Passapp, the Cambodian Tuk-Tuk App arrives in Siem Reap
A few miles from Tonlé Sap Lake, the city of Siem Reap serves as the gateway for visitors to the Angkor archaeological complex. Compared to the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Reap is a true haven of peace, without being a sleepy town. Recently, Siem Reap has experienced an incredible tourism boom, and while the number of vehicles, cars, and motorcycles has greatly increased, getting around the city is now much less easy than it was a few years ago. However, with the Passapp app, the city is riding the wave of innovation and now offers several options for those who do not own a vehicle or do not wish to venture out on the congested streets.
What is Passapp?
There are several options like Exnet Taxi for taxis and Go tuk tuk. But before anything else, what is a tuk-tuk? It is a small trailer pulled by a small motorcycle and transformed with seats and a roof. Since tuk-tuks move slowly, they are a pleasant mode of transport that allows you to stroll around the city, carry some luggage, and is ideal for those who are not in a hurry and want to admire the scenery along the way. The only downside? Until recently, there were no fixed rates, and you had to negotiate the price beforehand, which was the least pleasant part for tourists, as well as for the drivers, because the number of tuk-tuks had increased, and drivers were facing competition from taxis and moto-dops. Fortunately, a revolutionary app has been created: Passapp Taxi! The app is especially useful for tourists who do not know their location or do not speak Khmer, the local language. Passapp works in a simple way: when you open the app, you will see a map of your area based on your GPS location. You just have to tap "Set Pickup" at the bottom of the screen, and the app will send a request to tuk-tuks nearby. You will then be notified when a driver has accepted your request, and all you need to do is wait for them to pick you up! Good to know: the app charges a flat rate of 3000 riels (0.75 USD) for the first kilometer for tuk-tuks and 5000 riels (1.25 USD) for taxis. Each additional kilometer costs 2300 riels (0.60 USD) for taxis and 1400 riels (0.35 USD) for tuk-tuks.
Passapp revolutionizes transportation in Phnom Penh
Launched in 2016 in Phnom Penh, the app quickly became a success, and for good reason. Similar to Uber, it is now easy to find and book a tuk-tuk through Passapp without having to negotiate the price of the ride, as it is set in advance. The advantages of this app are obvious. Gone are the arguments between drivers and tourists over fare negotiations. Gone are the long minutes spent waiting for an available tuk-tuk. In addition to the convenience for consumers, the system has also introduced flexibility for new drivers who join the Passapp community to supplement their income.
Passapp arrives in Siem Reap
It’s a fact, most travelers come to Siem Reap for one thing: to visit Angkor. While visiting the main temples is almost mandatory for any traveler passing through the city, know that Siem Reap is not just about exploring the ruins of the Khmer Empire. Strolling around the Old Market, exploring Ta Phnom temple, admiring floating villages, and discovering the Angkor Night Market are just a few activities to do in Siem Reap. The Passapp app is a great companion that will make your stay much easier. PassApp Taxi is currently operational in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The founder states that other regions are still under feasibility study. A real boon for the locals! PassApp Taxi is available on the App Store and Google Play.