Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Cambodia, or should I carry local cash?
For taxis and tuk tuks in Cambodia, cash is definitely more practical. Some upscale taxi services connected to hotels might accept cards, but that’s rare. Apps like PassApp or Grab are good alternatives if you want to pay by card, especially if you’re staying in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Just keep in mind that outside of the big cities, it’s cash only. Also, always agree on a fare before you get in if you’re paying cash.
I was able to pay by card once on a Grab ride in Phnom Penh but outside of that I never saw card payments in regular taxis. Most drivers prefer USD cash because it’s easier and they usually don’t want to deal with payment app glitches or extra fees. I’d recommend carrying some US dollars in small bills along with local riel just in case. The exchange rate for riel is good but sometimes drivers don’t want to accept it.
If you’re just hopping into tuk tuks or regular taxis in Siem Reap or Battambang, cash is king. The drivers rarely accept cards and most won’t have a POS terminal. Grab works well if you want to pay with a card, but coverage can be patchy outside major cities. Best bet is to withdraw cash from a reliable ATM like Sathapana or ACLEDA before you travel and have it ready.
In Phnom Penh I tried using my Visa card to pay for taxis a couple of times but honestly it was a hassle. Most tuk tuk and taxi drivers don’t have card machines or don’t trust them. The only place I saw card payments accepted was through Grab or PassApp rides which link to your card. Otherwise it’s definitely best to carry Cambodian riel or US dollars. I usually keep around $10 in small bills for short trips.