Getting Around by Tuk-Tuk in Phnom Penh: Budget-Friendly Tips & Tricks

Riding around Phnom Penh in a tuk-tuk is one of the most quintessential experiences you'll have in Cambodia. These motorised three-wheeled vehicles are ubiquitous in the Cambodian capital, and chances are you'll use them to get all around town, from Phnom Penh's top tourist attractions to the airport and beyond.

Unlike taxis, which can be quite expensive in Phnom Penh, tuk-tuks are relatively cheap. And thanks to handy ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, they're easier than ever to book. Long gone are the days of haggling over prices with tuk-tuk drivers. 

If you're planning on getting around Phnom Penh using tuk-tuks, this guide has everything you need to know. You'll learn how to book tuk-tuks using apps, how to hail them off the street, how to negotiate prices, and how to save money and stay safe with a few insider tips and tricks. 

Nowadays, there's really no reason to endure the hassle of hailing a tuk-tuk off the street if you don't need to. Instead, you can use both PassApp and Grab (available on iOS and Android) to book tuk-tuks in the main Cambodian destinations, like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Similar to Uber, these ride-hailing apps allow you to enter your pickup location and destination, get the price for your ride, see your driver's ratings, and track your journey.

Unless you're a master haggler, using one of these apps to book your rides will likely be both cheaper and easier than flagging down a tuk-tuk driver. If you're on a budget, it's always best to compare and contrast prices offered on PassApp and Grab, as rates change based on promos and the time of day.

PassApp is Cambodia's first ride-hailing app and it's very popular amongst locals and tourists alike. You can book both taxis and tuk-tuks via the app. 

Do note that you will likely need a Cambodian phone number to register for PassApp. To do this, you will first need an unlocked phone. You can either purchase a cheap SIM at the airport or at a local shop or get an eSIM online through places like Airalo. Another thing to know about PassApp is that you will need to pay for rides in cash since the app doesn't allow you to add a credit card.

Grab is a very popular app throughout Southeast Asia. Known as the "everyday everything app", Grab can be used to order taxis and tuk-tuks, get restaurant and grocery deliveries, and so much more.

One thing that makes Grab a bit more tourist-friendly than PassApp is that you can set up the app using your regular phone number. You can also link it with your credit card, so there's no need to pay cash.

Hailing a tuk-tuk off the street in Phnom Penh is actually quite easy. That being said, it can come with a few different hassles, which is why using Grab or PassApp is so appealing. Here are a few tips to help you out and save you a few dollars:

To flag down a tuk-tuk driver in Phnom Penh, or anywhere in Cambodia, you will want to extend your arm out to the side with your palm facing down and move your hand up and down. It won't take long for you to see others making this gesture, so just mimic them. 

If you're anywhere near the touristy city centre, you're going to see tuk-tuks everywhere. In fact, drivers will seek you out.

If you're on a budget, it's best to avoid getting a tuk-tuk that's parked outside of major tourist attractions like the Central Market or the Royal Palace. These drivers will often overcharge tourists. Instead, just walk down the street for a minute and hail a tuk-tuk that's driving by. 

Negotiating the price ahead of time is the most important thing to remember. So many tourists make the mistake of asking for the price once they reach their destination, only to be quoted an exorbitant amount.

Unless you want to deal with an unpleasant disagreement with your driver, make sure you know the rate before you hop in a tuk-tuk. If you're not comfortable with the price, just walk away and find one of the many other drivers. If you're travelling as a group, be sure that the price is the total fee for everyone and not the price per person. 

If you're using PassApp or hailing a tuk-tuk off the street, make sure you have cash on hand. Otherwise, you'll be paying a premium to stop at an ATM. You should also make a habit of always having small bills on you. If you pay a driver with a large bill, don't be surprised if they don't have change. It makes what should be an affordable ride a lot more expensive. 

A lot of tuk-tuk drivers in Phnom Penh aren't great at navigating the city, and they often don't use navigation systems to get around. To make sure you're getting where you want to go, it's easiest to plug your destination into Google Maps so you can rest assured you're going to the right place. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to point your driver in the right direction if need be. 

Riding in tuk-tuks is generally safe. But there are a few things that you should watch out for when taking this mode of transportation around Phnom Penh.

With the rough, motorbike-clogged roads in Phnom Penh, tuk-tuk rides can be bumpy affairs. Tuk-tuks are also open-air, which means you and your belongings may get jostled. From mobile phones to luggage, it's not uncommon for things to go flying out of tuk-tuks. Be sure to hold onto your possessions tightly. 

You should also be very wary of petty theft. Unfortunately, getting your phone, backpack, or purse snatched by a passerby can happen. It's best to be super alert while riding around the city. 

Again, tuk-tuks are open-air, which means you're going to be exposed to the elements. Phnom Penh is a dusty city and the exhaust from cars, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes can be a bit much, especially when you're taking longer rides. Do as the locals do and strap on a mask so you can breathe easy. 

The prices for tuk-tuks in Phnom Penh are always evolving. But here is a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay. These prices are quoted in USD: 

• $2-$7 for short trips around the city centre
• $10-$12 to and from the Phnom Penh International Airport
• $15 for longer trips to places like the Killing Fields 
• $20-$40 to get a driver for the day, depending on where you want to go

If you're looking for a modern, budget-friendly hotel that puts you in the heart of town, ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside has everything you need. Rooms here are stylish and clean and have comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffee and tea-making facilities.

You'll be within walking distance of attractions like the Royal Palace and all of the bars and restaurants in the Tonle Bassac area. It's easy to hail a tuk-tuk off the street in this part of town, too, which is a handy perk. Alternatively, you can always book a ride through an app.