Is Cambodia cashless?
Cash preferred#118 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #20 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Bring or withdraw enough cash for your trip. Cards will rarely help.
Cambodia runs on US dollars and riel in cash. Hotels and some restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap take cards, often with a 2-3% surcharge. KHQR codes are everywhere, but need a local bank app.
Will my card work?
Only in some places. Expect cards to work at larger hotels and a few big businesses in Cambodia, and little else.
Do I need cash?
Yes, plenty. Most payments in Cambodia are made in cash, so plan how you will get it.
Local currency: Cambodian riel (KHR) and US dollar
How does tipping work?
Not traditional, but $1-2 or 5-10% is appreciated in tourist areas.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Good to know
- Bring clean, undamaged US dollar notes; torn notes are refused.
- Change under $1 is given in riel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambodia cashless?
Cambodia scores 34/100 on Cashlessy (cash preferred), ranking #118 of 197 countries. Cambodia runs on US dollars and riel in cash. Hotels and some restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap take cards, often with a 2-3% surcharge. KHQR codes are everywhere, but need a local bank app.
Do I need cash in Cambodia?
Yes, plenty. Most payments in Cambodia are made in cash, so plan how you will get it.
Are credit cards accepted in Cambodia?
Only in some places. Expect cards to work at larger hotels and a few big businesses in Cambodia, and little else.
Do you tip in Cambodia?
Not traditional, but $1-2 or 5-10% is appreciated in tourist areas.
Compare with Asia
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.