When visiting a new country, the first thing I do is check whether Uber works. It’s the old faithful that saves me from getting ripped off by unscrupulous taxi drivers the moment I step foot off the plane.
So, does Uber work in Cambodia?
No. Uber does not work in Cambodia. Uber only operated for a few months in Cambodia before selling off their entire Southeast Asian operation to rival ride-hailing app Grab.
But never fear, there are Uber alternatives in Cambodia, meaning you’ll know exactly how much to pay for your ride!
Related: (links open in a new tab)
- Cambodia Backpacking Guide
- Cambodian SIM Cards for Travellers
- How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Cambodia?
Uber Alternatives in Cambodia 📱
PassApp
PassApp is the Cambodian answer to Uber. Created in the country, it’s the most popular Uber alternative in Cambodia. You’ll see plenty of tuk-tuks and remorks displaying the PassApp logo!
PassApp is cash only, so when you book a ride, it will tell you how much the ride should cost. When the ride is over, you pay the driver in cash. The original price shown is just an estimation, so reportedly this can change – always check the app as your ride finishes to ensure you pay the correct amount. During my time using PassApp in Cambodia, the estimate has always been correct but other travellers have told me it changes occasionally.
There are a couple of downsides when using PassApp. The biggest hurdle is that it requires a Cambodian number to set up, so you can’t do it before you arrive in Cambodia. You’ll need to get yourself a Cambodian SIM before you can finalise and use your PassApp account.
The other downside is that you have to select the exact type of vehicle you want. You must select a tuk-tuk (rickshaw in the app) remork (motorcycle with trailer), taxi or SUV, then wait for your vehicle of choice to arrive.
Top Tip 💵
Is PassApp in Cambodia Safe?
Yes, PassApp in Cambodia is safe. While there’s no instant reporting like with other ride-hailing apps, PassApp is safer than hailing a tuk-tuk or taxi on the street. Rides are tracked and you are asked to rate your driver after each trip. There is a function to report drivers in the app but only after you’ve taken the ride. This at least means drivers who have ripped people off in the past can’t continue to do so.
Is PassApp in Cambodia Reliable?
Yes, PassApp in Cambodia is reliable. In my experience, it’s the most reliable ride-hailing app in the country. It has more drivers and users than the competition, so, you get a ride quickly. Prices are much more competitive than hailing a tuk-tuk, taxi or remork on the street too. As soon as a driver has accepted the fare, you see them on the map, with an estimated time until they arrive. The estimated journey times are very accurate most of the time.
Grab
Grab is the reason Uber no longer operate in Southeast Asia. Across the region, they have the biggest market share in the ride-hailing game but in Cambodia, they play second fiddle to PassApp. However, they do have some advantages over the local pretender.
The biggest advantage of Grab is that you can register an account using your current mobile number. This means you can have an account set up and ready to go before you step foot in the country. Or, if you’re travelling elsewhere in the region, you may already have the app – which is another plus, Grab can be used across Southeast Asia!
Grab also allows you to pay for your ride in cash, or using a debit/credit card via the app. This can save any confusion you may be having with Cambodian currency!
It’s also worth noting that Grab is usually a tad more expensive than PassApp but we’re talking cents, not dollars.
Is Grab in Cambodia Safe?
Yes, Grab in Cambodia is safe. Rides are tracked, drivers are rated and you’re able to report any issues in real time through the app. These reports go straight through to the 24/7 Safety Centre. The Safety Centre can also contact you through the Grab app if they detect an issue with your ride!
Is Grab in Cambodia Reliable?
Yes, Grab in Cambodia is reliable. Compared to PassApp it takes longer to get a ride but Grab drivers are just as reliable – turning up when they accept rides and promptly getting you to your destination.
Tada
In some parts of Cambodia – big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap – you can book a taxi using the taxi booking app, Tada. But it’s not only for taxis. Tada have a small fleet of electric tuk-tuks buzzing around Phnom Penh!
When I tried to download it, I couldn’t finalise my account because the app wouldn’t send me the verification text to either my UK or Cambodian phone number. That said, many travellers I spoke to in Cambodia have had success with Tada.
The main downside of Tada, if you can get it working, is the cost. Because it primarily works with taxis, expect to pay more than when using a tuk-tuk or remork.
