What Currency is Used in Cambodia? (2025)

Want to know what currency is used in Cambodia?

The first time I went to Cambodia, I was backpacking and had a fun time travelling across the country. Then, a few years later I ended up getting a job there, which got me to see the non-touristy side of Cambodia.

So, what currency is used in Cambodia? The short answer is that both US Dollars and Cambodian Riel are accepted. Cambodia has a dual currency system and as the local currency is weak, the US Dollar is being accepted everywhere.

However, most of the places will not accept US Dollars that are not in perfect condition. If there is some crease or damage on the USD bill, it will not be accepted. If you want to avoid that, it is better to just pay in Cambodian Riel.

Here is everything you need to know about the best currency to use in Cambodia!

What is the Currency in Cambodia?

There is a dual currency system in Cambodia which means that both the US Dollars and the Cambodian currency (Riel) are accepted.

The dual currency system started as the Cambodian Riel was very weak and people started to use US Dollars as they had more confidence in it.

What is Cambodian Currency Called?

The Cambodian currency is called the Cambodian Riel (KHR). The Riel is one of the currencies used in Cambodia alongside the US Dollar.

Can You Pay with US Dollars in Cambodia?

Yes, you can pay with US Dollars in Cambodia. Cambodia has a dual currency system in which both US Dollar and Cambodian Riel are accepted.

Be careful though when using the US Dollar, as if there is any damage or crease on the banknote, it will not be accepted. Due to this, sometimes, it is best to just pay with Riel as that is accepted if there is a small crease on it.

When you pay in USD and there is change due back, most of the times, you will get it back in Cambodian Riel.

What is the Best Currency to Use in Cambodia?

The best currency to use in Cambodia is both the US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.

Both currencies are accepted in Cambodia, so you can pay with either.

If you pay with US Dollars, make sure that the banknote is in perfect condition as otherwise it will not be accepted. If there is any change due back, you are most likely to get it back in Riel.

What is the Exchange Rate from US Dollars to Cambodian Riel?

The exchange rate from US Dollar (USD) to Cambodian Riel (KHR) is around USD 1 = KHR 4,000.

Thus, for example, USD 100 is around KHR 400,000.

Where to Get Cambodian Currency?

The Cambodian Riel is a closed currency, which means that you can only exchange Riel once you arrive in Cambodia. It also means that if you take Riel outside the country, you will not be able to exchange it back to any other currency!

So, the best way to get Cambodian Riel is after arriving in Cambodia. There are ATMs and currency exchange shops in cities (such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap) if you want to exchange money.

The best thing is to bring US Dollars for your trip and only exchange some amount of money into Riel. As both US Dollars and Riel are accepted, the best is not to exchange all your money into Riel.

On the other hand, damaged or creased USD banknotes are not accepted, so if you have a “not perfect” USD banknote, you will face difficulties in spending it.

ATMs in Cambodia

At ATMs in Cambodia, you can withdraw both US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.

If you want to withdraw Riel, just keep in mind that you will end up with a big stack of cash as USD 1 equals to KHR 4,000. So, for example, even if you just withdraw USD 200, it will be around KHR 800,000.

On the other hand, Riel is always accepted everywhere. While USD banknotes can be declined if not in “perfect condition”, the Riel is always accepted. So, using Riel is ultimately more hassle free.

ATM Withdrawal Fees

Also consider that the ATMs have a withdrawal fee around USD 5.

If you are a US resident, you can get a Charles Schwab account that lets you reimburse ATM fees abroad.

Currency Exchange Shops

Apart from ATMs, you also have the option to exchange money at currency exchange shops. If you plan to use currency exchange shops, then the best is to just exchange money once you are in the town center.

The currency exchange rate is the worst at the airports, so it is not worth to exchange money there.

Money Tips for Cambodia

1. Your USD Needs to be in “Perfect” Condition

Most places do not accept US Dollars that are damaged or have the slightest crease on them. So if you get any money in dollars, make sure to only accept ones that are in perfect condition.

If you pay for something and they return the change in USD, also only accept banknotes that are in perfect condition. Otherwise, you will not be able to spend it in other places in Cambodia.

2. Don’t Exchange All Your Money into Cambodian Riel

It is best to use a combination of both US Dollar and Cambodian Riel during your trip.

