💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Siem Reap: card acceptance by area, where to find ATMs, how to pay for tuk-tuks, and what to carry for temple days. For Cambodia-wide currency advice, USD vs riel guidance, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Order USD → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Siem Reap?
Yes. Siem Reap is a cash-first city. US dollars are the primary currency for tourists, and you will use cash for most daily transactions. Cards are gaining ground at hotels, upscale restaurants, and some tourist shops, but the markets, tuk-tuks, street food, and temple area vendors all operate on cash. Carry $20–50 in small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s) when you head out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Tuk-tuk rides (always cash, negotiate in USD). Old Market (Psar Chas) and Night Market stalls. Street food vendors along Pub Street and the riverside. Temple area drinks and snacks (vendors inside the Angkor complex). Small restaurants and local eateries outside the tourist center. Massage shops ($5–10/hour). Donations at active temples. Motorbike and bicycle rentals.
Where Cards Work Fine
Angkor Wat ticket office (Visa and Mastercard accepted for the $37–72 passes). Hotels from mid-range up (budget guesthouses are often cash-only). Upscale restaurants on Sivatha Boulevard, around the river, and in hotel restaurants. Some Pub Street bars and restaurants (look for card logos on the door). Larger souvenir shops and art galleries. Tour operators for bookings. Budget $20–50 in small USD bills for daily cash spending beyond card-friendly venues.
USD vs Riel: How the Dual Currency Works
The Cambodia guide covers the dual-currency system in detail. In Siem Reap specifically: prices at hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuk fares, and the Angkor pass are all quoted in US dollars. You pay in dollars and receive change in a mix of dollars and Cambodian riel (at roughly 4,000 riel = $1). Small purchases under $1 (a water bottle, a piece of fruit) are priced in riel. You do not need to exchange money into riel before arriving. ATMs dispense USD. Just bring or withdraw US dollars and you will accumulate riel as change.
⚠ Bring Crisp, Clean US Bills
Siem Reap businesses refuse US bills that are torn, heavily creased, marked, or old-style (pre-2006). Bring newer bills in good condition. $1 and $5 bills are the most useful denominations. $50 and $100 bills get the best exchange rate if you need to break them at a money changer, but are hard to use for everyday purchases.
Paying by Card in Siem Reap
Card acceptance is growing but still limited compared to most Southeast Asian tourist cities. Visa and Mastercard work at the places that accept cards. Amex is rarely accepted. Many businesses that technically have a card terminal add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments (legal in Cambodia). Ask before paying by card if the surcharge concerns you.
Pub Street & Surrounds
The famous bar and restaurant strip has a mix. Larger bars (Angkor What?, Temple Club, Miss Wong) accept cards, though some add a surcharge. Street-side restaurants and food stalls along the pedestrian area are cash-only. The $0.50 draft beers and $1–2 cocktails that Pub Street is known for are always cash transactions. Budget $10–30 in small bills for an evening out.
Old Market (Psar Chas)
The covered market near the river is entirely cash-based. Vendors sell scarves, clothing, spices, souvenirs, and street food. Haggling is expected, and starting prices are inflated for tourists. Aim for 30–50% off the first quoted price. The food stalls inside the market serve excellent Khmer dishes for $1–3. Bring $10–30 in small bills.
Night Market & Art Center
The Angkor Night Market and nearby Noon Night Market are cash destinations. Stalls sell handicrafts, paintings, silk, and souvenirs. The Island Bar area inside the Angkor Night Market has some bars that accept cards, but the shopping stalls are cash-only. Dr. Fish massage stalls ($3–5) are cash. Budget $10–30 for browsing and buying.
Sivatha Boulevard & Hotel Zone
The main commercial street has the city's best card acceptance. Larger restaurants, hotel restaurants, travel agencies, and some shops accept cards. The Lucky Mall supermarket accepts cards. Banks with ATMs line the boulevard. If you need a card-friendly meal, head to the restaurants along Sivatha or your hotel restaurant.
Riverside & French Quarter
The area along the Siem Reap River between the Old Market and Royal Gardens has upscale restaurants and cafes that accept cards (FCC Angkor, Raffles Grand Hotel restaurants, Haven). The smaller riverside cafes and street food vendors along the riverbank are cash-only. This is a good area for a card-friendly dinner if you want to take a break from cash.
Angkor Temple Complex
The Angkor ticket office on Apsara Road accepts cards (Visa, Mastercard) for the $37–72 passes. Inside the temple complex, there is very little commerce. Drink vendors near major temples (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) sell water, coconuts, and snacks for $1–2, all cash. The restaurants near Angkor Wat's moat area are cash-only. Bring $10–20 in small bills for a temple day.
