Cash or Card in Cambodia: An Aussie’s Guide to Paying

Key Highlights

• Cambodia has the Cambodian riel and the US dollar in its payment system every day.

• In Siem Reap and close to Angkor Wat, you can use card payments, but cash is still needed.

• ATMs are easy to find in tourist areas, so getting cash is not hard.

• You may get a better exchange rate if you skip airport swaps and use good options.

• Small riel notes are good for things like change, giving tips, or shopping at markets.

• A credit card helps, but clean US dollar cash is good to carry with you.

Introduction

Figuring out how to pay for things in Cambodia can seem a bit tricky when you first get there. You will see the Cambodian riel, many prices in US dollars, and in places like Siem Reap, you could use cash, cards or even QR payments. So what should you bring with you if you’re from Australia? The quick answer is to use a mix. Cambodia is pretty simple once you get how their money works, and this guide is here to help you with that.

Understanding Cambodia’s Currency Landscape

The currency of Cambodia is called the riel. People sometimes say Cambodian riel or KHR for short. This is the official currency used in this part of Southeast Asia. But you will find that the US dollar, or USD, is used a lot too when you go shopping and pay for things. This mix makes the payment method feel a bit different to what you may be used to in other places.

Do you have to exchange money before getting to Cambodia? Not always. Many people get by with cards, ATMs, and a bit of USD cash. Still, if you learn about the exchange rate between the Cambodian riel and the US dollar, you will have a much easier time when you make your first payments. The next part talks about that in an easy way.

Cambodian Riel and US Dollars: The Dual System

The Cambodian riel is the official currency of Cambodia. The ISO code for the riel is KHR. It is used as legal tender for all goods, services, taxes, and debts. So, if you want to know what the main official currency of Cambodia is, it is the riel.

But you can also use USD in Cambodia. Both the riel and the US dollar are accepted here. That means the currency of Cambodia works like a system with two kinds of money instead of only one. In many places, you will see prices shown in US dollars. You might pay in foreign currency like USD, and then get your change in Cambodian riel.

For travellers, you do not need to swap all your money to the Cambodian riel before you get here. You can use a bank account card, take out cash later, or bring some dollars with you. This can make starting off in Cambodia much smoother. One thing that is good to know: the exchange rate often used in the country is about 4,000 riel to one US dollar.

Why Cambodia Uses Two Currencies

Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel and the US dollar because the dollar is now part of everyday circulation. That shapes how people pay, save, and set prices for things. The National Bank of Cambodia still provides the local currency, but you will find the US dollar used everywhere too.

If you come from Australia, Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam, this cash mix makes life easier. Shops, hotels, and restaurants may take cards, but lots of daily payments use cash. That’s why bringing some US dollars in cash to Cambodia can be handy, even if your bank account card works.

That doesn’t mean cards are not useful. Many tourist spots take them. For most travellers, though, the best payment method is to use cards for bigger expenses and cash for everyday buys, mainly with small Cambodian businesses.

Where Australian Dollars Fit In

Australian dollars are not used for shopping in Cambodia. You cannot rely on AUD when you are there, so it is best to see it as something to start with, not something you will spend.

Most people either change AUD to USD before going or use ATMs and a travel debit card when they arrive. This way, you get local cash without taking a lot of money with you from Australia. Major banks and travel-friendly providers help you keep exchange rate costs low.

You might wonder if you can bring only cards. The better choice is not to do that. Card use is getting popular, but Cambodia still uses both cash and digital ways to pay. Carrying a travel debit card and some USD is better than just bringing Australian dollars.

Preparing Money Before You Arrive

Before you fly, have a think about how much cash you want to carry and the way you want to bring it. In Cambodia, they use the Cambodian riel and the US dollar, so many Aussies find it’s good to come in with a bit of USD. If you need more when you are there, you can use ATMs.

The best way is to not go overboard. You do not have to bring a heap of cash or set up a complicated bank account. Keep it simple. Having a good mix of cash, cards, and travel insurance helps you get started with no drama. This is an easy way to get your money sorted before you take off.

Should Aussies Exchange Aussie Dollars to Riel or USD?

For most Aussie travellers, changing Australian dollars to US dollar is the way to go instead of hunting for Cambodian riel before you leave. US dollar is used everywhere in tourist areas of Cambodia. Cambodian riel comes into play mainly for small buys and as change.

You don’t have to change all your money into cash. There are ATMs all over Cambodia, and card access will help with most of your spending. If you’re asking cash or card, use both. Carry some USD dollar as backup in case you need it.

