The Dual Currency System
The Cambodian riel (KHR) is Cambodia's national currency. It is the official legal tender, it is what prices are set in by law, and it is what the National Bank of Cambodia issues and manages.
Alongside it, the US dollar is an officially recognised secondary currency — a legacy of the 1990s UN period that the state formally accommodates. Banks hold dollar accounts, ATMs dispense dollars, and government fees are quoted in them. In practice you will see both currencies, often in the same transaction:
- Riel (KHR): the official currency. Accepted everywhere, always. Used throughout for smaller amounts, and increasingly for everything
- US Dollar (USD): widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger purchases — but it is a convenience, not the country's currency
The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 4,050 KHR and the riel has been slowly strengthening — it sat near 4,100 through 2024-25. Pay in dollars and your change under $1 comes back in riel.
Riel first. The National Bank of Cambodia is actively encouraging riel use, and paying in riel is smoother, avoids poor informal exchange rates, and is the courteous thing to do in someone else's country. If you take one habit from this page, make it this one.
Important — US coins are NOT accepted anywhere in Cambodia. Only US paper bills (cash) are spendable. If you try to pay with quarters, dimes, or any coins, no merchant will take them. Any change under $1 will always be given back to you in riel, not cents.
Cash Tips
- Carry riel for everyday spending, and bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) as a backup. Many vendors can't break a $20
- Bills must be in good condition — no tears, marks, or folds. Damaged bills are refused
- Old-style $100 bills (small portrait) are often rejected
- Rural areas are cash-only. Always carry enough KHR
Money Exchange
- Airport exchange counters offer reasonable rates
- Banks and licensed money changers in cities are reliable
- Avoid street money changers — scams are common
- Withdraw or change enough riel for daily spending — market stalls, tuk-tuks, and rural vendors price in riel and will always take it
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in cities. Expect fees:
| Bank | Withdrawal Fee | Max Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| BRED Bank | $6 Visa / $10 Mastercard | $2,000 |
| Canadia Bank | $5 | $1,000 |
| ABA Bank | $4-8 | $1,000 |
| ACLEDA Bank | $5 | $1,000 |
Tip: BRED used to be the cheapest ATM in Cambodia and is still worth using for large withdrawals — its $2,000 ceiling is double everyone else's, so one $6 fee beats two $5 ones. For smaller amounts, Canadia and ACLEDA at a flat $5 now work out better. Check the on-screen fee before you confirm; it is always disclosed.
Cheaper still: withdraw the maximum your card allows in one go rather than making several small withdrawals. Every one of these fees is charged per transaction, not per dollar.
Digital Payments
Cambodia has leapfrogged into digital payments:
- KHQR: Universal QR code payment system accepted at 4.5 million+ merchants
- Bakong Tourists App: Developed by the National Bank of Cambodia specifically for foreigners. Link your Visa/Mastercard and pay via KHQR at any merchant
- ABA Pay: Most popular local payment app
- Wing: Mobile money, useful for cash-in at outlets