Cambodia Rolls Out Several Improvements To Make Tourist Visits More Seamless
The Cambodian government has announced a series of changes aimed at making foreign international tourist visits more seamless, with the pending introduction of the Bakong Tourists app, allowing for electronic payments of visas on arrival, and the expansion of requesting all businesses to accept blemished US Dollar notes, which recently was only introduced in Siem Reap. There has also been clarification around filming at the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Updated 5 September 2024
Bakong Tourists App
As we reported on July 23 2024, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) plans to introduce a digital payment system for tourists on the Bakong Tourists app. Bakong is already a popular means of digital payments and QR payments in Cambodia with those who have local bank accounts, but the Bakong Tourists app (which is available now on the Android Google Play store for example) will benefit tourists.
The description of the app says, "The Bakong Tourists App provides a one-stop service app for digital wallets, mobile payments, online banking, and financial applications. Conveniently scan and pay KHQR anywhere and anytime. Enjoy your trip. Enjoy KHQR payments. Bakong Tourists lets you: send or receive money easily, fast, and securely." The app has both Khmer Riel and USD.
We have played around with the app after downloading it and were impressed with the basic functionality but it has the potential to be very useful if it's allowed to widen the range of payments such as for visas on arrival and even offering e-sims for local data and phone packages so that visitors have a truly digital and seamless experience of visiting the Kingdom (we will be publishing a guide on using the app soon.)
Currently, the app is in a soft launch mode but the NBC says that there will be an official launch of the application, and once implemented, will be able to be used at hotels and restaurants, and immigration at the airport. Users will also be able to top up the Bakong wallet via the app which will be linked to the credit cards from a tourists' home country.
There are some limitations, but international tourists who want to top up their wallet with more than $500 USD will need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures with NBC.
See this guide on how to use the Bakong Tourists App.
Electronic Payments To Be Accepted For Visas On Arrival At Cambodian Airports
At the start of August 2024, it was announced that the Kingdom would introduce an electronic payment system for visas on arrival starting from September 1, 2024, which aims to improve and speed up the experience of paying for visas on arrival. This will come into effect at all three international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) but the land borders were not mentioned.
It was not made clear what payment providers would be accepted for non-cash payments.
It was confirmed on 5 September 2024 that the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Canadia Bank Plc and ACLEDA Bank Plc to allow tourists to pay for visas digitally on arrival.
Accepting Torn or Blemished USD Bills In Cambodia
To improve tourists' experiences when in Cambodia, and to be honest, anyone's experience who is living and working in the Kingdom, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested that everyone should accept damaged U.S. dollar banknotes without incurring fees, initially in Siem Reap.
NBC put out a statement in July 2024 and asked all private sector cooperation to make this possible, and as of August 3, 2024, dirty or slightly damaged US dollar banknotes are to be accepted throughout the country without any charges or penalties.
National Bank of Cambodia said businesses are “required to accept old or stained US banknotes with no fee from customers, unless those banknotes are fake or unrecognisable.” The reality is that many small businesses will still be reluctant to do so and this policy may take some time to be widely implemented, especially outside of the main cities.
The central bank has to pay for both the transfer of old dollar notes to US banks and also for receiving new dollar notes back to Cambodia and has encouraged everyone to use Khmer Riel in the ongoing development of the national economy.
Apsara Authority - 2024 Guidelines for Photography and Videography in Angkor Archaeological Park
Following some online spats in which video content producers have complained about their treatment when filming at Cambodia's most popular tourist attraction. the Apsara Authority has re-affirmed the ''Guidelines for Photography and Videography in Angkor Archaeological Park'.
The general consensus was that these online influencers can help with promoting tourism in the Kingdom and the Apsara Authority emphasised the guidelines are designed to facilitate easier access for visitors while maintaining the integrity of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Personal and Social Media Use - Angkor Archaeological Park
Activities not falling under the below categories, including personal photography and social media content creation using smartphones or personal cameras, do not require application or fees.
This also applies to wedding photography and cultural dress photoshoots for personal memories.
Commercial Photography and Videography - Angkor Archaeological Park
These activities require prior application and payment of fees.
- All large and small-scale film productions.
- Video and photo shoots for music videos, entertainment programs, documentaries, commercials, guidebooks, catalogues, and magazines intended for local or international distribution.
- Drone photography and videography.
Non-Commercial Media Coverage - Angkor Archaeological Park
Official news organisations (domestic and international) must apply for permission but are exempt from fees when conducting coverage for informational purposes.
There were also further changes made to streamline the process for one-day tickets when visiting Angkor Archaeological Park.