| credits: google.com
Cambodia
is, sadly, a high crime country, and without doubt, it’s a place where
tourists are targeted as a source of income. Unfortunately, there have
been a number of reports of tourists falling victim to violent crime as
well as petty thefts, but that shouldn’t put you off travelling to this
unique part of the world. Generally, the Cambodians are warm, open,
friendly and appreciative of tourists (and the economic benefits).
You’ve just got to be aware of the threat and take precautions to keep
yourself safe.
Here are a few suggestions that will
help you to avoid becoming a target for the local criminals. They may
seem fairly obvious, but hopefully they will get you thinking a little
sharper.
So, you’re out in the crowded streets of
Phnom Penh, trying to enjoy the sights of this captivating city, but
you’re constantly approached by locals trying to sell you stuff you
don’t want. Although selling over-priced merchandise or pestering
relatively wealthy tourists isn’t a crime, some find it really annoying.
They
can tell you’re a tourist, but what gave it away? Was it the backpack
weighing you down, the shiny brushed metal camera dangling from your
wrist, or the crumpled map in your hand? The truth is, of course, that
even without these things, the locals will take one look at you, as you
examine the local sights with more interest than your average Cambodian,
and know straight away that you’re not from around here but that
doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to make yourself a little more
invisible. You’ll take the street vendor hassle level down a notch, and
have the added advantage of being less attractive to the criminal
element looking for an easy target.
Stash the Cash (& Valuables)
Hide the camera in a deep pocket where it’s within easy reach for those vital picture opportunities.
Memorise the map for a few streets in advance so you don’t have to keep glancing at it.
If you’re staying in a local hotel, leave your rucksack behind and just carry your valuables.
If you look like you aren’t carrying any
money, you’ll be of considerably less interest to scam artists than the
other tourists will be.
Watch your back
The pubs and clubs in Cambodian cities,
including in the tourist hotspots of Street 51 in Phnom Penh or the
aptly named Pub Street in Siem Reap, tend to be open buildings with
square holes for windows, and in some cases, not even any walls.
This open design is adopted by most
public buildings on purpose – the humid and tropical Cambodian night air
doesn’t lend itself well to enclosed spaces – but is also favoured by
the lowest form of Cambodian crook, the Pickpocket. These cons are
masters of weaving in and out of the sprawling bar stools and lounge
seats that spill out of the pubs and onto the walkways, relieving
unsuspecting, and often inebriated tourists, of their wallets as they
go. And if you do happen to notice their delicate touch, don’t expect to
catch them – these cities are littered with more un-navigable
backstreets than a Minotaur’s maze.
Source: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/cambodia/Street-Smart-Tips-for-Cambodia