Money in Cambodia

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.