ATMs
Everywhere in cities; dispense US dollars (and riel). Foreign-card fees run $4–6 per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often. ABA, Acleda and Canadia are the big networks. Always choose to be charged in USD, not your home currency.
Before your trip
Money and payments
Cambodia runs on two currencies at once: US dollars and Khmer riel. It sounds confusing; in practice it takes a day to get used to. Here’s the system.
- Currencies
- USD + riel (KHR)
- Rough rate
- $1 ≈ 4,000–4,100 ៛
- ATM fee
- $4–6 per withdrawal
- Cards
- Hotels & upscale only
The system
Two currencies, one wallet
US dollars are accepted everywhere and prices in tourist areas are usually quoted in dollars. The riel fills in the gaps: anything under a dollar, and your change.
Pay $10 for a $8.50 meal and you’ll typically get $1 back plus 2,000 riel: most places treat $1 as 4,000 riel for change. Both are normal, both are real money. Keep small riel notes (1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000) for tuk-tuks, markets, street food and small tips.
Outside the main tourist cities, and increasingly everywhere since the central bank has been promoting the riel, prices are quoted in riel. You never need to “exchange” dollars into riel formally: change accumulates naturally.
Bring crisp dollar notes
Torn, marked or heavily creased US bills are refused everywhere: even by banks. Bring newer-series notes in good condition, mostly small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20). $50 and $100 notes get scrutinised and are hard to break.
Getting cash
ATMs, banks & exchange
Money changers
For breaking big bills or converting leftover riel, licensed money changers (look for the posted rates) around markets give fair rates with no fee. Old Market in Siem Reap and Central Market in Phnom Penh both have several.
On the islands
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem have very few ATMs and they run dry. Bring all the cash you’ll need from the mainland, plus a margin: many island places add 3–5% for card payments when they take them at all.
Koh Rong guideGoing cashless
KHQR: pay by QR code like a local
Cambodia leapfrogged cards: nearly every shop, café and market stall displays a KHQR code linked to the national Bakong payment system. Locals pay for everything by scanning it.
As a visitor you can join in with the official Bakong Tourists app: top it up with your foreign card, then scan KHQR codes to pay in dollars or riel with no cash involved. It works at street stalls that would never take a credit card.
It’s optional (cash covers you fine) but it’s genuinely convenient, avoids the change dance, and solves the “no small notes” problem.
Budget
What things actually cost
| Item | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local meal (khmer restaurant) | $3–6 | Market stalls and street food less. |
| Western/upscale meal | $8–20 | Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. |
| Specialty coffee | $2–4 | Cambodia has a serious café scene. |
| Draft beer | $0.50–2 | Happy hours abound. |
| Tuk-tuk in town (Grab/PassApp) | $1.50–3 | Book by app for fair fixed prices. |
| Mid-range hotel double | $25–60 | Boutique quality is a bargain here. |
| Angkor pass (1 day) | $37 | 3-day $62, 7-day $72. |
Tipping is not obligatory, but wages are low and small tips are hugely appreciated: 5–10% in restaurants, $1–2 per day for drivers and guides, round up for tuk-tuks. Hand tips directly to the person.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring US dollars or exchange into riel?
Bring US dollars in small, crisp notes. They are accepted everywhere. You’ll receive riel naturally as change for amounts under $1. There is no need to formally exchange money on arrival.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Cambodia?
Only in hotels, upscale restaurants and larger shops, often with a 2–3% surcharge. Markets, tuk-tuks, street food and most local places are cash or KHQR only. Plan on cash (or the Bakong Tourists app) for day-to-day spending.
How much cash should I withdraw at a time?
ATM fees for foreign cards are $4–6 per withdrawal regardless of amount, so fewer, larger withdrawals are cheaper. $200–300 at a time works for most travellers; ABA ATMs are the most common.
Can I use the riel notes I have left at the end of my trip?
Riel is nearly impossible to exchange outside Cambodia. Spend it before you leave, use it for tips, or convert it back to dollars at a money changer.
Continue planning
More Cambodia travel info
Visa & Entry Requirementse-Visa, visa on arrival, e-Arrival card and entry rules.When to Go & WeatherMonth-by-month weather, seasons and the best time to visit.How Many Days & Itineraries3 days to 2 weeks: routes that actually work.Getting AroundBuses, boats, flights, trains and city transport.Safety & HealthHealth tips, insurance, scams and emergency numbers.Essential AppsThe apps to download before you land.
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