The Quick Version
Cambodia uses both US Dollars and Cambodian Riel. Bring clean USD bills and you'll be fine everywhere. ATMs dispense USD. Cards accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas.
USD vs Cambodian Riel (KHR)
💵 US Dollar (USD)
- • Primary currency for tourists
- • Accepted everywhere
- • ATMs dispense USD
- • Hotels, restaurants price in USD
- • Bring clean, undamaged bills
- • $50 and $100 bills get better rates
🇰🇭 Cambodian Riel (KHR)
- • Used for small change (under $1)
- • 4,000 Riel = $1 USD (approx)
- • Local markets prefer Riel
- • You'll receive Riel as change
- • No coins in circulation
- • Keep for tuk-tuks and street food
USD Bill Quality Matters
ATMs & Cash Withdrawals
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Most dispense USD.
🏧 ATM Fees
- • $4-6 per withdrawal (local fee)
- • Plus your bank's foreign fee
- • Max withdrawal: $400-500
- • ABA Bank has lowest fees ($4)
🏦 Recommended Banks
- • ABA Bank – Lowest fees
- • Canadia Bank – Reliable
- • ACLEDA Bank – Most locations
- • Avoid: Standalone ATMs in shops
📍 ATM Locations
- • Airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap)
- • Shopping malls
- • Tourist areas
- • Limited in rural areas
💡 Pro Tips for ATM Use
- • Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize fees
- • Notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks
- • Carry backup cards from different banks
- • Stock up on cash before visiting islands or remote areas
- • Choose "without conversion" if asked – use your bank's rate instead
Credit & Debit Cards
✅ Cards Accepted
- • Mid-range and upscale hotels
- • Major restaurants in cities
- • Shopping malls
- • Some tour operators
- • Airlines and online bookings
❌ Cash Only
- • Street food and local restaurants
- • Tuk-tuks and motos
- • Local markets
- • Small guesthouses
- • Rural areas and islands
Card Surcharges
Money Exchange
Exchange rates in Cambodia are fairly standard. Avoid changing money at airports (worst rates) or with street changers (scam risk).
🏆 Best Rates
Licensed money changers in cities. Look for posted rates and calculate before exchanging.
🏦 Bank Exchange
Safe and reliable but slightly lower rates. Good for large amounts.
🛒 Jewellery Shops
Often have competitive rates, especially on Monivong Blvd in Phnom Penh.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not traditionally part of Cambodian culture but is increasingly expected in tourist areas.
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (nice) | 5-10% or round up |
| Street food / local | Not expected |
| Tour guide (full day) | $5-10 |
| Tuk-tuk driver (day trip) | $2-5 |
| Hotel housekeeping | $1-2 per day |
| Spa / massage | $2-5 or 10% |
Typical Costs
🍜 Food
- Street food meal: $1-3
- Local restaurant: $3-8
- Western restaurant: $8-20
- Beer (draft): $0.50-1
- Coffee: $1-3
🚗 Transport
- Tuk-tuk (city ride): $2-4
- Tuk-tuk (full day): $20-30
- Moto taxi: $1-2
- Bus (intercity): $10-20
- Grab/taxi (per km): $0.50
🏨 Accommodation
- Dorm bed: $3-8
- Budget room: $10-25
- Mid-range hotel: $30-70
- Boutique hotel: $80-150
- Luxury resort: $150+
🎫 Activities
- Angkor 1-day pass: $37
- Cooking class: $15-35
- Massage (1 hour): $7-15
- Scuba diving: $80-120
- Elephant sanctuary: $60-100
📱 Connectivity
- SIM card (10GB): $3-5
- WiFi: Usually free
- Coworking space: $5-15/day
🛒 Shopping
- Scarf/krama: $2-10
- Elephant pants: $3-5
- Pepper (Kampot): $5-15
- Handmade crafts: $10+
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