Traveling to Cambodia can be an incredible experience filled with rich history, breathtaking temples, and warm hospitality. However, like any destination, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, including theft and scams. In this post, I’ll share my personal experience of getting robbed in Cambodia, how I handled it, and crucial safety tips to help you avoid the same situation.
What Happened? My Personal Experience
I had been exploring the streets of Phnom Penh (or Siem Reap, or any relevant city) for a few days, enjoying the vibrant culture, delicious food, and historical sites. It was an ordinary evening when I decided to take a walk near my hotel, enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
As I was strolling along a busy street, I suddenly felt a strong tug on my bag. Before I could react, two men on a motorbike sped past me, snatching my bag right from my shoulder. In a matter of seconds, they disappeared into the crowded streets, leaving me shocked and helpless.
Inside my bag were my phone, wallet, passport, and some cash. I stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened. I never thought I would be a victim of theft, but in that moment, I realized how quickly things could go wrong.
What I Did Next – Steps to Take After Getting Robbed
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The initial reaction to getting robbed is panic and frustration. However, staying calm is crucial. Take a deep breath and check yourself for any injuries. If the robbers were aggressive, ensure that you are safe before thinking about your belongings.
2. Seek Help Immediately
I immediately approached a local vendor and explained what had happened. Many locals are aware of such incidents and can offer advice or direct you to the nearest police station. If you are near your hotel, notify the staff—they can be incredibly helpful in guiding you on what to do next.
3. Report to the Police
I headed to the nearest police station to file a report. While Cambodia’s police system can be slow, it’s important to have an official report, especially if you need to replace important documents like a passport. Provide as many details as possible, including:
- The time and location of the incident
- A description of the thieves (if possible)
- A list of stolen items
Be prepared that recovering your stolen items is unlikely, but having a report will help with insurance claims and passport replacement.
4. Contact Your Embassy (If Passport Is Stolen)
Losing a passport while traveling is stressful, but embassies deal with this regularly. I contacted my country’s embassy in Phnom Penh, and they provided instructions on how to apply for an emergency travel document. You may need to:
- Fill out forms
- Provide a police report
- Submit passport photos
- Show proof of travel plans
5. Cancel Your Cards & Secure Finances
If your wallet and bank cards are stolen, act fast to prevent unauthorized transactions. I quickly contacted my bank to cancel my credit and debit cards. Many banks have 24/7 support, so make this your priority. If you have emergency cash stored separately (which I highly recommend), use it until you can access new funds.
6. Enable Location Tracking & Report Lost Phone
If your phone is stolen, use a tracking app like “Find My iPhone” or “Google Find My Device” to attempt to locate it. If tracking isn’t an option, remotely erase your data to protect personal information.
How to Stay Safe & Avoid Theft in Cambodia
While my experience was unfortunate, it taught me several valuable lessons about staying safe while traveling. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid getting robbed:
1. Avoid Carrying Valuables in Public
One of my biggest mistakes was carrying too many important items in my bag. To minimize risk:
✅ Carry only the essentials when going out
✅ Keep cash and cards in separate places
✅ Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and valuables
2. Be Aware of Pickpockets & Snatch Thefts
Bag snatchers on motorbikes are common in Cambodia, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. To protect yourself:
✔ Keep your bag across your body with the strap under your arm
✔ Walk against traffic to make it harder for motorbike thieves to grab your belongings
✔ Never use your phone near busy roads—thieves often snatch phones from pedestrians
3. Choose Safe Transportation
Be cautious when using transportation, as some tuk-tuk drivers may be involved in scams. To stay safe:
🔹 Use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of hailing random tuk-tuks
🔹 Agree on a price before starting a ride to avoid overcharging
🔹 Avoid tuk-tuks that seem overly persistent or sketchy
4. Stay in Well-Lit & Busy Areas
Robberies are more common at night in poorly lit or quiet streets. To stay safe:
✔ Walk in well-populated areas
✔ Avoid alleys or shortcuts, especially at night
✔ If you’re returning late, take a reputable taxi or ride-hailing service
5. Secure Your Hotel Room
Even hotels can be a target for theft. Make sure to:
🔹 Use the hotel safe for important documents and extra cash
🔹 Lock your door and use a door stopper for extra security
🔹 Be cautious about leaving valuables out in your room
6. Have Backup Money & Documents
One of the smartest things I did was keeping an extra credit card and emergency cash hidden in a separate location. Some tips:
✅ Store extra cash in your sock, shoe, or hotel safe
✅ Keep digital copies of your passport and important documents
✅ Share copies with a trusted friend or family member
7. Be Cautious with Strangers & Scams
Scammers target tourists in various ways, from friendly “helpful” locals to elaborate tricks. Common scams in Cambodia include:
🚨 Tuk-tuk drivers taking tourists to expensive stores for commission
🚨 Fake monks asking for donations
🚨 Street kids asking for money while pickpocketing
Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.
Final Thoughts – Learning from the Experience
Getting robbed in Cambodia was a scary and frustrating experience, but it taught me valuable lessons about travel safety. While Cambodia remains a beautiful and welcoming country, it’s essential to stay alert and take precautions.
By being aware of your surroundings, securing your belongings, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to theft. Travel should be an enriching experience, and taking safety seriously ensures that you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress.
I hope my story and these tips help you stay safe while exploring Cambodia or any other destination. If you’ve had a similar experience or have additional safety tips, feel free to share them in the comments!
👉 Watch my full story here: VIDEO
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