A simple plan works well:

• Bring a small stack of clean US dollar for when you get there and need it for first buys.

• Use ATMs to get more cash when you need instead of swapping lots of AUD up front.

• Keep most of your money safe in your bank account or travel card.

• Think of Cambodian riel as handy local change money, not your main currency before the trip.

Can You Get Cambodian Riel in Australia?

You might find Cambodian riel in Australia, but it’s not always easy to get or use. The Cambodian riel is the official currency of Cambodia, but it’s not a common travel currency in Australia. It can be hard to get here, and when you do, the exchange rate might not be good.

That’s why many people coming from Australia choose to bring some USD with them. Then, once in Cambodia, they use ATMs to take out local cash if they need it. In Southeast Asia, this is usually an easier way to get your money.

When you get to Cambodia, getting cash is easier. You can use Canadia Bank ATMs or other machines in bigger towns to get the amount you need. So you don’t have to worry about exchanging money before your trip, especially if your bank card already works overseas.

The currency of Cambodia is the riel, but bringing USD and using ATMs when there is a good way for many.

Exchanging Money at Arrival: Airport, Banks, and Exchange Counters

When you arrive in Cambodia, you have a few ways to get spending money. You can exchange cash at the airport, visit major banks or exchange counters later, or use ATMs for a cash withdrawal. Each option works, but the value and convenience can differ.

If you have a bank account with a travel-friendly card, an ATM may be the easiest path. Some travellers also use a Wise Account or similar card for spending and withdrawals. That can reduce the stress of carrying too much cash on arrival.

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, so you are not stuck with just one option.

Using Cash in Cambodia

Cash is still a big part of life in Cambodia. Even with more people using cards and digital payments, you will use both Cambodian riel and USD while you are there. People use cash often for small change, getting around, tips, and cheap food or shopping.

You do not have to carry much cash in Cambodia. There are plenty of ATMs and good cash withdrawal choices in many places. This means you don’t need to keep lots of cash with you. That makes the risk of theft lower, too. In the next few sections, you will see how much cash you should keep with you and how to use it in the best way.

How Much Cash Should You Bring from Australia?

How much cash you bring depends on your travel budget, your stops, and how often you will use cards. Someone in Siem Reap stayed for 12 days without a local cash withdrawal. He managed that because he had good digital payments and a backup card that worked.

For most people from Australia, it’s safer to take just a modest amount of cash. There is no need to bring too much money from Australia, as you can find ATMs in cities and places where tourists go. You only need enough cash for when you arrive, a few meals, and maybe early transport or your visa.

As a quick guide:

• Bring about USD 50 to 100 in new, clean notes as your first cash.

• Choose smaller denominations like 10s and 20s.

• Use ATMs later if you need more after you see your spending.

• Base your cash on your travel budget, not on something that might not happen.

Paying with US Dollars vs. Cambodian Riel

In Cambodia, you will find both USD and Cambodian riel often used. The two are not always used the same way. USD is easy to use for things like menus, hotels, and most places for tourists. Cambodian riel will usually come up when you get change or something that costs less money.

Can you spend US dollars any place? Not always. Many places will take them, but some small shops like to use riel more, or they want a local QR code payment method. Because of that, you should be ready with more than one payment method.

A good thing to keep in mind is this: pay with cash in USD wherever that is fine, but save your riel for smaller, everyday buys. When you pay, you might get riel as change for amounts less than one dollar. So you will end up with some Cambodian notes as you move about in Cambodia.

Cash Tips: Clean Bills and Small Denominations

One big cash rule in Cambodia is simple: your US dollar notes must be clean. If a bill is torn, marked, very creased, or damaged, shops may not take it. This can surprise travellers who do not know, so always check your notes before packing them.

Having small denominations is also very important. If you pay with a big dollar bill for a small buy, you might get your change back in riel. This is not really a problem, but it is easier to use the local payment system if you already have the right notes for what you want to do.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Bring only clean bills, especially USD cash.

• Take smaller denominations like $10 and $20 notes.

• Put notes flat in your wallet to keep them ready to use.

• Use riel to pay for snacks, give tips, or buy small things during the day.

Card Payments in Cambodia

Card payments are often used in many parts of Cambodia, mainly in places where tourists stay, eat, or book tours. A credit card, debit cards, and travel cards like Visa and Mastercard are good to have. People use these most for bigger buys and bookings online.

