Cambodia is a stunning and affordable destination with rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities. However, getting around can be tricky if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps and tools that can make your trip smoother. Whether it’s finding your way, hailing a ride, or dealing with a language barrier, these apps will have your back.
Maps and Navigation Apps
Google Maps
It’s a reliable option for navigation in Cambodia. You can download maps for offline use, which is vital in areas with poor Internet. It shows routes for walking, public transit, and driving. Plus, it often includes local businesses like restaurants, ATMs, and attractions. It’s free, and you’ll use it a lot.
Maps.me
If you need detailed offline maps, Maps.me is a solid choice. It lets you access maps even without a network connection, which is especially useful when you’re hiking or in rural areas. The app provides driving, walking, and cycling routes, which comes in handy when exploring Cambodia’s countryside. Also free. You just have to download the map of Cambodia beforehand.
Grab
Grab isn’t just a ride-hailing app; it also offers maps and route-planning in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional taxis and tuk-tuks as prices are shown upfront. Grab works well for tourists who want a convenient, cashless way to move around. The app is free, but you’ll pay for your rides.
Translation Apps
Google Translate
Cambodian locals generally speak Khmer, and you might struggle without understanding the language. Google Translate can be your lifesaver. It provides voice translation, text translation, and image translation by scanning Khmer text with your camera. This app is free and works offline if you download the Khmer language pack. It’s essential for the day-to-day.
SayHi Translate
Another great app for overcoming the language barrier is SayHi. It’s aimed at translating full conversations, which can be crucial when having discussions with locals who don’t speak English. It supports voice-to-text translations, and you can play the translations out loud for the person you’re speaking with. It’s free and works with both Khmer and English.
Waygo

While Waygo specializes more in Asian languages, it does not support Khmer. However, it’s an optical translator that’s useful if you’re traveling within neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. You can point your phone at menus or signs, and it will instantly translate the text without needing an Internet connection. Best of all, it works offline. There are both free and paid versions, but since it doesn’t support Khmer at the moment, it’s handy only if you’re moving between borders.
Local Transport Apps
PassApp
If you’re looking to catch a tuk-tuk, the local version of a rickshaw in Cambodia, PassApp is one of the best ways to get around. It’s similar to Uber but more localized. You can hail tuk-tuks, taxis, and rickshaws. The app lets you pay with cash or via a card, so you don’t need to handle difficult price negotiations. It’s a must-download when in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Free to download. You only pay for the rides.
Grab
Yes, Grab again. Besides being solid for route navigation, it’s also popular for ride-hailing in Cambodia. Grab is widely used for ordering tuk-tuks, and bikes, or even arranging food delivery. It lets you skip complicated haggling and ensures the price is reasonable. You’ll also find a range of vehicle types depending on how far you need to travel. Like PassApp, only pay for what you use in rides.

Booking and Accommodation Apps
Agoda
Cambodia has plenty of affordable options for accommodation, and Agoda is one of the most popular apps to book stays. It’s especially good for budget travelers with its extensive list of guesthouses, hostels, and hotels. The app often has “secret deals” that can save you a bit more cash. Free to use and with excellent filtering features to help you pick the best lodging.
Booking.com
Another solid app for finding places to stay is Booking.com. It has a variety of accommodation options ranging from hotels to homestays. You can check verified reviews from previous tourists, often giving you a good feel for each place. It also provides free cancellation options for a lot of bookings, which gives you more flexibility if your plans change. Like Agoda, no cost to browse; you only pay for what you book.
Hostelworld
If you’re trying to stick to a strict budget, Hostelworld is a fantastic app for booking dorm rooms and cheap accommodations. It offers an excellent selection of hostels in all the major cities, plus smaller towns. Backpackers love Hostelworld for its clear descriptions, reliable reviews, and handy maps that show exactly where hostels are located. Free to book but only offers budget accommodations.
Travel and Itinerary Management Apps
TripIt
Keeping track of your flights, bus tickets, and bookings can get confusing. TripIt organizes all this info by pulling reservation emails and creating a master itinerary for you. It supports flights, hotels, car rental, and even activities, so everything is in one place. Free to use, with an optional paid upgrade for extra features like real-time flight alerts.

Google Trips
A great app for keeping your travel plans in order. Google Trips helps you organize itineraries, compile reservations, and even suggests activities based on your interests and schedule. It works with other Google services (like Gmail and Calendar), which makes it easy to manage your bookings. Plus, you can download everything for offline use. The app is free and makes trip planning much more organized.
Currency and Budgeting Apps
XE Currency
Cambodia uses the riel for small transactions, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Behind this dual currency system, it’s important to manage conversions properly. XE Currency provides fast conversion rates for multiple currencies and works offline with pre-updated rates. It’s one of the most reliable apps for keeping track of your spending. The free version is more than enough for most travelers.
Trail Wallet
This app focuses on travel expenses and is great for tracking budgets. Instead of guessing how much you’ve spent, Trail Wallet helps you categorize expenses, view daily spending, and stay under budget. You can also set up reminders when you’re close to reaching your limit. It’s ideal for long-term travelers looking to manage costs in Cambodia. There’s a free option, but you’ll need to pay for full functionality.
Connectivity and Offline Tools
Airalo
Getting mobile data can be expensive if you’re constantly buying new SIM cards. Airalo offers eSIM options, allowing you to purchase local or regional data plans without physically changing SIM cards. It’s a game-changer if you want affordable and reliable Internet while traveling in Cambodia. The app itself is free, but you will need to buy a data plan. Prices vary by region.

WiFi Map
If you’re trying to save on data roaming or don’t want to buy a local SIM, WiFi Map helps you find free Wi-Fi hotspots near you. Users share passwords for public and private networks across Cambodia, so you can always stay connected. The app works offline if you download the database in advance, making it handy when you’re heading to areas with limited access. Free with optional paid features.
Safety Apps
Smart Traveler
For American travelers, Smart Traveler is the official app of the U.S. Department of State. It provides essential travel advisories, embassy information, and travel tips. If you’re ever in a situation where you need assistance, this app can help you get in touch with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate quickly. Free, and vital for staying updated on current travel advisories in Cambodia.
GeoSure
If you want more detailed safety information, GeoSure gives you real-time safety ratings based on location. It’s useful for checking areas in cities that may be safer to visit or avoid. The ratings are based on user reports and local information, giving you a heads-up on theft, crime, and health risks. The basic version is free, though upgrades come with more features like neighborhood-level safety details.

Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating the streets of Phnom Penh or exploring temples in Siem Reap, these apps will make your trip to Cambodia smoother and more enjoyable. From finding your way with Google Maps to booking a budget hostel using Agoda, every part of your trip can be managed with just a few clicks. Load your phone with these tools before you take off, and you’ll be ready for anything Cambodia throws your way.
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