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IN BRIEF
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Impossible to miss: digital has made a loud entrance into daily life worldwide, and even globe-trotters can’t escape it! Now, Cambodia joins the movement by throwing open the door to digital payments. No more hassles to settle your adventures or look for an ATM at every corner: one app, one QR code, and you’re good to go!
Cambodia takes a major step in modernizing its economy: digital payments are now officially accessible to foreign tourists through a new dedicated app. With just a few clicks, it is now possible to make purchases without carrying a wallet in a country where the local currency and the dollar happily coexist. Dive into this digital revolution that is already simplifying the lives of travelers while disrupting traditional habits!
Forget the frantic search for an ATM and the piles of bills in two currencies: Cambodia has jumped into the digital age by adopting an innovative solution for electronic payments. Thanks to an agreement between the National Bank of Cambodia and major players like Visa, a brand-new app called “Bakon Tourists App” is available for foreign visitors, even those without a local bank account. The goal is simple: to offer safer, faster transactions and prevent tourists from carrying too much cash in their pockets.
A revolution for travelers: simplicity and security
The concept is clear: simply download the app, and then sign up. The user then makes a transfer that funds a virtual wallet, usable throughout their stay. Payment is made via a QR Code: a quick scan and that’s it, at over 3.5 million merchants and service providers this year! From the local market to the nearby tuk-tuk, to fine dining restaurants, modernity is everywhere. And with the rise of digital tourism, this solution comes at the perfect time. For those who like to plan their expenses, a quick detour to these tips for managing your travel budget is never too much!
Should we forget cash in Cambodia?
If apps and credit cards are on the rise, there are still a few good practices to maintain. Sometimes, the old trick of a well-folded bill at the bottom of your pocket remains useful. In Cambodia, people juggle daily between Khmer riel (KHR) and US dollars. For several years now, “dollarization” has taken hold, especially in major cities and tourist areas. The dollar dominates in hotels, upscale restaurants, transportation, and excursions, while the riel is ideal for small transactions. It is therefore advisable to always have some cash on hand—and ideally a few small dollar bills to simplify life during your travels.
New opportunities for local merchants
For Cambodian merchants, this transition offers a double advantage: attracting international customers who prefer contactless payments while minimizing the risks associated with handling cash. Even traditional markets are getting in on it, modernizing their management and easing their access to new revenue streams. The adaptability of local merchants places them at the center of this digital transformation, which resonates with many upheavals in the travel sector, as shown by the innovative partnership between Nium and HyperGuest.
How to prepare for a digital trip to Cambodia?
To fully enjoy this innovation, nothing is simpler than preparing your suitcase… and your smartphone. Before leaving, the ideal is to gather information on preparing for a world tour with the best practical tips, which you can find here. Don’t forget to bring a credit card for potential withdrawals. As for those who are intimidated by the confusion between currencies, a guide on paying in foreign currency can provide some good reflexes to reproduce in Southeast Asia!
A country ready for the next wave of travelers
With ever-increasing attendance—new records like this record influx of travelers attest to it—Cambodia confirms its desire to remain at the forefront of modern tourist destinations. No need to fear for your budget or wallet: the digital adventure begins upon landing, offering comfort, security, and convenience to 21st-century explorers.
