💰 Quick Context: Two Currencies, One Country
Cambodia operates a dual-currency system. The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are the primary transaction currency in cities and tourist areas. Most prices are quoted in USD. Riel is used for change under $1 (at a rate of roughly 4,100 KHR = $1). No mental math needed for Americans: prices are already in dollars. A street food meal costs $1–3, a restaurant meal $5–15, and a hotel night $20–100.
🎧 Order Cambodian Riel Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order KHR → CEI Currency Exchange⚠ Bring Crisp, Clean US Dollar Bills
Cambodia is very picky about the condition of USD bills. Torn, marked, heavily creased, or pre-2006 series bills are routinely refused by shops, hotels, and money changers. Bring crisp, clean bills in $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations. $50 and $100 bills get the best exchange rate if you need to convert to riel, but they are hard to break for everyday purchases. Do not bring old or damaged bills.
Cash vs. Card: What to Expect in Cambodia
Cambodia is overwhelmingly a cash economy. Cards are accepted at upscale establishments in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but most of the country runs on cash (primarily USD).
Cards work at international hotels like Raffles Le Royal and Park Hyatt, upscale restaurants along the Riverside in Phnom Penh, some boutique shops on Street 240, and modern cafes in Siem Reap's Pub Street area. Everything else is cash-only: tuk-tuks, street food stalls, local restaurants, Central Market (Phsar Thmei), Old Market (Psar Chas), guesthouses, boat trips on Tonle Sap, and virtually everything outside the two main cities.
USD is king in Cambodia. You can pay for almost everything in US dollars. Riel is used as small change (anything under $1). You will often receive a mix of USD and riel in return. Carry $50–100 in small bills per day. More if traveling to Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, or rural provinces.
How to Get USD & Riel for Your Cambodia Trip
Cambodia is the most USD-dollarized country on this list. The Cambodian riel exists, but in practice the US dollar handles roughly 80% of transactions outside the local market: tuk-tuks, Pub Street restaurants, guesthouses, Tonle Sap boat trips, Angkor Wat tickets, even most ATM withdrawals are denominated in USD. Riel functions almost entirely as small change for amounts under $1 (the 4,000 KHR-to-$1 exchange rate is informal but stable). Cards work at Raffles Le Royal, Park Hyatt, the upscale Riverside restaurants in Phnom Penh, and most Pub Street area cafes. Everything else is cash, and that cash is overwhelmingly USD. Plan accordingly: bring crisp small-denomination US dollars and let riel accumulate as change.
Bring crisp USD before you fly
Cambodia is the rare country where pre-ordering local currency is a waste of time: the entire economy already runs on US dollars. The right approach is to pack USD in clean small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Larger denominations work fine but you'll get change back in a confusing mix of USD and riel. Bill quality matters here in a way it doesn't in other countries: Cambodian banks, exchange shops, and even tour operators routinely refuse USD bills that are torn, marked, or pre-2009 series. A folded $20 with a tiny corner tear may be rejected at a Siem Reap restaurant. Bring crisp, clean post-2009 bills only. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange can help if you don't have access to clean USD locally; otherwise your home bank will do it for free. Cambodia does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for any Cambodia trip: pack $400–600 in clean small USD bills for the first week, plus a Wise card for hotel charges and the occasional upscale restaurant.
Withdraw USD from a Cambodian bank ATM
Once you're on the ground, Cambodian bank ATMs primarily dispense US dollars, not riel (a few have a USD/KHR toggle for smaller amounts). ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, Canadia Bank, FTB (Foreign Trade Bank), and Cambodia Public Bank all give a fair USD rate, but every one of them charges a flat operator fee per transaction (typically $4–5, which is unusually high). Maximize each withdrawal ($200–500) to spread the fee over more cash. ABA Bank historically has the lowest fee and the highest reliability for foreign cards. Two procedural rules: stick to ATMs inside bank branches in Phnom Penh (along Sihanouk Boulevard, near Independence Monument) and Siem Reap (around Pub Street, on Sivatha Boulevard) rather than street-facing standalones, especially around tuk-tuk hubs and night-market entrances where skim risk is documented. And decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD" — your card already settles in USD if you're a US debit holder, so the conversion is meaningless. See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what an ABA Bank withdrawal will actually cost on your card after the $4–5 fee plus your home bank fees? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & tuk-tuk "exchange" offers
Three traps to walk past in Cambodia. The currency-exchange counters in arrivals at PNH (Phnom Penh) and REP (Siem Reap) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the informal 4,000 KHR-to-$1 rate, plus per-transaction fees. There's no good reason to use them: USD is the working currency, so just pay in USD until you're at a bank ATM. The exchange windows along Pub Street in Siem Reap and around the Phnom Penh Riverside use the "no commission" framing while baking the markup into the rate. And the standalone independent ATMs (often unbranded or carrying obscure provincial-bank logos) at smaller hotel arcades and inside Sihanoukville convenience stores layer aggressive operator fees on top of the standard $4–5 surcharge. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at ABA, ACLEDA, Canadia, FTB, or Cambodia Public Bank, decline DCC, and remember the path is just to pack and use clean USD. Cambodia does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-KHR timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Cambodia
Cambodian ATMs dispense US Dollars (not riel). Most charge a flat fee of $4–5 per withdrawal regardless of the bank. This is unavoidable. Withdraw larger amounts ($200–300) to minimize the per-dollar fee impact. Always choose USD when prompted.
