Cambodia is redefining the travel experience with the Bakong Tourist App — an innovative solution that removes the hassle of cash, currency exchange, and limited payment options for international visitors. The app, launched by the National Bank of Cambodia, is a virtual wallet designed for travelers to experience everything the country offers, from vibrant street markets to historic temples, in a modern, secure, and cashless way.
Why Cambodia Built the Bakong Tourist App
Tourists have traditionally grappled with currency exchange counters, carried stacks of cash, and struggled to pay at places that only accept physical money. With digital payments rapidly becoming the global norm, Cambodia introduced the Bakong Tourist App to ensure visitors enjoy the same level of convenience they would find in advanced global cities, while also boosting local businesses and the economy.
Setting Up: Getting Started in Minutes
The Bakong Tourist App is available for free on both major platforms — ready for download the moment you step off the plane:
- Apple (iOS): Download on the App Store
- Samsung & Android: Download on Google Play
Onboarding takes only a few minutes:
- Download the app from your preferred store.
- Register using your email.
- Scan your passport and complete a quick photo for identity verification.
- (Optionally) Add your phone number for extra communication features.
- Secure your account with a QR-based recovery code for peace of mind.
The app is intuitive, supports multiple languages (including English and Japanese), and is designed for global citizens who expect speed, security, and ease.
Core Features: Ultimate Convenience for Every Traveler
1. Top Up with International Cards
Forget hunting for ATMs or exchange counters. Bakong Tourist App lets you instantly load funds using international Visa or Mastercard cards. Your money — whether USD or Khmer Riel — is ready to spend anywhere in Cambodia.
2. Universal QR Code Payments
With KHQR, the national QR payment standard, tourists can pay at over 3.3 million merchants across Cambodia. Simply scan the merchant’s code on your phone and confirm. Buy a coconut on the beach, get a tuk-tuk ride, shop for handicrafts, or dine at top restaurants — no cash, no confusion.
3. Real-Time Currency Conversion
The app supports payments in both US Dollars and Khmer Riel. You can switch between them seamlessly, always knowing exactly what you’re spending thanks to clear, real-time conversion rates in the app.
4. Cash-in and Cash-out Flexibility
If you prefer, you can add cash to your wallet at major airports, hotels, or Wing Bank locations. Finished your trip? Withdraw any leftover money at partner locations — no more rushing to spend your last bills or losing value at exchange counters.
5. Send, Receive, and Request Money
Traveling with friends? Send or request funds instantly, split restaurant bills, or reimburse travel companions securely within the app — all by scanning a QR code.
6. Full Transaction History
Every transaction, top-up, and currency conversion is logged in the app, providing you with absolute clarity and budget control throughout your trip.
7. Intense Security, Easy Recovery
Bakong Tourist App uses encryption, biometric facial verification, and anti-fraud protections to safeguard your funds and identity. Lose your phone or change devices? Use your recovery QR code for fast, safe access restoration.
Visits Made Easier: Practical Use Cases
- Arrival: Step off the plane, download Bakong, add $100 from your card, and you can immediately hail a tuk-tuk, grab a snack, or shop at the airport — all cashless.
- Markets and Attractions: No need to negotiate small bills or get change. Every vendor with a KHQR sticker takes Bakong payments.
- Nightlife and Dining: Easily split bills with friends or pay in seconds, even in bustling restaurants or clubs.
- Departure: Withdraw any unused digital funds at a hotel or partner bank, or keep your balance for your next Cambodian adventure.
Beyond Convenience: Impact on Cambodia
By empowering tourists with seamless digital payments, Bakong Tourist App is helping Cambodia’s small businesses reach more customers, reduces risks and costs associated with cash, and elevates the entire country’s reputation as a smart, modern destination for global travelers.
Local vendors — from Siem Reap’s night markets to Phnom Penh’s hip coffee shops — benefit from rapid transactions, lower cash-handling risks, and access to a new audience of digitally savvy visitors. Tourism becomes more transparent, efficient, and inviting for all.
Looking Ahead
Bakong Tourist App is frequently updated, with expanding language support and growing international partnerships. It’s setting a new standard for tourism tech in Southeast Asia, making Cambodia not just rich in heritage, but progressive and visitor-friendly.
