Cambodia uses the US Dollar (USD), alongside Cambodian Riel (KHR) — cash is still king.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with cash and card tips for Cambodia — free.
Cambodia uses the US Dollar (USD), alongside Cambodian Riel (KHR).
In Cambodia, cash is still king. Cambodia runs largely on US dollar cash for anything above small change — riel is mainly used for amounts under a dollar.
Exchange rates at airport kiosks are usually the worst available — a local ATM after you land almost always gets you a better rate, and a small amount of cash exchanged in advance is only worth it for late-night arrivals.
Always choose the local currency when a card terminal or ATM in Cambodia asks — "dynamic currency conversion" into your home currency almost always carries a worse exchange rate.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Cambodia like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
See how Wise works →Disclosure: if you buy through this link, TravelSmarter may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps our tools free.