The Ultimate Guide to Bakong Tourists: How to Pay Like a Local in Cambodia

One of the first things you will notice in Phnom Penh is that everyone—from high-end boutiques in BKK1 to the lady selling mangoes on the street—uses a red QR code called KHQR.

As a tourist, you likely won’t have a local bank account. The solution? The Bakong Tourists App. Created by the National Bank of Cambodia, this app allows you to pay digitally across the country using your international credit card.

Here is your step-by-step Sakmai guide to going cashless.

Step 1: Download and Register

1. Download: Search for “Bakong Tourists” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Register: Open the app and sign up using your international phone number.

3. Identity Verification (KYC): To unlock higher spending limits and full features, you will need to upload a photo of your Passport. The verification process is usually very fast.

Step 2: Top Up Your Account

Unlike local bank apps, you “load” money into your Bakong Tourists wallet.

1. Tap on “Top Up” in the app.

2. Select your payment method: You can use your Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card.

3. Choose the amount you want to convert into Cambodian Riel (KHR).

   • Note: While you can use USD, the Riel is the national currency and is accepted at every single KHQR point in the country.

Step 3: How to Make a Payment

When you are at a street food stall or a cafe:

1. Look for the KHQR logo (usually a red and white square).

2. Open your Bakong Tourists app and tap the “Scan” button.

3. Point your camera at the vendor’s QR code.

4. Enter the Amount: Type in the price in Riel.

5. Confirm: Swipe or tap to confirm.

6. Show the Screen: Once you see the green “Success” screen, show it to the vendor.

Step 4: Why Use Bakong Instead of Cash?

• No “Tourist Prices”: You pay the exact price shown on the app, avoiding the confusion of exchange rates.

• Safety: You don’t need to carry large envelopes of cash in your pocket.

• Accepted Everywhere: From the Angkor Wat ticket booth to the smallest tuk-tuk in Kampot.

• No “Dirty Bill” Issues: In Cambodia, US Dollar bills with even a tiny tear are often rejected. Bakong eliminates this stress completely.

 Pro-Tips for Sakmai Readers:

• Internet is Required: Make sure you have a local SIM card (Smart or Cellcard) with data so you can open the app while at the market.

• Check the Exchange Rate: The app uses a fair, real-time exchange rate, which is often better than what you will get at a private money changer.

• Keep a Small Backup: Always keep about 20,000 Riel ($5) in cash for emergencies or very small vendors who may not have a phone.

 Quick Summary Table

Sakmai Verdict

The Pros:

• Total Convenience: No more bulging wallets or hunting for ATMs that don’t charge $5 fees.

• Fair Exchange Rates: You get a much better deal than exchanging cash at the airport or hotels.

• Social Acceptance: Using the app shows you are a “savvy” traveler. Vendors appreciate the speed and security of digital payments over handling germ-filled cash.

• Historical Record: The app keeps a perfect log of your spending—great for tracking your travel budget.

The Cons:

• Battery Dependency: If your phone dies, you can’t pay. Always carry a power bank!

• Connectivity: You must have a working data connection (4G/5G) for the transaction to process.

Final Score: 9.5/10

“The Bakong Tourists App is the single most important tool you can download before landing in Phnom Penh. It transforms the way you interact with the city, making every transaction seamless, respectful, and transparent.”

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use the app if I don’t have a Cambodian phone number? Yes! Unlike the standard Bakong app used by locals, the Bakong Tourists version allows you to register using your international phone number (from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, etc.). Just ensure you can receive one SMS verification code during the initial setup.

2. Are there any fees for topping up my wallet? When you top up using an international Visa or Mastercard, there is typically a small processing fee (usually between 1.5% to 2.5%) charged by the payment gateway. However, this is often cheaper than the high “out-of-network” fees charged by Cambodian ATMs or the poor rates at currency exchange booths.

3. What happens if I have money left in the app when I leave Cambodia? The app allows you to “withdraw” or transfer your remaining balance back to your linked card or account, though some small processing fees may apply. Many travelers choose to spend their remaining balance on souvenirs at the airport (which also accept KHQR).

4. Is it safe to link my primary credit card to the app? Yes. The Bakong system is developed and overseen by the National Bank of Cambodia. It uses bank-grade security protocols and multi-factor authentication. Your actual card details are not shared with the vendors; they only see the digital transfer of Riel.

5. Do I still need to carry any physical cash at all? We recommend carrying about $10–$20 worth of Riel (roughly 40,000 to 80,000 Riel) in cash. While 95% of vendors in BKK1 and tourist areas have QR codes, you might occasionally find a very old vendor or a remote tuk-tuk driver in the countryside who still prefers physical notes.