How to pay in Cambodia? Payment methods, local currency, and useful tips

The national currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR) — Le billet de 15 000R

💳 How to make payments in Cambodia? Currency, methods, and best practices

Whether you're a tourist, resident, or business owner, it's essential to understand how to pay in Cambodia to avoid any surprises. Here's a handy guide to understanding how people pay in Cambodia , whether at the market, in a hotel, or online.

🇰🇭 Official currency: the Cambodian riel (KHR)

The national currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR) . However, in everyday life, the US dollar (USD) is also widely used.

💵 Please note:

Small transactions (less than $10) are often made in riel .
Damaged dollar bills are not accepted.
Coins are not used.

Indicative rate (2025) :1 USD ≈ 4100 KHR (variable rate)

💰 Most used payment methods

1. Species

Most common payment method, especially in rural areas
Bring small bills in USD and KHR
Essential for markets, tuk-tuks, small restaurants

2. Bank cards

Accepted in hotels , high-end restaurants, supermarkets and travel agencies
Fees between 2% and 5% depending on the establishment
Visa & Mastercard are the most widespread

3. Cash withdrawal (ATM)

ATMs are plentiful in major cities (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville)
Some ATMs dispense dollars , others only riels
Beware of foreign withdrawal fees ($4-6 per transaction)

4. Mobile payment applications

Cambodia is rapidly moving towards digital payments. Local and regional applications are growing:

ABA Bank App – Very popular among young people and professionals
Wing Money , TrueMoney , Pi Pay – Accepted at many merchants
Bakong – National Digital Payment System supported by the National Bank of Cambodia

✅ Convenient for sending money, paying bills or shopping online.

🧾 Payments in shops and services

Place	Preferred method
Hotels / Resorts	Bank card, USD
Tourist restaurants	USD, card, sometimes QR code
Markets / Street food	Riel only
Taxis / Tuk-tuks	Cash (riel or USD)
Travel agencies	Card, cash, transfer
Local shops	Cash or mobile payment

🔐 Practical advice

Always carry cash with you , especially outside of major cities.
Check bank fees before using an ATM.
Refuse tickets that are too damaged .
Download a local banking app if you're staying for several weeks.
Exchange your currency at a reliable bank or exchange office (avoid the airport for high rates).

🌐 For professionals: how do your clients pay?

More and more Cambodians are using QR code payments , particularly via ABA, Bakong or TrueMoney . If you have a business (rental, agency, retail), consider offering multiple payment methods to expand your customer base.