Cambodia (KH)

Mandatory pre-travel registration for all travellers entering Cambodia by air or land. Complete before departure to avoid immigration delays. Generates a QR code for the immigration desk. Free to use. Download from App Store or Google Play, or complete via web at arrival.gov.kh.

The most widely recommended banking app for expats in Cambodia. Full account management, KHQR payments (scan at virtually any shop, restaurant, market, or tuk-tuk), international transfers, bill payments, and top-ups. ABA has the largest merchant network in Cambodia. Online account opening in as little as 15 minutes with passport and visa. USD and KHR accounts.

National blockchain-based payment system developed by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). Enables interoperable QR payments across all Cambodian banks — one app links to your account at any participating bank. Widely adopted since 2024; scan Bakong/KHQR codes everywhere. Also supports peer-to-peer transfers between banks without SWIFT fees. Essential alongside your banking app.

Dominant ride-hailing app in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Book tuk-tuks, cars, and GrabFood delivery. In-app payment with ABA or cash. Driver tracking, fare estimate before booking, and in-app emergency button. Preferred by expats for transparency and safety. Surge pricing applies during rain and peak hours.

Cambodian alternative to Grab for tuk-tuks and cars in Phnom Penh. Very popular with locals; often cheaper than Grab especially for tuk-tuks. Good option when Grab has surge pricing or low driver availability. In-app payment or cash.

Cambodia's leading food, grocery, and errand delivery platform. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap coverage. Thousands of restaurants and shops on the platform. Pay via ABA/KHQR or cash on delivery. Used daily by most expats in Phnom Penh. Also offers laundry, pharmacy, and convenience delivery.

The dominant messaging app for professional and community communication in Cambodia. Landlords, agents, visa services, government offices, delivery services, and expat groups all use Telegram channels and groups. Essential for receiving updates, making bookings, and participating in local communities. Set up with a local Cambodian number for best functionality.

Cambodia's primary social media platform with very high local adoption. Essential for: expat groups (Expats in Cambodia, Phnom Penh Expats and Travelers, Siem Reap Expats), housing search (Facebook Marketplace), job listings, buy/sell groups (Phnom Penh Buy Sell), local business discovery, and event announcements. Many Cambodian businesses operate primarily through Facebook Pages.

Expat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.

Cambodia's largest classifieds platform for housing, vehicles, furniture, electronics, and local services. Good for finding apartment listings, used motorbikes, and second-hand furniture. Interface partly in Khmer but navigable with Google Translate. Use alongside Realestate.com.kh for housing search.

Generally accurate for Phnom Penh and major cities; useful for finding addresses, businesses, and estimated travel times. Waze is also good for real-time traffic in Phnom Penh. Many Cambodian addresses are imprecise — use GPS pin sharing via Telegram or WhatsApp when giving your location to drivers or delivery services.

Mobile money platform useful for domestic transfers, bill payments, and sending money to provincial areas where traditional bank branches are sparse. Wide agent network across Cambodia. Less commonly used by urban expats who have ABA but important for those working or travelling outside Phnom Penh.

Best rate for international money transfers into and out of Cambodia (USD accounts). Use to receive salary from abroad, transfer savings home, or pay for international services. Wise transfers to Cambodian USD bank accounts work well. Compare rates with your bank's SWIFT transfer fees ($15–25/transfer) — Wise typically saves significantly on mid-market rate.