Living in Cambodia for several years means learning to navigate between dollars and riels, knowing which ATMs charge less, and appreciating a country where a delicious meal still costs around 4 dollars. This guide gives you our real tips, straight to the point.
Currency in Cambodia — dollar and riel
Cambodia is one of the few countries in the world where a foreign currency — the US dollar (USD) — is used daily as commonly as the national currency. This peculiarity is explained by the country’s economic history since the 1990s.
US Dollar (USD) — the real currency of the country
The dollar is accepted everywhere: hotels, restaurants, markets, taxis, grocery stores, shops. All prices are displayed in dollars. This is the currency you should prioritize. There’s no need to exchange your euros for riels — exchange them directly for dollars before you leave or withdraw dollars from local ATMs.
The Khmer riel (KHR)
The riel is the official Cambodian currency, but it plays a secondary role in daily practice. It is mainly used for very small transactions under 1 dollar. The exchange rate has been stable for years: 1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR.
You will often receive change in riels when you pay in dollars (for example: purchase of $1.50 → you give $2 → change of 2,050 KHR). Keep these small bills for markets and tips.
Bring US bills of 1, 5, 10, and 20 dollars. $100 bills are accepted in large hotels but can cause issues in small shops (hard to change). Also avoid crumpled, torn, or old bills — some shops refuse bills older than 2009.
ATM withdrawals in Cambodia
ATMs are plentiful in all tourist cities in Cambodia. They dispense US dollars — which simplifies life. However, withdrawal fees are the unpleasant surprise that everyone encounters the first time.
Typical withdrawal fees
ABA Bank and Canadia Bank are the two Cambodian banks known for having the lowest fees (sometimes $3 to $4). Avoid ATMs from small independent providers in tourist areas — their fees can reach $6 to $8.
Withdraw the maximum allowed at each withdrawal to limit the number of transactions and therefore the fixed fees. With Revolut or Wise, you also save on the exchange fees charged by your French bank.
Bank cards and neobanks
Card payments
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in modern hotels, tourist restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. However, for markets, tuk-tuks, street vendors, and most small businesses, you need to pay in cash.
Be aware: a commission of 2 to 3% is often applied to card payments in Cambodia. It may be explicitly stated, or it may not. It’s better to pay in cash when possible to avoid this commission.
Revolut and Wise — our recommendations
Why use a neobank?
- Interbank exchange rate: no hidden margin on the EUR → USD conversion
- ATM withdrawals: Revolut offers €200 of free withdrawals/month (Standard plan), Wise charges a very low fee
- Fee-free payments: no exchange fees on card payments (Revolut Standard)
- Real-time control: immediate notifications, card blocking/unblocking from the app
Open your Revolut or Wise account at least 1 to 2 weeks before departure to receive your physical card. Activate it and make a first transfer before you leave.
Your regular French bank card
Your usual card works in Cambodia, but it usually applies exchange fees (1 to 3%) on each transaction in foreign currencies, plus any international fees. For a 2-week stay, this can represent an additional €20 to €40 in fees.
Daily budgets
Here are our realistic estimates for different types of travelers. These budgets are per person and per day, including accommodation, meals, local transport, and one activity.
Backpacker budget — $30 to $50 / day
Comfort budget — $80 to $150 / day
Luxury budget — $200 to $500 / day and more
A couple traveling comfortably, managing their expenses well, can have an excellent 2-week stay in Cambodia for €2,500 to €4,000 all-inclusive (flights included from Paris). The destination remains accessible even with a mid-range budget.
Tips and bargaining
Tips
Tipping is not a cultural obligation in Cambodia like in other countries, but it is always greatly appreciated — salaries in the restaurant and tourism sectors remain modest.
- Local or street restaurant: 500 to 1,000 KHR or round up in dollars (leave $0.50 to $1)
- Tourist restaurant: $1 to $2, or 10% if service is included — check if service has already been added
- Temple or tour guide: $2 to $5 depending on duration, customary
- Tuk-tuk driver for a day: $1 to $3 extra if you are satisfied
- Hotel staff: $1 to $2 at the end of your stay for cleaning
Bargaining
Bargaining is acceptable in traditional markets and for non-metered tuk-tuks. However, it is not practiced in fixed shops, restaurants, or grocery stores — the displayed price is the price.
In markets such as the Central Market in Phnom Penh or the Artisan Market in Siem Reap, the first price offered is often 30 to 50% above the actual price. Offer 50% of the initial price and negotiate towards a fair middle ground. Always remain courteous — bargaining is an exchange, not a conflict.
Safety and vigilance
Cambodia is generally a safe destination. Pickpockets exist but are rare compared to other Southeast Asian destinations. A few common-sense precautions:
- Avoid displaying bills and cash ostentatiously in crowded markets
- Keep your phone in a front pocket or a closed bag in Phnom Penh
- In a tuk-tuk, keep your bag inside (not hanging outside) — snatching from a motorcycle does happen
- Use the hotel safe for your passport and cash reserves
- Spread your money in several places (wallet, bag, hotel)