ABA Bank (Advanced Bank of Asia)
The most popular bank among expats and travelers. Modern ATMs with English interfaces, higher withdrawal limits (up to $500/transaction at some machines), and the widest ATM network in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Charges $4–5 per withdrawal.
Top Pick
ACLEDA Bank
Cambodia's largest bank by branch count with ATMs across the entire country, including smaller towns and provincial capitals. Essential for travel outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Charges $4–5 per withdrawal.
Recommended
Canadia Bank
One of Cambodia's largest private banks with a strong ATM network in cities and tourist areas. Reliable machines with English-language options. Good coverage in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Recommended
ANZ Royal Bank
Joint venture with Australia's ANZ group. Fewer ATMs than ABA or ACLEDA, but the international backing means smooth processing of foreign cards. Found in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Recommended⚠ ATM Fees Are Unavoidable in Cambodia
Nearly all Cambodian ATMs charge a $4–5 flat fee per withdrawal for foreign cards, on top of any fees your home bank charges. This is standard across all banks. To minimize the impact, withdraw the maximum amount allowed ($200–500 depending on the bank and ATM). If you are staying for a while, bringing USD cash from home is significantly cheaper than using ATMs.
ATMs to Avoid in Cambodia
While ATM fees are universal, some machines have additional issues worth avoiding.
Standalone ATMs in Tourist Zones
Unbranded or unfamiliar ATMs near Pub Street in Siem Reap or the Riverside in Phnom Penh may charge higher fees ($6–8) and have lower withdrawal limits. Stick to the major bank ATMs listed above.
AvoidAirport Exchange Counters
Money changers at Phnom Penh (PNH) and Siem Reap (REP) airports offer poor exchange rates if you need to convert other currencies to USD. Use the ABA or ACLEDA ATMs at the airport instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Cambodia
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels (Raffles, Park Hyatt, Sofitel), upscale restaurants, and some modern cafes and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. American Express is rarely accepted. Discover does not work in Cambodia. Many businesses add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments to cover their processing fees. This is standard and legal here, so factor it into your decision between card and cash.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless cards are extremely limited in Cambodia. A handful of modern cafes and hotels in Phnom Penh's BKK1 district support tap-to-pay, but do not count on it anywhere. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported. Bakong is Cambodia's national digital payment system, but it requires a Cambodian bank account and is not accessible to tourists. Plan on cash and chip-and-PIN as your payment methods.
Where Cards May Not Work
Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are always cash (USD). Negotiate the fare before getting in. Markets including Central Market (Phsar Thmei), Old Market (Psar Chas), and the Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) are entirely cash-only. Street food and local restaurants require cash, and this is where the best food in Cambodia is found.
Angkor Wat complex tickets can be purchased by card at the official ticket office on Apsara Road, but everything inside the temple complex (food, guides, tuk-tuk between temples) is cash. Boat trips and island transfers to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and Tonle Sap lake tours are cash-only. Everything outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap should be assumed cash-only.
Tipping in Cambodia
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not traditionally part of Cambodian culture, but it has become common at tourist-facing businesses and is always appreciated given local wages. At restaurants, no tip is expected at local eateries. At upscale restaurants along the Riverside or in Siem Reap, 10% or rounding up is generous. For tuk-tuk drivers, round up or add $1 for a good driver. For Angkor Wat guides, $5–10 per day for a private guide is generous and meaningful (guides earn modest wages). Hotel porters receive $1–2 per bag, though tipping is not expected at guesthouses. After a $5–15 massage, $1–2 is a kind gesture. Always tip in USD using $1 bills.
The Dollar Economy: How Two Currencies Work
Understanding the Dual Currency System
For city-specific tips, see our Siem Reap and Phnom Penh money guides. Each covers neighborhood-level card acceptance, ATM locations, transport payments, and local spending tips.
USD is the everyday currency. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators all quote prices in US dollars. You can spend your entire trip without touching riel. Riel handles small change: when something costs $2.50, you pay $2 plus 2,000 riel. The standard exchange rate everyone uses is 4,000 KHR = $1 (the actual market rate hovers around 4,100, so you lose a tiny amount on riel change).
You will accumulate riel as change from purchases. Keep it for tuk-tuk rides, street food, and small purchases. Spend it before you leave, as riel is essentially worthless outside Cambodia. ATMs dispense USD, not riel. This is by design. Do not try to buy riel before your trip. It is unavailable outside Cambodia and you do not need it. Bring crisp USD instead.
Bill Condition Matters
Bring crisp, clean $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. These are the denominations you will use daily. Old, torn, or heavily worn bills will be refused by vendors and even hotels. $50 and $100 bills are useful for ATM-free situations and get slightly better exchange rates when converting to riel, but most vendors cannot break them, so carry plenty of small bills.
