We were in Cambodia and we live jet.. I think in every country are thieves and cheater and not just

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 pictures los angeles california to keep yourself safe.
Here are a few suggestions pictures los angeles california (updated on November 16 2011) 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 pictures los angeles california 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 pictures los angeles california 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)
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. pictures los angeles california 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, pictures los angeles california 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.
The secret to avoid becoming a target here is to select a seat with a high, solid back that's set against a wall.  Never pick a seat with an opening next to your back pockets, especially if that's where you keep your valuables.  Make sure that you're sitting on anything you'd rather remain in possession of, such as your passport or wallet, and be mindful to check they're still there whenever you have to get up to move. Be Careful of Who You Engage in Conversation
English is the world's most common language, so you'll probably find that most people who approach you will automatically start talking to you in English. It's tempting to talk back, especially if you're asked a question. But beware, the criminals and con artists know this too, and engaging one of them in conversation is like offering a shortcut to your bank card.  Once he thinks he's made a connection, pictures los angeles california he's really unlikely to leave you alone, and where one con artist shows an interest, others will follow.
To avoid this situation, definitely don't answer any questions that could cause you further problems, so if you're asked where you're staying in Phnom Penh, for example, announcing your hotel and room number is probably ill advised.
If you suspect you might be being scammed, and if you can keep a straight face, pretend you don't speak English. It's amazing how quickly you'll be left alone by petty criminals if they can't communicate with you. This works particularly well for travellers who speak at least one other language pictures los angeles california – unless that language happens to be Cambodian of course, because that might defeat the purpose. Take a Tuk Tuk?
The infamous pictures los angeles california tuk tuk is a three wheeled pictures los angeles california vehicle, a little like a bike with a carriage pictures los angeles california on the back.  Sometimes these vehicles are powered by an engine, and sometimes they're pedal power alone, but what they nearly all have in common is that the drivers will be on commission – and not just to you!  Taking a ride in one of these vehicles may find you ending up miles away from your destination pictures los angeles california and away from the safety of the crowds.
That's not to say that you mustn't pictures los angeles california sample this traditional Asian transportation device if you really must, but try to do that safely, either by sharing with another tourist or travelling companion you know well, or by taking a trip along a route you'll recognise – that way you'll be able to spot the danger signs if you end up straying from the main drag. Related Articles
I have to offer a counterview. This is definitely not my experience pictures los angeles california of Cambodia nor is it the experience of many other people I know who live or visit there. br Cambodia is NOT crime riddled and tourists are, surprisingly, rarely targeted. I live in Phnom Penh (since August 2010) and I do many of the things they recommend not doing - apart from conspicuously displaying wealth. I engage in conversation pictures los angeles california as often as possible, take tuk tuks and motos every day, look at maps when necessary ... this article is promoting a weird kind of paranoia. Cambodians are gracious, welcoming, hospitable and genuinely pictures los angeles california wanting visitors to have a good time in their country - and it s pleasure to live there and work as an Australian Volunteer . br br However, in Central PP (around Street 178 where I live) watch out for the grotty looking Australian guy who scams other tourists and tells them a bogus story about having been robbed on the bus from Siem Reap and having his gear stolen and no money or passport and just needing to borrow some money, usually does it on a weekend or public holiday when the embassy is conveniently closed .... a number of tourists pictures los angeles california have been targeted by him!!! And he s tried to scam me twice.
I lived in Cambodia for a couple of years and can tell you this advice is excellent, especially the Don t Engage in Conversation ... NOT. br br World Nomads, this is a disgrace. pictures los angeles california You probably haven t been to Cambodia since 2000, if at all. It is the friendliest, most open and welcoming place I ve ever been. I know of a few bag snatches and a couple pictures los angeles california of motorbike accidents and two break-and-enters. These things happen at home too. Be sensible. You re much more likely to get a tummy bug from the food. But advising people to avoid talking to locals with this level of false and alarmist pictures los angeles california hysteria????? And you re a travel website? Crackpots.
Hi Phil at the safety hub here. The article was written by someone who has been to Cambodia, pictures los angeles california several times and recently, and approved by me, so I take responsibility. The point we re trying to make (admittedly not very well) is that you should not engage in conversation with someone you suspect has ulterior motives, especially around the Pub Street bars at night. br We might be crackpots cambobbobo, but we re not so naive to think that con-artists and scammers do not operate in Cambodia. Of course they do. That doesn t make all Cambodians bad, but because the vast majority are lovely, warm and friendly does not mean you shouldn t be on your guard for the few who are not. Indeed that is the modus operandi for con-artists, they know most visitors trust Cambodians because of their open nature, pictures los angeles california and they take advantage of that. Our message is don t let them! br Of course there are petty criminals everywhere... we are not singling out Cambodia. You should see how harsh we are of the outrageous petty crime rates in Barcelona and Italy! br skycambodia, I m happy for you that your experience is there s little crime targeting tourists, but that s not the view of other official agencies. The Australian government says this: br - Opportunistic crime is common in Cambodia and the frequency of incidents pictures los angeles california is increasing. pictures los angeles california - and they go on to list places where it is a problem. br The US State Department says: Cambodia has a high crime rate, including street crime. Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals. br And here s a comment from a traveller on the Khmer440 site: - It won t be long before pictures los angeles california even the retard criminals figure out that in Cambodia, crime pays. Times are hard, police pictures los angeles california are few, badly equipped and totally non-motivated, and the pickings are easy. Added to the problem is that if you do get caught, you can always bribe your way out. - br These are just a few examples of the sources we check when we research and write these articles. (so what we;ve written isn t looking false and alarmist hysteria really, is it?) br maybe we got the tone wrong, and I apologise for that. I ll make some edits to the article to make our intention clearer. But I stand by the major thrust of the article - if you let your brain take a holiday pictures los angeles california as well as your body, if you act like an easy target, if you re not cautious abut who you engage in conversation with, if you wander around thinking any tourist-heavy bar district is perfectly safe, you might find yourself in strife. br
We were in Cambodia and we live jet.. I think in every country are thieves and cheater and not just in Cambodia. br If cambodian people catch one thief.. the thief will be beaten. br My wife and I could walk a long dark backstreet and we didnt fear. People were friendly and lot of people speak english, not like in Thailand. br I recommend Cambodia and u dont need fear just lik in aother country. br Cambodia is my best memorable travelling. br br The other hand.. lot of foreign people travel to Cambodia that exploit poor people poor women and very young kids... br I think the WN should writ