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Cambodia is a unique country in the way that it has its own official currency but prefers not to use it! I’m not sure if it was my limited research or lack of information that’s out there, but when I first arrived in Cambodia I was surprised about the use of USD. So this guide will give a rundown of all things money in Cambodia and explain what is the best currency to take to Cambodia!
After my recent trip to Cambodia, I wanted to put together a quick Q & A guide to explain everything related to the Cambodian currency, their use of USD and general prices for tourists.
Q&A Money in Cambodia
What is the official currency in Cambodia?
Cambodia’s official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), then the unofficial second currency is the US dollar.
The standard exchange rate with USD is 4000 riel = $1 and 1000 riel to USD is just 25 cents.
Why does Cambodia use USD?
Cambodia’s dollarization began in the 90s when confidence in the riel was extremely low. The USD was brought to Cambodia after the war and gave currency stabilization during the postwar reconstruction.
Using the USD in Cambodia
Particularly in cities and tourist areas you will see more prices quoted in USD than the Cambodian Riel, restaurant menus, tuk-tuks, and tours. Payment will always be excepted in Riel but USD is preferred and sometimes you’d need to ask what the price in riel would be.
Finding an ATM in Cambodia is easy but in some parts of the country, they won’t dispense Riel, only USD in $20 notes or higher.
When payments are made in US cash, change will be given in Riel if it’s a small amount, if not change will still be given in USD cash.
And also, many businesses won’t accept ripped or dirty USD notes.
What is the best currency to take to Cambodia?
For sure, the U.S dollar is the best currency to take to Cambodia.
When purchasing a Cambodian visa on arrival, this will need to be paid for in US cash and it’s always good to have extra cash on hand when you first arrive in case anything unexpected pops up or to pay for transport.
Although the country is phasing out $1, $2 & $5 notes, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing any of them.
Is it better to pay in USD or riel in Cambodia?
This would all depend on what currency you use in your everyday life, if you earn USD then that is definitely the way to go.
But I found it annoying using USD because I’m from Australia and our dollar was only 0.66 cents to the US, so I would lose money converting to USD.
Although everything was quoted in US dollars so it didn’t make a whole lot of difference, I just preferred using Riel if I was able to get my hands on some.
How far does the dollar go in Cambodia?
After travelling in Thailand and Vietnam I was expecting the prices in Cambodia to be similar, if not cheaper. But they weren’t, Cambodia was definitely the more expensive destination out of the three.
So how much do things cost in Cambodia? Let me give you a few examples (all prices in USD);
Siem Reap dinner at a restaurant on Pub Street (2 drinks, 2 mains, 1 entree) $25
Meal at a local restaurant $2-5
6 pieces of fruit at the local market for $1.8
Fries at McDonald’s $1.9
Local beer $2
Tuk-tuk around Siem Reap shouldn’t cost more than $1-2
1-day scooter hire, Siem Reap $10 / Kampot $5
3-4 litres of fuel $4.50
Bus from Siem Reap to Phenom Phen $8
Train from Phenom Phen to Kampot $9
Meal at a local restaurant $2
In Conclusion…
The dual currency system in Cambodia isn’t as confusing as it may seem to begin with. This quick guide answers all the common questions relating to money in Cambodia & what is the best currency to take to Cambodia.
Although, if you have further questions please comment below.
More on Cambodia
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
I’ve been to Thailand and it’s fascinating that the cost is higher in Cambodia so that’s good to know. I will save your post for reference if I take a trip there as it has good information!
Thank you so much, glad you found it helpful
Had no idea that they used USD, so good to know for trip planning!
I took Australian & US dollars in cash to Cambodia & both were easy to exchange although I had trouble changing an older US$50 bill as no one would accept it. So you definitely need to make sure any foreign cash is new and in very good condition in Cambodia.
That’s so true, thanks for your comment Linda 🙂
What a clever post! I love helpful advice like this..and would love to visit Cambodia some day.
I didn’t know the country was phasing out $1, $2 & $5 notes – that was so useful to know!