Cambodia
Money in Cambodia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use US dollars for most purchases, keep small clean notes for change; cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for markets and tips – switch to cash if ATMs are scarce.
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GuideCambodia
Key facts
- Official currency
- US dollar (USD) and Cambodian riel (KHR)
- Typical exchange rate
- ≈4,000 KHR = 1 USD
- ATM availabilitycheck
- Urban areas, hotels and malls; fees 1–3 USD per withdrawal
- Card acceptancecheck
- Visa/Mastercard in hotels, larger restaurants, some shops
- Cash necessity rating
- 3 / 5 – cash needed for markets, transport, tips
Quick answer
Cambodia uses US dollars and the local riel. For most transactions, pay in dollars and keep small, clean notes for change. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger venues, but always have cash for markets, tuk‑tuks and tipping.
Cash, ATMs and cards
ATMs dispense US dollars (and sometimes riel) in cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Expect a fee of about 1–3 USD per withdrawal; some banks add a surcharge. Keep a mix of denominations – $1, $5, $10 – as vendors often give change in riel.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants and larger shops. Smaller eateries, street stalls and transport (tuk‑tuks, motorbike taxis) usually take cash only. If your card is not dual‑currency, you may incur a conversion fee.
| Location | Cash only? | Card accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Street food stalls | Yes | No |
| Tuk‑tuk drivers | Yes | No |
| Mid‑range hotels | No | Yes |
| Large restaurants | No | Yes |
Tipping in Cambodia
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 5 % of the total. For hotel staff, $1–2 per night is common. Guides and drivers usually receive $5–10 per day, depending on service quality.
- Restaurants: round up or 5 % of the bill
- Hotel housekeeping: $1–2 per night
- Guides: $5–10 per day
- Drivers: $5–10 per day
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Cambodia?
Both the US dollar and the Cambodian riel are used; most larger purchases are priced in dollars, while small change is given in riel.
Should I use cash or a card in Cambodia?
Use cash for markets, transport and tips; cards work in hotels, upscale restaurants and some shops. Keep a small amount of dollars for everyday use.
How much should I tip in Cambodia?
Round up restaurant bills or add about 5 %; give $1–2 per night to hotel staff; $5–10 per day to guides and drivers, adjusting for service.
Are ATMs easy to find outside major cities?
ATMs are common in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville but scarce in rural areas. Withdraw enough cash before heading to smaller towns.
Do I need to bring US dollars from home?
Not necessarily, but it helps. ATMs dispense dollars, and you can exchange at banks or money changers. Bring small, clean notes – torn bills are often refused.
Check live
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Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialCambodia Ministry of Tourism
Ask about Cambodia
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