Cambodia
25 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 7, 2026
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Cambodia?
For Cambodia, most travelers should download Bakong Tourists, Wise, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Cambodia?
For Cambodia, most travelers should download Bakong Tourists, Wise, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Can I drink tap water in Cambodia?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in Cambodia. Never drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere (500-1,000 KHR). Be cautious with ice outside tourist restaurants.
Should I tip in Cambodia?
Tipping is not traditional but increasingly expected in tourist areas. Restaurants: Not expected at local restaurants. 10% appreciated at tourist restaurants. Some add service charge.
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Cambodia offers visa on arrival for many nationalities. Tourist visa (T-class) available on arrival at airports and major land borders for $30 USD. eVisa available via evisa.gov.kh for $36. Visa-free for ASEAN nationals. Extendable once for 30 more days at Phnom Penh immigration.
What power adapter do I need for Cambodia?
Cambodia uses Type A, C, G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. Mixed plug types. Many hotels have universal outlets. Bring a universal adapter.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Cambodia — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber
- For ride-hailing, locals in Cambodia typically use PassApp and Grab.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in Cambodia typically use Grab and Foodpanda.
- If you use WhatsApp
- For messaging, locals in Cambodia typically use Telegram and Facebook Messenger.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Cambodia. Locals also use Organic Maps, BookMeBus, and Camboticket.
- If you use Google Translate Works here
- Yes — Google Translate works in Cambodia.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Cambodia typically use Bakong Tourists and Wise.
Finance & Payments
2 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
3 apps
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
3 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
3 apps
Tours & Experiences
2 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
💳 Payment Methods in Cambodia
Tourist Accessibility
Moderate accessibility
International Cards
ATM availability: common
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Cambodia uses a dual currency system — USD and Khmer Riel (KHR, ~4,100 per $1). USD bills must be in pristine condition; torn or marked bills are refused. Cash is essential outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. KHQR adoption is growing fast (47% of non-cash retail transactions in 2025). The Bakong Tourists app lets foreigners pay via KHQR with international cards. ATM fees are $3-6 per withdrawal universally.
Travel Information for Cambodia
Common Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo
- $30 USD fee (tourist visa)
🏧 ATM Tips
All ATMs charge $3-6 per withdrawal. Most dispense USD. ACLEDA and ABA Bank ATMs are most reliable. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
USD is the de facto currency for tourists — prices quoted in dollars everywhere. Keep small USD bills ($1-5) for tuk-tuks and small purchases. Change from large bills often given in Riel. Do not accept torn, marked, or old-series USD bills — you won't be able to spend them.
Best Time to Visit
November to February (cool and dry, 25-30°C). Peak season for Angkor Wat. March-May extremely hot (35-40°C). June-October monsoon season with afternoon downpours.
Languages
Khmer English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Smart Axiata is the best tourist carrier — $5 for 30GB/15 days at the airport. Cellcard also has good coverage. Metfone has the best rural coverage. Passport required for SIM registration.
Transportation
PassApp and Grab are essential — no metered taxis. Tuk-tuks are the main local transport. Agree on price before riding if not using an app. Moto-dops (motorcycle taxis) are cheap but risky. Intercity buses via BookMeBus or Camboticket. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (30 min). Ferries to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem from Sihanoukville.
Cultural Notes
- Theravada Buddhist country — dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
- Never touch someone's head — it is considered sacred
- Don't point your feet at people or Buddha images
- The traditional greeting is the 'sampeah' — palms together with a slight bow
- Respect the monarchy — it is illegal to insult the King
- Avoid discussing the Khmer Rouge unless locals bring it up first
- Ask permission before photographing monks or people
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Never drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere (500-1,000 KHR). Be cautious with ice outside tourist restaurants.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
Mixed plug types. Many hotels have universal outlets. Bring a universal adapter.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional but increasingly expected in tourist areas.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
Cheapest and most convenient option. Pick up at designated ride-hailing area outside arrivals.
Official airport taxis available outside arrivals. Fixed pricing displayed at counter.
Siem Reap International Airport (SAI)
New airport (opened 2023) is further from town than the old one. App-based rides recommended.
Available outside arrivals. Agree on price before departure.
⚠️ Tuk-tuk Driver Temple Commission
Drivers offer cheap day rates to Angkor Wat temples but take you to souvenir shops or specific restaurants where they earn commission. Can waste hours of your temple time.
Book through your hotel or use PassApp/Grab. If hiring a driver, agree on the itinerary in advance and insist on no shopping stops.
⚠️ Fake Orphanage Visits
Organized tours to 'orphanages' where children perform for donations. Most children are not orphans — they are kept in poor conditions to generate tourist revenue.
Never visit orphanages as a tourist. Donate to established NGOs like Friends International or UNICEF Cambodia instead.
⚠️ Milk Powder Scam
Children or women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder from a specific shop. The shop sells it at 5x markup and splits the profit after you leave.
Politely decline. If you want to help, donate to local charities.
⚠️ Overpriced Border Visa
At land borders (especially Poipet), touts or even officials try to charge $35-40+ for the $30 visa on arrival, claiming extra 'processing fees.'
Know the official price ($30 USD) and have exact change. Refuse any unofficial fees. The eVisa ($36) avoids border hassles entirely.
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