Currency in Cambodia: Riel but why the US dollar?

Visiting Cambodia is an amazing experience, whether you’re coming for Angkor Wat, island beaches, or local culture. But before you dive into your trip, you’ll want to understand how money works here. The currency in Cambodia is a little unusual, the country officially uses the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar is also widely accepted. Here’s a clear, practical guide to handling money in Cambodia.

Tours in Siem Reap Angkor and Cambodia are most widely paid in us dollar or even euro.

Understanding Cambodia’s Currency: Riel and US Dollar

Riel: The Official Currency

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the country’s official currency. At the time of writing, 1 USD = around 4,100 KHR. While the Riel is mostly used for small, everyday transactions, you’ll quickly notice that US dollars dominate the economy.

You can check the daily exchange rate on the National Bank of Cambodia website, but the rate rarely changes significantly.

US Dollar: Widely Accepted

In practice, Cambodia runs on a dual-currency system. Almost everything — hotels, tours, visas, and dining — is priced in USD. When you pay in dollars, you’ll usually receive change under $10 in Riel.

💡 Traveler tip: Keep in mind that US dollar bills must be in good condition — torn or damaged notes may be refused.

Exchanging Money in Cambodia

Bring USD, not Riel. You cannot get Riel outside Cambodia, and it cannot be exchanged back in your home country.
Avoid airport exchanges. Rates at the airport are much worse than in town.
Where to exchange. Exchange shops are easy to find, especially in markets. They display currency in glass cabinets at the entrance and generally offer better rates than banks or airports.
Euro to Dollar. If you’re traveling with euros, you’ll usually get a better rate changing them in Cambodia than in Europe.

I’ve changed many times euros to dollar or vice versa when I am heading back there, and the exchange rates have been more favorable than if I had exchanged dollars for euros in Europe.

No more small US Dollar note, why?

To reduce reliance on the dollar, the government began phasing out $1 and $5 bills. Don’t worry — they’re still accepted, but for payments under $10 you’ll typically receive change in Riel.

Alert: Beware of Damaged Dollars – Big Change!

Tinted or Damaged US Dollars – Good News in Siem Reap

For years, damaged or marked US dollar bills were a nightmare in Cambodia. Banks and businesses often refused them, and penalties were charged for deposits. Recently, however, new rules in Siem Reap require banks to accept slightly marked or tinted notes.

That said, it’s still wise to:

Use Riel if in doubt — it’s always accepted.
Refuse badly torn or taped notes.
Ask for a clean note when receiving change.

Check all our electric bike tours

Why Damaged Dollars Were an Issue

Previously, banks would not accept damaged US dollar notes, imposing penalties ranging from $5 to $10. This led business owners to reject these notes to avoid significant losses. With the new law in place in Siem Reap, this problem should be mitigated, making transactions smoother for everyone.

ATMs in Cambodia

Availability: Easy to find in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Scarcer in small towns, and almost nonexistent on islands.
Fees: Most ATMs charge $3–6 per withdrawal.
Currency dispensed: Withdrawals are in USD.

💡 Traveler tip: Carry cash before heading to remote areas or islands.

Tips with your Money in Cambodia

Carry a mix of USD and Riel.
Use Riel for purchases under $10 — it’s often cheaper.
Don’t exchange USD into Riel directly; you’ll naturally receive Riel as change.
Stick to $10 and $20 bills for everyday use.
Avoid torn or damaged dollars. If you have them, exchange them once you return home.

Also check our artcle about: SECURITY, IS CAMBODIA SAFE?

New form of payments:

Digital payments are slowly becoming more common, especially in cities:

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, ABA Pay are increasingly accepted in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Many restaurants, hotels, and shops now accept credit cards or mobile payments.
In rural areas and small businesses, cash is still king.

At Adventures Cambodia, we make it easy — you can pay online for your Angkor Wat tours or directly on-site by card and even Sombai accept Apple Pay.

FAQ About the Currency in Cambodia

What is the official currency of Cambodia?
- The Cambodian Riel (KHR).
Do I need US dollars in Cambodia?
- Yes. Most transactions are in USD, with small change in Riel.
Can I get Riel before I travel?
- No, you can only exchange for Riel inside Cambodia.
What about damaged dollar bills?
- Slightly marked notes are now more accepted, but avoid torn bills.
How much cash should I carry?
- Enough for daily expenses, especially if heading to islands or rural areas without ATMs.