September 2026

Kampot Basics: Money, Mobile, Motorbikes

By Jason for Discover Kampot

Headless mannequins in second-hand jeans on the pavement outside a Kampot thrift shop

Money changers, motorbike rental, SIM cards, a decent barber: Kampot has plenty of options for all of it. The hard part is knowing where to go. This isn’t a ‘best of’ list, just the places I use and trust.

For anything medical, from pharmacies to doctors and hospitals, see Medical Care in Kampot.

Still planning the trip? See how to get to Kampot, how long to stay, and the full Kampot travel guide.

Getting Around

There are two popular ride-hailing apps in Kampot: PassApp and Grab. Either one is fine; you’ll need your passport and a local SIM to register.

While the apps do make it convenient, and having a fixed price removes the stress of haggling, both companies are aggressive in their pricing and commissions. Consider leaving a tip for your driver to make it worth their while.

You can also just hail a tuk-tuk. Make sure you agree on a price before setting off.

Haircuts & Barbers

A husband-and-wife barber shop on Street 722. Sokun does the men’s cuts, his wife does hairdressing, and they both speak good English. Westerners come here often, so the owners are familiar with Western styles and service. Beard shaves too, and they do manicures and pedicures. A men’s cut is $2.50. No reservations needed. Just walk in.

Cash and Changing Money

ABA is the biggest bank in Cambodia, and its machines have the fewest issues with foreign cards. This main branch has a row of ATMs and staff on site who can help if something goes wrong. The fee for a foreign card is the usual, about $5. Machines pay out in US dollars and Cambodian riel.

For changing money there’s a woman with a street stall just off the Durian Roundabout. Don’t expect small talk. It’s quick and all business, the rates are good, and she knows exactly what she’s doing. One catch, true everywhere in Cambodia: torn, marked or grubby US notes get refused, so bring clean ones.

SIM Cards

Smart and Metfone are the two most people use in Kampot. Much the same in town; Metfone gets better reception in some of the rural areas. Phone shops are everywhere and any of them will do. You’ll need your passport to get a SIM. Topping up runs a dollar or two a week.

Motorbike Rental & Repair

If you’re renting a motorbike, take photos of it before you ride off. Accidents are common here, so owners look closely at every bike that comes back. A scratch or a dent is easy to miss at pickup and easy to disagree about on return. Photos of how you got it keep things clear for everyone.

Having photos of the bike will also save you when you’ve parked in a row of identical scooters and can’t remember which is yours.

Enough renters have crashed a bike and left the country that every place now insists you leave your passport or a large cash deposit.

The going rate is $5 a day.

Your accommodation can probably suggest a reputable place nearby, or arrange one for you. Otherwise, here are two with a good reputation among locals:

Tree has rented motorbikes and bicycles here for years and is a Kampot fixture. Probably the best bicycles in town. He knows his machines and he’s fair and honest to deal with.

Bison Tours doesn’t only rent motorbikes; it also runs tours around Kampot. Professional, well organised, and used to dealing with foreign customers.

Since 2016, in Cambodia you don’t need a licence for anything under 150cc, which is almost every rental bike. However, your travel insurer may not see it that way if you crash, so check your policy.

Helmets are required by law, and most locals ignore that. If the police stop you it’s a $5 fine. If you choose not to wear one, you might want to bookmark our Medical Care in Kampot article first.

If something does break on a rental motorbike, it’s usually cheaper to get it fixed yourself than to negotiate with the rental shop. Repairs are often shockingly cheap.

Doctor Moto is well trusted in town, and he knows what he’s doing. Prices are fair, cheap by Western standards. Punctures, flat batteries, brakes, chains, etc.

Second-hand Clothes

If you need to buy clothes, you might find the markets are filled with cheap knockoffs or overpriced brand names. What most people don’t know is that the second-hand shops can be full of great deals. Clothes donated to charity in Western countries end up here, so if you don’t mind digging around, you can often find high-quality brand names for just a couple of dollars.

A wide range of sizes and styles, mostly shirts, jeans and shorts, plus hats, bags, shoes and jewellery. The owner is friendly and prices are low. It’s luck of the draw whether there’s anything you want on the day. Label Sab, just around the corner on Street 729, is the same kind of shop if you want a second stop. There are dozens more around town, and a quick Google search will turn up enough for a whole day of shopping.

Handmade Souvenirs

If you’re looking for souvenirs, Tiny Kampot Pillows is the best in town. It specialises in handmade goods: kramas, scarves, bags, cushions and more. The owner is happy to make something to order in the shop if you have a special request. It also stocks the usual collectables: keyrings, fridge magnets and so on.

And the Rest

There are so many laundry places in town that recommending one is pointless. Super cheap, super reliable. Ask your hotel for one nearby.