Still, the payment system is not all about cards. Many smaller businesses like to use cash or QR payments. Using your credit card or debit cards from another country can lead to international transaction fees, and this might eat away at your money if you use the wrong one. So, it’s a good idea to bring your cards, but make sure not to leave out cash. Now, let’s check out where card payments work best in Cambodia and what they might cost you.

Acceptance of Credit and Debit Cards in Cities and Tourist Areas

Yes, you can use a credit card or debit cards at many places in the popular tourist areas of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Hotels, big restaurants, supermarkets, and lots of places that get a lot of visitors will often take card payments without any trouble.

Most people find that Visa and Mastercard work best. When you are in tourist areas near Angkor Wat, many travellers use cards to pay for hotels, larger meals, and some entry fees or tours. Using a card in these spots is handy when you do not want to carry much cash.

But, not every place accepts cards. Some local independent shops and smaller vendors might not take a credit card or debit cards, and could ask you to pay with cash or QR payment. So, while your card will work well in Cambodia in the main places for tourists, you should still carry some cash or be ready to use a different way to pay.

Banking Fees and Foreign Transaction Charges

Yes, you might have to pay fees when you use foreign debit cards or credit cards in Cambodia. It depends on your bank account and the type of card you have. You can get hit with international transaction fees, ATM fees, or extra costs for cash advances. These fees can add up fast if you use the wrong card at the wrong time.

That’s why lots of people go for a travel debit card or set up something like a Wise Account instead of using a normal credit card every day. A credit card is still handy, but it might not be good for cash withdrawals or lots of small card payments.

Look out for these usual costs:

• International transaction fees each time you pay with your card

• ATM fees every time you do a cash withdrawal

• Cash advances with credit cards, which get expensive

• Bad exchange rates when compared to travel debit cards

Before you leave Australia, make sure you check your card terms. This way, you don’t get any bad surprises.

Australian Travel Cards and Prepaid Card Options

For a lot of people in Australia, using a travel card can be a good choice. It gives you all the convenience of using a card, but often with lower costs than your usual credit card. In Cambodia, this can mean you will have better control to keep an eye on your spending and there are less shocks when it comes to exchange rates.

Many travellers find that a prepaid travel card or a travel debit card is often a better option to use every day, rather than just using a credit card. There are people who use a Wise Account since it is made for spending in foreign currency. It can also give you peace of mind if your normal cards stop working how you want.

Good reasons to pack one:

• Lower costs each time you spend compared to many credit cards

• Easier to manage your budget as the money is in a separate bank account

• Useful as a backup if your main credit card stops working

• Better peace of mind for making a cash withdrawal or using tap-and-go payments

ATMs, Digital Wallets, and Safety

Cambodia has more ways for people to pay than you might think. You can find ATMs in all big towns. Many people are now starting to use a digital wallet. The KHQR payment system from the National Bank of Cambodia is now being used a lot for daily shopping and spending.

But, it is still important to think about safety. If you carry a lot of cash with you, you get a bigger risk of theft. But if you use just one card or app, you might get stuck if it stops working. The best way is to bring a backup card. Be smart about how you take money out and always stay careful. This will make your payment system safer. Here is what people should know while there in Cambodia.

ATM Availability Across Cambodia

ATMs are widely available in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other busy travel centres. That means Australians can usually access a cash withdrawal without too much trouble, rather than carrying a huge amount from home.

Major banks operate many of these machines, and Canadia Bank ATMs are one option travellers may come across. They are generally easy to use, though your own bank may treat withdrawals as standard ATM use or as cash advances, depending on the card.

For most Australians, ATMs are safe and manageable when used in visible, busy areas.

Digital Payments and KHQR: Apple Pay, Google Pay

Digital payments are picking up pace in Cambodia, especially in places like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. One thing people like is KHQR. This is a local payment system that uses QR codes through an app, and it lets you pay for lots of everyday things.

Can everyone use Apple Pay or Google Pay everywhere? No, not everywhere. Mobile payments are getting more popular, but whether you can use them depends on where you shop. Many local sellers just use QR payment systems like ABA-linked options instead of international wallet apps.

If you are travelling, using a digital wallet can be very helpful. But this should not be your only way to pay. Local apps often work well, and you might be able to pay even at small stalls and in tuk-tuks. Still, it’s smart to bring a backup card and some cash, in case the payment app does not work.

Safety Tips for Carrying Cash and Using Cards

It’s not a good idea to have a lot of cash on you in Cambodia. Like in any place, this will make the risk of theft much higher. If you do lose your wallet, it can be a big problem. It’s better to use different ways to have money there and to top up what you need as you go.