Post-2006 series bills preferred. Older bill designs are sometimes rejected, especially $100 notes. No writing or stamps on bills: even a small pen mark can cause a bill to be refused in Cambodia. Inspect your cash before traveling and order fresh bills from your bank if needed.
Practical Tips
Angkor Wat tickets: the official ticket office on Apsara Road accepts Visa, Mastercard, and USD cash. A 1-day pass costs $37, 3-day pass $62, 7-day pass $72. Buy only at the official office. Ride-hailing: Grab and PassApp work in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, accepting cash (USD) on arrival. Some accept cards.
Rural Cambodia: if traveling to Battambang, Kampot, Kep, or other provinces, withdraw enough USD in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap first. ACLEDA Bank ATMs exist in provincial capitals but are less reliable. Border crossings: if arriving overland from Thailand (Poipet) or Vietnam (Bavet), exchange your remaining baht or dong at the border. Rates are poor but better than carrying unusable currency into Cambodia.
Money Safety in Cambodia
Staying Safe
Use ATMs inside ABA Bank or ACLEDA branches during daytime hours. In Phnom Penh, the branches along Norodom Boulevard and near the Riverside are safe choices. In Siem Reap, use ATMs on Sivatha Boulevard. Avoid street-facing ATMs after dark.
Bag snatching is a real risk in Phnom Penh. Motorcyclists may grab bags or phones from pedestrians and tuk-tuk passengers along the Riverside and in BKK1. Keep bags on your lap (not hanging off the side) and use a cross-body bag when walking. Keep cash in a money belt or hotel safe and only carry what you need for the day.
Count your change carefully with two currencies in play. Know that 4,000 riel = $1. Some Cambodian ATMs reject certain foreign cards. ABA Bank tends to be the most reliable for international Visa cards, while ACLEDA handles Mastercard well. Carry both networks if possible. Siem Reap is generally safer than Phnom Penh for tourists, but basic precautions apply everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both USD and riel in Cambodia?
USD is the primary currency for most tourist transactions in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Riel is used for small change (amounts under $1) and in rural areas. You will receive change in riel for USD purchases at the informal rate of about 4,000 riel per $1. Bring crisp USD notes from home.
Why do ATMs in Cambodia dispense USD?
Cambodia's economy is heavily dollarized. Most ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap dispense USD by default, not riel. This is unusual globally but very convenient for American visitors. ABA Bank, ACLEDA, and Canadia Bank ATMs all dispense US dollars.
Do Angkor Wat temples accept cards?
Angkor Wat entrance tickets can be purchased with Visa or Mastercard at the official ticket office. Inside the temple complex, food vendors, drink sellers, souvenir stalls, and tuk-tuk drivers all require cash (USD or riel).
What condition must USD bills be in for Cambodia?
Cambodians are very strict about bill condition. Torn, marked, heavily creased, or pre-2006 series bills may be refused. Bring clean, crisp notes. $1, $5, and $10 denominations are most useful. $50 and $100 bills are hard to break at smaller businesses.
Is Siem Reap or Phnom Penh more card-friendly?
Phnom Penh is more card-friendly due to its larger economy. BKK1 and Riverside restaurants accept cards readily. Siem Reap's Pub Street and Old Market area are mostly cash-based, though some upscale restaurants and hotels accept cards.
Can I use riel after leaving Cambodia?
Cambodian riel is essentially worthless outside the country. Spend your riel before departing or keep small amounts as souvenirs. Since most spending is in USD, leftover dollars are usable anywhere in the world.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Withdraw USD from Cambodian ATMs without hidden fees from your bank.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bring USD cash from home | Best (no ATM fees, no conversion) | ★★★★★ | Primary payment method for most travelers |
| Cambodian bank ATMs (ABA, ACLEDA) | Medium ($4–5 fee per withdrawal) | ★★★★☆ | When you run low on USD cash |
| No-FX-fee credit card | Good (but 2–3% surcharge common) | ★★☆☆☆ | Hotels and upscale restaurants only |
| Airport exchange counters | High (poor rates) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Cambodia Quick Facts
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) + Cambodian Riel (KHR) for small change. 4,000 KHR = $1 |
| Cash vs. Card | Very cash-heavy. Cards only at hotels/upscale venues. Carry $50–100/day in small USD bills |
| Best ATMs | ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, Canadia Bank. All dispense USD. All charge $4–5/withdrawal |
| Bill Condition | Crisp, clean, post-2006 USD bills only. Torn or marked bills will be refused |
| Card Acceptance | Very limited. Hotels and upscale restaurants only. 2–3% surcharge common |
| Tipping | Not traditional but appreciated. $1–2 for services, $5–10/day for guides |
| DCC Risk | Low (ATMs dispense USD). Main concern is flat ATM fees |
| Best Strategy | Bring crisp USD cash from home. Use ATMs as backup. Spend riel before leaving |
Cambodia City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Cambodia's top destinations. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.