ATMs in Siem Reap
For Cambodia-wide ATM advice, see the Cambodia guide. ATMs in Siem Reap dispense US dollars, not riel.
Look for these logos on the street. These banks work reliably with foreign Visa and Mastercard.
ABA Bank
ACLEDA
Canadia BankBest Locations
ABA Bank has ATMs along Sivatha Boulevard and near the Old Market. ABA is generally considered the best option for foreign cards, with lower fees ($4–5) and higher withdrawal limits. ACLEDA Bank has the most branches in the country and ATMs throughout the city center. Canadia Bank has ATMs near the Old Market and on Sivatha Boulevard. Withdraw $100–200 at a time to minimize per-transaction fees.
Airport
Siem Reap's new airport (SAI, opened 2023) has ATMs and exchange counters in the arrivals hall. Exchange rates at the airport are worse than in town but acceptable for a small withdrawal to cover your tuk-tuk to the hotel ($7–10). If you already have USD, you do not need to visit an ATM or exchange counter at all.
Paying for Tuk-Tuks, Taxis & Transport
Tuk-Tuks (Primary Transport)
Tuk-tuks (a motorbike pulling a covered carriage) are the main way to get around. Within town (hotel to Pub Street, Old Market): $2–3. To Angkor temples (Small Circuit, full day): $15–20. Grand Circuit (full day): $25–30. Sunrise at Angkor Wat + Small Circuit: $18–25. To/from the airport: $7–10. Always agree on the price before getting in. Your hotel can arrange a driver for the day, which is the best approach for temple visits. Tuk-tuks are always cash (USD).
Grab & PassApp
PassApp is Cambodia's local ride-hailing app and works in Siem Reap. Grab also operates but with limited coverage. Both accept card payment through the app or cash. For trips within town, PassApp is often cheaper than negotiating with a tuk-tuk on the street. For full-day temple tours, a pre-arranged tuk-tuk driver is still the better option.
Bicycles & E-Bikes
Many visitors rent bicycles ($2–5/day) or e-bikes ($8–15/day) to explore the temples at their own pace. Rental shops are concentrated near the Old Market and along Sivatha Boulevard. Payment is cash. The ride from town to Angkor Wat is about 6 km on a flat, paved road. Bring your own water and sunscreen.
Airport Transfers
The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is about 50 km from town (45–60 minutes). Tuk-tuk: not practical for this distance. Taxi/minivan: $15–25, arranged at the airport counter (cash or card) or pre-booked through your hotel. PassApp: $12–18, card via app. Many hotels offer free airport pickup with advance booking.
Tipping in Siem Reap
The Cambodia guide covers tipping norms in detail. In Siem Reap, tipping is not obligatory but is a meaningful supplement to local wages. For tuk-tuk drivers who spend the full day with you at the temples, $3–5 is generous. Restaurant tips of $1–2 or rounding up are appreciated. Temple tour guides expect $5–10 per person for a full day. Spa therapists appreciate $1–2. Always tip in cash (USD).
Prices in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is very affordable. The Angkor pass is the single biggest expense. Day-to-day spending on food, transport, and activities is remarkably cheap by international standards.
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor pass (1 day) | $37 | Card or cash at ticket office |
| Angkor pass (3 days) | $62 | Valid for 10 days |
| Angkor pass (7 days) | $72 | Valid for 1 month |
| Street food meal | $1–3 | Noodle soup, fried rice, BBQ skewers |
| Restaurant meal (mid-range) | $5–15 | Amok, lok lak, with a beer |
| Draft beer (Pub Street) | $0.50–1 | Famous $0.50 drafts |
| Khmer massage (1 hour) | $5–10 | Cash only, tip $1–2 |
| Tuk-tuk (in town) | $2–3 | Cash, negotiate first |
| Tuk-tuk (temples, full day) | $15–25 | Small or Grand Circuit |
| Bicycle rental (per day) | $2–5 | Cash at rental shops |
| Tonle Sap boat tour | $15–25 | Tour operator, card or cash |
| Phare Circus show | $18–38 | Card online, cash at door |
| Airport taxi to town | $15–25 | 50 km from new airport |
All prices in USD, the primary tourist currency. Small change given in riel (4,000 KHR = $1).
Day Trips from Siem Reap
Tonle Sap Lake (30 minutes by tuk-tuk)
Boat tours of the floating villages (Kompong Khleang, Chong Kneas, or Kampong Phluk) cost $15–25 through a tour operator (card or cash for booking). The boat ride itself is included, but drinks, snacks, and donations at the floating school/village are cash. Bring $10–20 in small bills beyond the tour cost.
