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Money & currency

Money in Cambodia

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
KHR

Cambodian Riel (KHR), US Dollar (USD)

Currency code: KHR

Practical Money Tips

Dual Currency Economy — USD for Most Transactions, Riel for Small Change

Cambodia operates a unique dual-currency system. The US dollar (USD) is used for almost all transactions — hotel bills, tour costs, restaurant meals, and supermarkets. The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency but is primarily used for sub-dollar change (1 USD is roughly 4,000 KHR — verify the current rate before travel). You will receive riel as change when paying USD. Prices in tourist areas are typically quoted in USD. Bring USD cash — do not bring riel from outside Cambodia.

ATMs Widely Available — Check Current Withdrawal Fees Before Relying on Them

ATMs are readily available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Battambang. ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank are the most reliable networks. Nearly all ATMs dispense USD. Most ATMs charge a per-withdrawal fee — check the current amount before relying on frequent small withdrawals, and minimise the fee's impact by taking out larger amounts at once. ACLEDA Bank sometimes waives fees. Khmer Riel ATMs are less common but exist at some branches.

Cards and Bakong Digital Payment — Mobile Wallets Growing Rapidly

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and travel agencies in major tourist centres. Cambodia's Bakong payment system (a blockchain-based mobile payment platform) is growing rapidly among locals, but requires a local bank account and is not easily accessible to short-term visitors. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely accepted. ABA Pay and ACLEDA mobile banking are popular locally. Cash (USD) remains king for everyday spending.

One of Southeast Asia's Most Affordable Destinations

Cambodia is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, with street food, local restaurant meals, budget guesthouses and tuk-tuk rides all costing a fraction of prices in Europe or North America — check current price ranges before budgeting rather than relying on a fixed figure. The Angkor Wat pass, sold in tiered durations (one day, three days, seven days) at the official ticket office, is most travellers' single largest cash outlay in the country; the tiered structure is stable even though the prices themselves move, so check the current figures before your trip.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency should I bring to Cambodia?

Bring US dollars (USD) in cash. USD is the de facto currency for almost everything in Cambodia — prices are quoted in USD at restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and most shops. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used only for sub-dollar change. Do not bother bringing riel from abroad.

Can I pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless in Cambodia?

Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported in Cambodia. Cambodia's own Bakong digital payment system (NBC-operated) and ABA Pay are growing rapidly, but require local accounts. Contactless Visa and Mastercard work at some upscale hotels and modern restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but cash is essential throughout the country.

What are ATM fees in Cambodia?

Most ATMs in Cambodia charge a fee per withdrawal, regardless of the amount — check the current figure before relying on frequent small withdrawals, and minimise the impact by withdrawing larger amounts at once. ACLEDA Bank branches sometimes offer lower or no withdrawal fees. ABA Bank ATMs charge fees but are widely available and very reliable.

What is the Cambodian Riel used for?

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used primarily for sub-dollar amounts — you will receive riel as change when paying in USD. The rate runs at roughly 4,000 KHR per USD, though it's worth verifying the current figure before travel. Keep riel for motodop (moto-taxi) fares, market stalls, and small local purchases.

How much does the Angkor Wat entrance pass cost?

Angkor Archaeological Park passes are sold in three tiers — one day, three days and seven days — check the current prices before your trip, since these are the country's most significant single tourist cost and figures move. Purchased at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket counter (not through touts), payable in USD cash or by card, and non-negotiable — no riel option at the ticket counter.

Is it safe to carry USD cash in Cambodia?

Yes — carrying USD cash is the norm in Cambodia. Petty theft can occur in busy areas (use a money belt or hidden pouch), but most travellers carry cash without issue. Avoid displaying large amounts publicly. Hotel safes are recommended for keeping reserve cash.

Is tipping expected in Cambodia?

Tipping is not mandatory in Cambodia but is very much appreciated, since wages are generally low. A dollar or two, or simply rounding up, suits restaurants, tuk-tuk and taxi drivers; a somewhat larger amount is customary for a tour guide after a full day. Hotel housekeeping appreciates a dollar or two per night. Always tip in USD.

Can I exchange euros or other currencies in Cambodia?

Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, Thai Baht, and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed money changers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The best rates for euro-to-USD are at ABA Bank or licensed money changers (not airport counters). USD remains the only widely usable foreign currency at point of sale.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Cambodia overview.

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.