Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or planning a longer stay, navigating life in Cambodia is a whole lot easier when you’ve got the right digital tools. I’ve been living in Phnom Penh for over a decade and watched firsthand how tech adoption has skyrocketed here. To help make your stay smoother, I’ve put together a list of must-have websites and apps that I personally use and recommend.
📶 Connectivity
These are the go-to apps for Cambodia’s major telcos. Both networks offer solid LTE/4G coverage in urban areas.
You can order an eSIM before arrival, manage your plan, and top-up easily. I would recommend Airalo eSIM, which you can purchase online from anywhere around the world. Get USD $3.00 off your first purchase via my promo code “VEARYD3116“.
🚖 Ride-Hailing Apps
- Grab: Ideal for those hopping between Southeast Asian countries. Reliable and widespread.
Bonus Tip: You can also use Grab for parcel delivery—super handy when you need to send something across town. - PassApp: Cambodia’s local version of Grab. So common that tuk-tuks are often called “passapps”!
- TADA: Eco-conscious and futuristic, TADA features locally-made Onion e-TukTuks—though coverage is still limited.
🚌 Intercity Travel
- redBus: My favorite for booking long-distance buses or minivans. The platform lists reputable companies and destinations across the country.
- Vireak Buntham (VET): Excellent app for booking buses, minivans, and even speedboats to the islands. The rates are reasonable, and you can pay instantly via QR code linked to your bank account. 🚌🚙🛥
🏨 Accommodation
- Booking.com: Thanks to the Genius program, you’ll often find better deals than walking in. It’s my go-to every time.
- Agoda: recently offers very good pricing!
🍜 Food Delivery & Local Shopping
- FoodPanda: International coverage, easy to use.
Bonus Tip: You can also use FoodPanda for parcel delivery—not just meals. - Nham24: Cambodia’s homegrown version. Some restaurant menus are only available here.
- E-gets & WowNow: Great for ordering from local shops and small businesses. These apps often feature exclusive deals and niche local products.
🗺️ Navigation & Translation
- Google Maps: Still the king for navigating cities and towns.
- Google Lens: Perfect for translating menus or signs—point your camera, and voilà.
💬 Messaging
- Telegram: The #1 app in Cambodia, used widely by locals, expats, and even government agencies.
- WhatsApp: A solid backup, especially for staying in touch with friends and family abroad.
🌍 Community & Info
- Reddit (e.g., r/Cambodia): Great for a mix of insights, news, and the occasional dose of sarcasm.
- Facebook Groups (e.g., Cambodia Expats): Super helpful for finding housing, services, or asking random questions.
💼 Job Hunting
- BongThom.com: The top local job board for both Cambodian and international professionals. Mobile app available.
- LinkedIn: is also a great choice to look for jobs in well-established companies.
🛒 Marketplace
- Khmer24: Think of it as Cambodia’s Craigslist. You’ll find everything from used bikes to apartments. Just be cautious—when in doubt, ask a local before buying.
💰 Banking & Digital Payments
Cambodia is embracing digital payments in a big way. The Bakong system (based on blockchain) supports QR code payments across Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and China. To use National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)’s Bakong Tourists App, you can follow these simple steps: How to Register Bakong Tourists App.
If you aim for a long term stay, the most expat-friendly banks are ABA, WING and ACLEDA, all with solid apps and large ATM networks. Be aware: opening an account usually requires a long-term visa.
I hope this guide makes your Cambodian adventure a bit easier! Safe travels and enjoy the Kingdom of Wonder 🇰🇭✨