Banteay Srei (45 minutes by tuk-tuk)
The exquisite pink sandstone temple is covered by your Angkor pass (no extra entry fee). A tuk-tuk to Banteay Srei and back costs $20–30 as a half-day add-on, or it can be combined with the Grand Circuit. Landmine Museum ($5 entry, cash) is on the way and worth a stop. Bring $5–10 in cash for drinks and the museum.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus (In Town)
Not a day trip but a must-see evening activity. Tickets cost $18–38 depending on seating. Book online with a card (pharecircus.org) or buy at the door with cash or card. The show supports at-risk Cambodian youth. A bar and food stalls at the venue are cash-based. Budget $25–45 total for the evening.
Kulen Mountain (1.5 hours by car)
A national park with waterfalls, a reclining Buddha, and the River of a Thousand Lingas. Entry is $20 for foreigners (cash at the gate). Transport is by private car or van ($30–50 for the day, cash or arranged through your hotel). Food vendors at the waterfall area are cash-only. Bring $20–30 in cash beyond transport and entry costs.
Siem Reap Quick Reference
A quick reference for how to load your pockets depending on where you are heading.
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor ticket office | ✅ Visa/MC | Not needed | $37–72 for passes |
| Inside the temples | ❌ Vendors cash | $10–20 | Water, snacks, drinks |
| Pub Street evening | ✅ Some bars | $10–30 | $0.50 beers are cash |
| Old Market shopping | ❌ Never | $10–30 | Haggle, start at 50% off |
| Night Market | ❌ Stalls cash | $10–30 | Handicrafts, silk, souvenirs |
| Hotel restaurant | ✅ Most places | Not needed | Mid-range and up |
| Tuk-tuk rides | ❌ Never | $2–25 | Always cash, agree price first |
| Tonle Sap day trip | ✅ Tour booking | $10–20 | Cash for on-site spending |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need US dollars or Cambodian riel in Siem Reap?
Both. Siem Reap runs on a dual-currency system. US dollars are the primary currency for tourists: hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuk fares, and Angkor Wat tickets are all priced in USD. Cambodian riel (KHR) is used for small purchases under $1 and as change. ATMs dispense USD. Bring crisp, undamaged US bills (torn or marked bills are refused). You will receive riel as change for small-dollar transactions.
How much does an Angkor Wat pass cost?
A 1-day pass costs $37, a 3-day pass costs $62, and a 7-day pass costs $72. Passes are purchased at the official ticket office on Apsara Road (not at the temple gates). Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or cash (USD). Your photo is taken at the counter and printed on the pass. The ticket office opens at 5 AM for sunrise visits.
How much should I pay for a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap?
Within town (hotel to Pub Street, Old Market): $2–3. To the Angkor temple complex for a full day (Small Circuit): $15–20. Grand Circuit (full day): $25–30. Sunrise at Angkor Wat plus Small Circuit: $18–25. To the airport: $7–10. Always agree on the price before getting in. Your hotel can arrange a tuk-tuk driver for the day, which is usually the best approach for temple visits.
Can I pay by card at Angkor Wat?
At the ticket office, yes (Visa and Mastercard). Inside the temple complex itself, there is very little to buy. The drink and snack vendors scattered around the temples are cash-only. Restaurants near the temples are mostly cash. Bring $10–20 in small bills for drinks, snacks, and tips during your temple day.
Which ATMs should I use in Siem Reap?
ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank are the most reliable for foreign cards. ATMs dispense US dollars (not riel). Most machines charge $4–5 per withdrawal. ABA Bank ATMs are widely considered the best option with the lowest fees. ATMs are concentrated along Sivatha Boulevard and near the Old Market.
Is Siem Reap expensive?
No. Siem Reap is very affordable. Street food costs $1–3. A sit-down restaurant meal with a beer runs $5–15. A tuk-tuk for a full day of temples costs $15–25. Hotels range from $10 budget guesthouses to $50–100 mid-range with pools. The Angkor pass is the biggest expense ($37–72). Budget $40–60 per day for comfortable travel excluding the temple pass.
Should I tip in Siem Reap?
Tipping is not traditional in Cambodia but is appreciated in tourist areas. For tuk-tuk drivers who spend the full day with you at the temples, $3–5 is a kind gesture. Restaurant tips of $1–2 or rounding up the bill are appreciated. Tour guides at Angkor expect $5–10 per person for a full day. Spa and massage therapists appreciate $1–2. Always tip in cash (USD).
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