Traditional Taxis 🚖
Although the whole point of this article is to help you avoid traditional taxis, there will be times when this is impossible. The most common time for getting an actual taxi in Cambodia will be when you first arrive at one of the country’s airports as ride-hailing apps tend not to work here.
However, taxi rates from the airport to the city centre are sometimes set. Make sure you know what these should be, or ask when the friendly folks at the transport desk/the taxi facilitators wearing official-looking bibs and jackets – and double-check with the driver. If the driver quotes you a higher number, go back to the transport desk and ask for a different taxi.
On most other occasions that you’ll need a taxi, you can ask your accommodation to arrange one for you. They’ll have reliable and honest operators that they work with frequently.
👉 Read More:
🚕 How To Get From Siem Reap Angkor Airport to Siem Reap
🛺 How To Get From Phnom Penh Airport to The City
Tuk-tuks and Remorks 🛺
In my experience, tuk-tuk and remork drivers in Cambodia haven’t fallen into the depths of taxi con artistry just yet. But they will still quote an inflated price for a ride compared to what you’d pay on PassApp or Grab.
However, there are some occasions where you’ll have no choice but to hail a ride on the street. I’ve often found drivers like to start with an opening bid of $5USD no matter how short the journey is. I’ve also found you can get this down to around $2.50-3USD with a little haggling.
It’s a good idea to see how much a ride on PassApp or Grab would cost before you get to a place, so you’ve got a basic idea in case you need to find a ride without the help of an app!
Rent a Scooter 🛵
A common way to explore without relying on anyone else, renting a scooter in Cambodia is easy and cost-effective! Expect to pay $5-15USD per day for scooter hire, depending on where you are in the country. It’s much cheaper than hiring a tuk-tuk for the day or paying for a bunch of shorter rides.
Fuel is cheap too, generally less than $1USD per litre. And the scooters get really good mileage!
Just make sure you have all the correct international driving permits and licenses. Plus you should understand whether your travel insurance covers motorcycle use!
Stop!
If you forgot to arrange your International Drivers Permit, you're probably not driving or riding legally abroad.
So what?
Riding or driving without your IDP means you could be fined for riding illegally. Worse still, it means your travel insurance is unlikely to cover any claims you make relating to riding or driving!
What can I do?
Rather than ride or drive illegally, check out the International Drivers Association which can hook you up with an IDP even if you're already abroad!
Don't say we never help you out! 😉
Is There Uber Eats in Cambodia? 🥡
No, there is no Uber Eats in Cambodia. But several Uber Eats alternatives do the same job!
Alternatives to Uber Eats in Cambodia:
Why Did Uber Leave Cambodia? 👋
Uber only operated in Cambodia for a few months between 2017-2018. After this, Uber pulled out of the entire Southeast Asian market, selling their operation to Grab after intense competition.
Interestingly, the sale was for zero dollars but instead gave Uber a 25% stake in Grab’s overall business. So, if you use Grab in Cambodia, Uber are still profiting from your ride, even though they aren’t involved!
Uber in Cambodia FAQs 🙋♂️
Should I tip a driver in Cambodia?
While tipping isn’t expected in Cambodia, when using PassApp, Grab or other ride-hailing apps, you should consider it. The drivers pay around 15% of the fare to the ride-hailing app in question as a commission. If you choose to tip, consider leaving around 15%, so it covers the driver’s commission fees. The overall cost will still likely be less than hailing a taxi on the street!
Is Uber available in Phnom Penh?
No, Uber doesn’t operate in Phnom Penh. The best Uber alternatives for Phnom Penh are PassApp, Grab and Tada.
Is Uber available in Siem Reap?
No, Uber isn’t available in Siem Reap. Instead, you can use ride-hailing apps like PassApp, Grab and Tada.
A Round-Up of Uber Alternatives in Cambodia
While Uber doesn’t operate in Cambodia, there are several taxi apps you can use to ensure you get a safe ride that won’t rip you off. Taxi drivers across the world are notorious for overcharging tourists, so stick to using PassApp, Grab or Tada where possible to make sure you’re paying a fair rate for your ride!
Tim Ashdown | Gear Specialist
After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book, From Paralysis to Santiago, chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.
