The following TripReport snippet is taken from 2003/12 Merlin - Spending the Holidays In Cambodia

SAFETY: is NOT an issue in Cambodia anymore, especially if you use your common sense. I found it more unnerving in Latin America (Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil) than during my 9 nights in Cambodia. In fact, as some of you may know, one of the few times I was in TJ, I was mugged by the TJ police one time and forced to withdraw cash from my ATM before they let me go after 2 hours of driving around. I reported this to the U.S. embassy back in April and even provided a statement. Manila was a bit scary as well, lots of armed guys. There are armed security guards here, but tell me a place where there isn’t. The only time I felt even remotely uneasy was when these guys with shaved heads, tattoos, and baggy clothes came to Martinis to pary on New Years eve. Loud and rude, and a product of the USA. I soon found out these guys were recently U.S. residents that were deported for criminal activity. These Chollo wannabes were U.S. exports who came to Martini because the disco played U.S. rap and hip-hop. Ironic, that the locals caused me no fear, but that products of U.S. streets did. Something to think about when comparing safety in a 3rd world country.

Can someone recommend a good, small inside the clothes "money concealer" that you can get at Target or Wal-Mart or any other big name retailer?

Gregorio & Club Members -

Target and Wal-Mart both sell the tan/flesh colored fabric money belts with an adjustable elastic band.

The money pouch is just big enough to hold a small wad of cash (bill length), a few credit/ID cards and a passport. The main entrance to the money pouch is secured by velcro, and there is a zippered pocket within the main pouch. I usually put my IDs and credit cards in the smaller zippered pocket.

If I could, I would modify this money belt with a fast clip plastic fastener and also remove the velcro and put a zipper on it instead...the velcro is damn noisy. However, for $7.95 I guess it does the trick.

When in Panama I used the money belt nearly every night, but I never had any mugging problems. However, twice in Mexico while mongering in BoysTown I had the cops pat me down for weapons and dig through my pockets looking for drugs. I was wearing the money belt and I had about $400 in $20s, a second ID card and a credit card. They didn't find the belt. Of course, being macho Mexican cops they weren't going to pat me around my groin area anyway.

When I wear the belt, I wear it low on my hips with the money pouch tucked into the top of my underwear and suitably held in-place by my dick. The elastic band is rather thin and it can also we tucked within your underwear...provided you wear underwear.

I recommend you don't let your money belt fully replace your wallet. Getting to the money belt to get more money is a bit awkward in public. Therefore, before I leave the hotel/secure area I make sure I have just enough cash in my wallet to cover what I expect to buy. If you run low on wallet cash it would be best to duck into a restroom where you can have a little more privacy as you dig in your crotch to get more money.

Additionally, it makes sense to carry only the minimum necessary in your wallet when out mongering. I usually carry one form of ID and maybe $40 or $60 in cash if I feel I'm at risk of being mugged. Leave the Sam's Club, JcPenny cards and all that crap at home before you travel.

If you are ever robbed in a 3rd world country it is likely the weapon of choice will be a knife...perhaps a buddy bad guy or two for muscle.

Therefore, my plan is to pull-out my wallet, pull-out the cash so the bad guy(s) can see all of it. I'll drop the money, and back away. If he still wants the wallet I will toss it towards him at an angle, preferably over his shoulder. Then I will run like hell towards safety. If there are more than one bad guys, I may drop my cheap watch to keep them busy.

Hopefully with the money/watch on the ground and me running the other way the bad guy will be content.

However, if the bad guy has a gun...that is a different story. Make no fast moves up close where you may startle the bad guy. Remember, he is probably afraid that you may try to grab the gun...by the way, don't do this or try to kick the gun from his hands...the bullet will travel faster than your kick can change the direction of the gun barrel. You'll get shot.

Follow the same procedure I described above, but rather than simply turning and running, step slowly backwards to build distance between you and the bad guy. Maintain eye contact with the bad guy and assure him you are not resisting or threatening him. As your distance between you and the bad guy increases, the probability that he can hit you with a bullet decreases proportionally. At some point, and it is entirely your call, run like hell. If he shoots, definitely do not stop...if he shoots at you when you are no longer a threat that means he wants to kill you...do not stop.

When running it is best not to run directly away from the bad guy, but instead at an angle away from him. In order for him to hit you he will have to lead his shot...likely he will shoot right at you and miss. If you run directly away...hey, its a direct shot...not that hard to make. (I'm a qualified expert marksman and an avid bird hunter...so I know).

Handguns are accurate and deadly close-up (10-15 feet or less), 20-25 feet is still touch and go, but around 30+ feet the guy with the gun will have to stabilize himself and aim the gun using the guns sights. If it is night time and you can get some obstacles between you and him as you are running away, the better. Again, if you are running and angling away from him, your chances of not being hit will be better.

The bottom-line is use your best judgement when confronted with this type of threat. Self preservation is your number one priority. Do whatever it takes to stay alive because we all look forward to your next trip report.

Take care out there.

AlecJamer

Hey, Alec, great advice. I too have only been harassed in TJ, and nowhere else. I might also add that I carry a "chump" wallet, a decoy. This wallet has closed credit cards, expired licenses, etc with some cash. Some nitwit, pick-pocketed me once in Cabo SL, but never had to use it in a mugging.

Above: Make sure you go in government approved hostess and karaoke bars in Cambodia as these Chinese girls and CUSTOMERS were arrested in an illegal brothel.