Cambodia currency is centred on the Khmer riel (KHR), but the US dollar functions alongside it in daily transactions throughout the country. Visitors will commonly pay larger sums in dollars while smaller change is usually returned in riel; the widely used exchange rate is USD 1 = KHR 4,000.
What Cambodia currency is and how it developed
The national legal tender is the Cambodian riel (ISO code KHR). Banknotes issued in riel come in a broad range of denominations: 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 riels. Coins exist but are rarely encountered in everyday transactions.
Alongside the riel, the US dollar functions as a parallel currency across most of the country. Authorities and local practice allow both currencies to be used; the economy has a high degree of dollar usage. The commonly used conversion benchmark is USD 1 = KHR 4,000, which shoppers and businesses typically apply when pricing goods or converting change.
Key features and practical highlights of using money in Cambodia
Travelers should expect prices for many goods and services—particularly hotels, restaurants aimed at foreigners, and larger purchases—to be quoted in US dollars. Because US coins are not used, vendors generally provide any small-value return in riel. For example, KHR 1,000 is equivalent to 25 US cents under the standard rate.
ATMs in Cambodia can dispense both US dollars and riel, but many foreign-issued bank cards will permit withdrawals only in dollars. Travelers report that withdrawing local currency from a Cambodian ATM typically results in a USD cash withdrawal on the machine, depending on the card issuer and network.
- Major purchases and hotel bills: often settled in US dollars.
- Small purchases and change: usually given in Khmer riel.
- ATMs: dispense USD and KHR; foreign cards may default to USD.
Practical tips for exchanging, carrying and spending money
You can exchange foreign currency at banks across Cambodia; banks are a common, reliable option for larger sums. Keep in mind that exchanging small amounts of US dollars into riel can result in a substantial stack of notes because of the relatively low value of individual riel notes compared with the dollar.
Merchants and cashiers are selective about the condition of US banknotes. Bills with tears, heavy creases or old-style printing may be refused. If you arrive with damaged US bills, most banks will exchange them for newer notes; private money changers sometimes offer the same service but may apply a fee for replacements.
- Bring relatively new, clean US dollar bills if you plan to pay in dollars.
- Use bank counters for exchanging larger sums to avoid poor rates or excessive fees.
- Expect change for small purchases in riel rather than in dollar coins.
Cultural context and local money customs
Tipping is not a deeply embedded custom in Cambodia the way it is in some Western countries, but small gratuities are appreciated and can make a meaningful difference for service staff. Many higher-end hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill; however, that fee does not always reach individual employees, so guests frequently give modest additional tips directly to cleaners, drivers and guides.
When visiting temples, it is customary to leave a small donation if you wish to contribute; most wats provide contribution boxes. If a monk or temple attendant offers you a personal explanation or tour, visitors report that a small, voluntary donation at the end of that interaction is considered polite.
- Hotel housekeeping: small daily tips are commonly given by repeat guests.
- Guides and drivers: cash tips are appreciated for time spent away from family.
- Temples: donation boxes are standard; a small offering is generally acceptable.
Who Cambodia currency works best for
People traveling for short stays and those on tighter schedules will find using US dollars convenient for larger expenses such as hotels, tours and intercity transport because many merchants accept and price in dollars. Backpackers and long-stay visitors who make frequent small purchases may prefer to hold a mix of riel and dollars to make everyday transactions smoother.
Border-crossers should be prepared for local preferences: near the Thailand border, Thai baht may be commonly used for quick transactions; at crossings from Vietnam, the Vietnamese dong is often seen. However, the US dollar remains widely accepted in most border zones, making it a useful fallback currency. For guidance on overland travel and cross-border transport options, consider practical resources like advice on open bus services.
Comparisons and alternatives: which currency to carry?
Carrying a combination of currencies makes sense in Cambodia. US dollars work well for larger, formal payments and are broadly accepted; riel are handy for small purchases and receiving change. If you will be crossing from neighboring countries, having a few local notes of Thai baht or Vietnamese dong can be useful at border checkpoints and in immediate border towns.
Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and tourist-oriented businesses, but cash remains essential in many markets and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in major towns and tourist centers, though the amount you can withdraw and the currency dispensed will vary by bank and by the issuing network of your card. For those planning travel through Thailand and related budget choices, tips from guides on budget travel in Thailand can be relevant when planning cross-border legs.
| Currency | Where commonly accepted | Typical uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khmer riel (KHR) | Nationwide | Small purchases, change | Notes in many denominations; coins rarely used |
| US dollar (USD) | Widespread, especially in cities and tourist zones | Hotel bills, larger purchases, quoted prices | Standard rate commonly used: USD 1 = KHR 4,000; bills must be in good condition |
| Thai baht (THB) | Border areas with Thailand | Small transactions near crossings | Often accepted at Thai border points; USD still widely accepted |
| Vietnamese dong (VND) | Border areas with Vietnam | Local purchases near crossings | Accepted in some Vietnam–Cambodia entry points alongside USD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the riel the only legal currency in Cambodia?
The riel is Cambodia’s official currency, but the US dollar is widely used in everyday commerce. Both appear in routine transactions, with dollars commonly used for larger sums and riel used for smaller change.
Can I use US dollar coins and small-denomination bills?
US coins are not used in Cambodia; change for dollar payments is typically returned in riel. Also, merchants may reject damaged or very old US bills, so visitors should bring relatively new, intact notes.
Do ATMs give riel or dollars?
ATMs in Cambodia can dispense both currencies, but many international cards will draw in US dollars. The currency available from a specific machine depends on the bank and the ATM configuration.
Should I tip in Cambodia?
Tipping is not strictly required but is appreciated. Upmarket hotels sometimes add a service charge that may not reach staff, so small direct tips to cleaners, drivers and guides are common. Temple donations are usually made via contribution boxes.
What should I do with damaged US banknotes?
If you carry torn or heavily worn US bills, banks in Cambodia can often replace them with newer notes. Private money changers may also exchange such bills but can charge a fee for the service.