Digital payments in Cambodia: what actually works for travellers

Most travellers hear that UPI works everywhere in Cambodia, but that's overstated. Yes, some merchants accept it through KHQR codes, yet you'll still encounter places without digital infrastructure, particularly outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Grab and local apps like Wing Money are far more reliable for daily use; Grab works for rides and food delivery across the country, whilst Wing handles transfers and bill payments. I'd recommend having a mix: some Cambodian riel from an ATM using your home card (fees are reasonable), a Grab account loaded with cash, and your phone for digital payments. The infrastructure's improving, but don't rely solely on UPI or assume every vendor's equipped. Download Grab before you arrive, get a local SIM card for connectivity, and keep small cash for markets and temples. It's less about cutting-edge payment tech and more about having realistic backup options.