Khett Siem Reab Warnings Or Dangers Tips by Cathy&Gary

Milk Formula Scam!!

The milk formula scam has been around for a long time in Siem Reap, the first photo I took of these people was back in 2006. It will be children or women carrying babies or toddlers and they do not ask for money, they ask you to buy formula for the baby and will then take you into a shop to buy it, normally at an inflated price $15 - $35.

Once you are gone the formula is taken back to the shop and resold back to the shop owner. So it is a good money making racket for the shop owners and the beggars with babies. This is not just happening from mini marts in Pub Street, it is also happening at the mini mart next to the Night Markets.

I am convinced these babies and toddlers are drugged as we have seen at least 6 different women and children with the babies and they are never awake, and they look quite lifeless!

My sister and I were approached near Molly Malone’s and we told her we would buy milk but she had to come with us so we could buy it from our friends shop, she became quite aggressive and walked off yelling at us “you are bad”.

Actually we saw a couple of girls carrying babies come out of the laneway that runs alongside MM so I don’t know if maybe this is where they are based.

The bottom line is never give money to beggars especially children, it does not solve anything and this keeps them out of school as the parents know their children can be good money spinners, so why would a parent try to find work or better themselves when they know the children can earn good money begging.

So the cycle just keeps going on and on!

The local hard working Khmer people hate the begging that is happening as a lot of them are run by criminal gangs. There are many scams to be aware of not just in Siem Reap, the rice scam is very similar to the baby formula one, if someone wants to take you to buy rice for an orphanage – do not do it.

If you want to help then donate to a reputable charity not to an individual.

Beggers

Begging is very common throughout Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Many of them are children.

Think twice before you give them money as you will then be helping them to depend on this way of living.

Many of them work for gangs or are made to beg by their family, a lot beg to support their glue sniffing habits - especially in the market areas.

Its far better to buy them a drink or something to eat!!

Violence

Violence against tourists is pretty rare, however if you are in a crowded nightclub or bar, just be alert.

If you do happen to get into an argument with a young rich Khmer, just back off, many of them carry guns so its just not worth standing your ground and arguing.

Water

Don't drink the tap water.

Bottles of water are very cheap and you can buy them everywhere.

Clean your teeth with bottled water as well.

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Bags, Cameras etc

Always be aware of your handbag, backpacks, cameras, mobile phones etc.

Especially if you are travelling in a cyclo, hold on to your belongings tightly, wrap you handbag strap a couple of times around your wrist.

If a bike pulls up alongside you with 2 guys on it, chances are the passenger is checking out what you have he can easily grab.

We met a lady who on her first day in Phnom Penh was warned about this but obviously took no notice. Her bag was snatched, she had over $1,000. her camera documents etc in it. DONT CARRY large amounts of money with you.

This warning applys really to wherever you are, I take care with all my belongings whether I am overseas or at home as it can happen anywhere.