Using cards will help, but you should still be careful at ATMs, and it’s wise to have a backup plan ready. Don’t forget about travel insurance. When things go wrong with payments, there are often other travel troubles too, so all of these go hand in hand.

If you follow a few simple habits, you can get extra peace of mind:

• Carry just the cash you need for that day.

• Keep a backup card in a different place than your main wallet.

• Use ATMs that are in places which are busy and well-lit.

• Make sure you keep the details of your travel insurance somewhere that’s easy to get.

These little steps can make your trip in Cambodia much better and help you stay safer.

Common Spending and Payment Scenarios

The way you pay in Cambodia often depends on what you buy and where you are. In tourist areas like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, card payments are used for a lot of bigger things. But you still need cash for things like getting around, tipping, and those everyday, smaller buys.

Because of that, there is no single answer on how much cash to bring. It really depends on your plans. If you get an Angkor Pass, eat at local markets, or jump into tuk-tuks, you will end up using a mix of USD, riel, and cards. Some of these common things you do in Cambodia make it clearer.

Paying for Accommodation and Tours

For places to stay and tours in Cambodia, the credit card is usually the easiest thing to use. In the main tourist areas, a lot of hotels and tour operators will take a credit card, debit card, or travel card when you book or when you check in.

But cash is still needed in some cases. Some people may want USD instead, and smaller guesthouses or local tour sellers might not use card machines. If you want to know if most places will take cards, or if you need to bring US dollars, the short answer is you should bring both.

Use your credit card for bigger or planned things when you can. But you should still carry some cash for smaller amounts, extras, or for places that will not take cards. That is because a lot of the prices are given in USD. If you have a bit of cash on you, it will help everything go more smoothly, even if you pay for most things by card.

Food, Shopping, and Local Markets

Food spending in Cambodia is often very cheap, especially if you eat at local spots. At markets and small places to eat, cash is usually the best payment method. Here, riel, small change, and easy-to-use denominations come in handy.

You cannot always count on US dollars to work everywhere without trouble. Many places will take USD, but smaller sellers may want riel or QR payments instead. So when you buy food, drinks, or small things, it is a good idea to have both local riel notes and a few small dollar bills as backup.

Try not to get cash advances from a credit card for these types of purchases. The better way is to only take out what you need and use it bit by bit. When shopping in local areas, the easiest way is to use cash in riel, with usd as backup if they accept it.

Transport, Sightseeing, and Tipping

Cash is still very handy for transport and sightseeing in Cambodia. Things like tuk-tuks, short rides, and small daily expenses are often paid with small change. You might also use cash for bigger things like the Angkor Pass. So, what you need each day can change.

If you plan a regular trip, you do not have to bring a lot the first time. Having some USD and picking up riel as you get change usually works for most daily spending. ATMs are easy to find if you need more cash or if your plans go in a new direction.

Tipping is not a rule, but it is nice if the service is good. Often, people leave some small riel bills at a restaurant or just round up the driver’s price, making it simple. For this part of your stay, it helps more to get your cash easily than to carry too much with you.

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Conclusion

In the end, knowing how money works in Cambodia is important for any Aussie heading over there. Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel and US dollars at the same time. This means you can handle your spending in a better way. You may want to use cash or go with card payments, but either way, staying informed will make your trip smoother. Bring clean bills with you, and try to have small denominations for the local markets. If you use debit cards or credit cards, keep an eye on banking fees. When you start your Cambodian journey, it helps to use both cash and your debit cards. This mix will let you enjoy everything in Cambodia and make the most of your stay. If you want some help or more tips about the Cambodian Riel and card payments, get a free chat with our travel experts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use cash or card in Cambodia as an Aussie traveller?

It’s best to use both. Bring some USD cash for smaller buys and for backup. Then, pay with your credit card, debit card, or travel card when you spend more. You will get change in Cambodian riel most of the time. Using this mix gives you good flexibility.

Are ATMs safe and easy to use for Australians?

ATMs in Cambodia are safe and simple for Australians to use. You will find them in busy places like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Canadia Bank ATMs and ones from other banks are easy to spot. When you use one, take care. Do not carry too much cash and that will help lower the risk of theft.

Can digital wallets be used everywhere or should you rely on cash?

A digital wallet can come in handy in Cambodia. Still, do not depend on it for every payment. Apple Pay and Google Pay do not work everywhere. Some places like to use local QR payment method options instead. Be sure to carry cash with you, so you are ready if your wallet or digital payment is not accepted.