If you exchange all your money into Cambodian Riel, you will end up with a big stack of cash you will have to keep safe and spend before leaving Cambodia.

The Cambodian Riel is a closed currency and after leaving Cambodia, you will not be able to exchange Riel to other currencies outside of Cambodia.

3. If You Worry About USD Not Being Accepted

If you worry about USD not being accepted or happens to you many times that USD is not accepted as it is not in “perfect” condition, the best is just to use Riel.

In this case, you will have to exchange more money into Riel. Nevertheless, Riel is accepted even if it is not in “perfect” condition, so it makes it much easier to spend.

Is it Better to Use Cash or Card in Cambodia?

There are some places that take card payments, however, cash is more widely accepted.

You should have a card with you, so in case you can pay by card, you can go for that option. For all other places, you will have to pay in cash.

Travel Cards for Cambodia

Cash payment is more widely available in Cambodia than card payment, however, there are some travel cards that always come useful for international travel.

You can use these travel cards for payments in shops, hotels and restaurants (if card payment is available) or to withdraw money from ATMs.

Some travel cards have much better exchange rates than the regular bank cards, so you can save some money.

Wise and Revolut

There are two travel cards (Wise and Revolut) that are great for international card payments. You have to register and order a bank card (which may take 5-7 days to arrive so plan it ahead of travel).

Once you have the account, you can use their apps to top up your account with various currencies.

Cambodian Riel is not available on Wise or Revolut, but you can top it up with USD. Then, once you are in Cambodia, you can use the USD account for payments (for places where card payment is available) or for ATM withdrawals.

Charles Schwab Checking Account

The Charles Schwab checking account is the only bank card that will reimburse 100% of international ATM withdrawal fees.

It is only open for US residents, so if you are eligible, you should open an account before your travels to be able to reimburse your ATM fees.

FAQs: What Currency is Used in Cambodia?

What is the best currency to use in Cambodia?

The best currency to use in Cambodia is a combination of US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.

Both currencies are accepted in Cambodia, so you can pay with either.

If you pay with US Dollars, make sure that the banknote is in perfect condition as otherwise it will not be accepted. If there is any change due back, you will get it back in Riel.

How much is USD 100 in Cambodia?

The exchange rate from US Dollar (USD) to Cambodian Riel (KHR) is around USD 1 = KHR 4,000.

That makes USD 100 equal to KHR 400,000.

Is it better to use Riel or USD in Cambodia?

The best currency to use in Cambodia is a combination of US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.

Both currencies are accepted in Cambodia, so you can pay with either.

If you pay with US Dollars, make sure that the banknotes are in perfect condition as otherwise they will not be accepted. If there is any change due back, you will get it back in Riel.

Can US Dollars be used in Cambodia?

Yes, Cambodia has a dual currency system and both US Dollars and Cambodian Riel are accepted as payment.

Just be careful, as they only accept USD banknotes that are in perfect condition. Most places are very picky and won’t accept USD banknotes that have even the slightest crease on them.

Due to this, it is good to have Cambodian Riel with you too. Cambodian Riel is accepted even with creases, they don’t have to be in such perfect condition as USD.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Cambodia?

You should exchange money into US Dollars before travelling to Cambodia. Cambodia uses both the US Dollar and Cambodian Riel, so you can use both while in Cambodia.

However, the Cambodian Riel is a closed currency, so you will not be able to get it before arriving in Cambodia. For this reason, the best option is to bring USD with you and then once you are in country, you can exchange some money into Riel.

For the USD you bring, make sure it is in perfect condition as USD banknotes with any crease or damage are rejected in Cambodia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cambodia uses a dual currency system in which both the US Dollar and Cambodian Riel are accepted. Thus, the best currency to use in Cambodia is a combination of US Dollars and Cambodian Riel.

If you pay with US Dollars, make sure that the banknotes are in perfect condition as otherwise they will not be accepted. If there is some crease or damage on the USD bill, it will not be accepted.

Due to this, it is good to have Cambodian Riel with you too. Cambodian Riel is accepted even with creases, they don’t have to be in such perfect condition as USD.

However, the Cambodian Riel is a closed currency, so you will not be able to get it before arriving in Cambodia. For this reason, the best option is to bring USD with you and then once you are in country, you can exchange some money into Riel.