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Absolutely, the Bakong Tourists app has revolutionized spending for visitors since its widespread adoption in early 2025. You can load the app with funds using your international Visa or Mastercard and pay via KHQR codes at thousands of shops, cafes, and tuk-tuks that previously only accepted cash. This helps you avoid the headache of managing small Riel notes or worrying about vendors rejecting imperfect US dollar bills. However, keep $50-100 USD in cash as a backup for remote areas or system outages.

The recently built Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located 45km from town, making transfers longer and pricier than the old airport. Official airport bus shuttles run frequently for $8 USD (approx. €7.50) per person, taking about an hour to reach the city center. Private taxis charge a flat rate of $35 USD (€33), while minivans for groups cost around $40 USD. Do not attempt to take a tuk-tuk from this distance—it is uncomfortable, slow, and generally not permitted for highway pickup.

The “Angkor Code of Conduct” is strictly enforced: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, and shorts above the knee will result in you being denied entry to the upper levels of temples, specifically Bakan Tower at Angkor Wat. Carry a lightweight sarong or scarf, but note that guards sometimes reject scarves simply draped over shoulders—wearing a t-shirt is the safest bet. Light, breathable cotton or linen trousers are ideal for the heat while staying respectful.

Grab and PassApp are the two essential transport apps. Grab works exactly like the European version and allows you to link a credit card, eliminating the need to haggle or carry small cash. PassApp is a local alternative that is often slightly cheaper and has more rickshaw drivers, but it usually requires cash payment. Using these apps saves you 30-50% compared to hailing tuk-tuks on the street and prevents the common “tourist tax” overcharging.

Violent crime against tourists is rare, but opportunistic bag snatching is a persistent issue in Phnom Penh, especially by thieves on motorbikes. Avoid walking near the curb with your phone out or a bag loosely slung over one shoulder. When riding in a tuk-tuk, keep your bag on the floor between your legs or strapped across your chest, not sitting on the open side of the vehicle. Siem Reap feels significantly safer and more pedestrian-friendly, but standard precautions still apply.

Buy your SIM card immediately at the arrival hall in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports. Major providers like Smart and Cellcard have booths right after customs offering tourist packages for $5-10 USD (€4.50-9) that include 40GB+ of data valid for 30 days. You will need your passport for registration. While you can buy them in the city, the airport staff speak excellent English and will set up the APN settings on your phone instantly, ensuring you have connectivity before you even step outside.

Tipping is not culturally mandatory but is highly appreciated given the low wages. In restaurants, leaving the small change or $1-2 USD is standard; for upscale dining, 5-10% is generous. For tuk-tuk drivers, rounding up the fare (e.g., paying 5,000 Riel for a 4,500 ride) is common practice. Hotel porters and cleaning staff typically receive 2,000-4,000 Riel (€0.50-1). Always tip in cash, as credit card tips often don’t make it to the specific staff member.

Malaria prophylaxis is generally not recommended for typical tourist itineraries covering only Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville/Islands, as these are low-risk zones. However, if you plan to trek in the Cardamom Mountains or visit remote border provinces like Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri, consult a travel doctor. The side effects of malaria medication can be unpleasant, so for most visitors, meticulous mosquito bite prevention (repellent, long sleeves) is the preferred strategy.