individuals. Exercise standard caution.
- Remote provinces (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri): landmine risk exists near the Vietnamese border (from the civil war). Stick to marked roads and trails.
Landmines
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Demining continues through organisations such as CMAC, HALO Trust, and MAG. Do not walk off marked paths in rural or forested areas near the border. The areas most affected are Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Pallin provinces. Authorities widely post mine-risk education signage. If you see a red triangular sign with a skull and crossbones, it is a minefield.
Emergency contacts
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 119
- Fire: 118
- Tourist police (Phnom Penh): +855 12 942 484
- Immigration hotline: +855 31 220 1122
- CMAC (mine clearance): +855 23 211 018
- Embassies: register with your home-country embassy.
This page provides general safety information and does not cover all risks. Always verify specific concerns with local authorities.