Cash is king in Cambodia, as the economy is heavily reliant on US Dollars (USD) and Cambodian Riel (KHR) for daily transactions, especially outside major cities. While credit cards are accepted in high-end hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, cash is essential for small purchases, markets, and rural areas.
In Cambodia, cash is still the preferred or only payment option available in some circumstances. For small purchases such as street food, snacks, and local markets, vendors often don't have card payment facilities.
The Cambodian currency Riel is the best. They also accept USD but you won't get better exchange rate if you use it in local shops and other establishments. Best is to exchange your usd at an exchange place and use the local currency for your daily expenses.
Digital payments are slowly becoming more common, especially in cities: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, ABA Pay are increasingly accepted in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Many restaurants, hotels, and shops now accept credit cards or mobile payments. In rural areas and small businesses, cash is still king.
We provide foreign exchange service to our customers through all offices within Cambodia in 12 currencies: Khmer Riel (KHR), US Dollar (USD), Thai Baht (THB), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Euro (EUR)*, Australian Dollar (AUD)*, Vietnamese Dong (VND)*, Canadian Dollar (CAD)*, Japanese Yen (JPY)*, UK Pound (GBP)*, Lao Kip (LAK)*, ...
Should I exchange money before I travel to Cambodia?
You can exchange your travellers cheques' at some banks and bureaux de change, but not all of the locations in Cambodia will accept them. We generally recommend purchasing your currency before you head on holiday, but you can change cash in Cambodia if you forget.
Every single ATM in Cambodia charges Cambodian ATM withdrawal fees ranging from $4 to $8 USD per transaction. Unlike many Western countries where you might find fee-free options, Cambodia's banking system universally applies these charges to non-Cambodian card ATM fees.
Carry both USD and Riel—Use Riel for small purchases and USD for larger ones. Pay in Riel when the price is under $10—You'll often get a better rate. Don't bother exchanging USD to Riel—You'll naturally receive Riel as change. Use $10, $20, or $50 USD bills—Larger notes are preferred.
Do you tip in Cambodia? In Cambodia, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you've received.
Don't touch a Cambodian person on the head. Don't begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite. Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them. Keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum.
Cash, in both the local Riel and the US Dollar, remains prevalent, with US dollars often used for larger purchases and Riel for smaller transactions and change. Bakong, a central bank-sponsored digital wallet and transfer system, also plays a key role by connecting various financial institutions.
If you are visiting Cambodia, you should practice sound personal security awareness by varying your routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking alone after dark.
The weather was gorgeous when we visited so we drank a lot of cold beverages. Iced tea and bubble tea range from $1.90 – $3.20. Shakes and juices cost $1. We needed our daily coffee fix and spent around $1 – $2.50 per cup.
Getting your hands on some Cambodian riels in the UK is a breeze! Traditional options like banks and the Post Office might not stock this currency. But fear not – you can easily find Cambodian riels online, like on our website.
To touch someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or child, is taboo and insensitive. When standing or posing for a photograph, it is considered rude for a younger person to place their hand on an elder's shoulder. It is impolite for someone to walk over another person that is sitting or lying down.
Take a peek at these tips to prevent food poisoning and waterborne illnesses. Avoid drinking tap water in Siem Reap and stick with labeled water. Don't worry, it's normally safe to use tap water to brush your teeth!
Banteay Chhmar is Cambodia's best kept secret. It's a huge but hidden temple complex around two hours from Siem Reap, shrouded in both jungle and mystery. Buried far off the beaten track, it's the perfect spot to live out all of your Indiana Jones fantasies. If you're lucky, you might even have the place to yourself!
Although Cambodia's official currency is the Riel, the US Dollar is used in many transactions. We therefore recommend taking some US dollars in cash, which avoids the fees charged locally to withdraw money from an ATM. Alternatively, you can take British pounds and change this on arrival.
Meals in local restaurants: 5 to 10 USD per day. Meals in mid-range restaurants: 10 to 20 USD per day. Meals in high-end restaurants: 20 USD and more per meal. Tuk-tuk/Passap transport: 2 to 5 USD per trip in the city.
There's no avoiding it the 220thb fee is an ATM every ATM is going to charge you that unfortunately. The only thing you can do is withdraw the maximum amount per transaction(20-30,000baht typically) to avoid using the ATM as much.
Is it better to get a visa on arrival or online for Cambodia?
It's generally better to get your Cambodian visa online via the official e-visa portal or e-Arrival Card before you travel to save time and avoid queues and potential extra fees at land borders, though Visa on Arrival (VOA) at airports or major crossings is still an option, especially if you haven't pre-arranged; always use the official arrival.gov.kh or evisa.gov.kh sites. For air arrivals, completing the e-Arrival Card online within 7 days of arrival (which includes the e-visa option) is the most efficient way.
The best ATM for foreigners in Cambodia and the one with the lowest fees is Bred Bank ABA Bank. It charges $5 for withdrawals regardless of the amount. The single transaction limit is 500 USD, which isn't great but isn't too terrible either.
