This is almost an unavoidable question that we ask ourselves when it comes to going abroad. What currency should you take, beyond what you can obtain directly via your bank card, and above all what budget should you plan for your stay?
Important questions, to which we provide the first answers here. In this case, with regard to a trip to Cambodia.
To begin with, you should know that in Cambodia the local currency is called the riel and that it is now only in the form of tickets.
Indeed, even if there are still a few coins (50, 100, 200 and 500 riels), they are no longer used. So, expect to have piles of notes and even to be a millionaire (in riels) since the denominations in circulation range from 1,000 to 50,000 riels (plus the very rare 100,000). With this 50,000 which is worth no more than the equivalent of… €10. Hence the fact that the American dollar and virtual payments also now hold an important place in the Cambodian monetary system.
Generally speaking, in the cities and tourist areas of Cambodia, it is quite easy to obtain foreign exchange at banks and exchange offices. Especially since in addition, there are also these ATMs from which you can draw money with withdrawal limits that are often quite high, but which involve commissions which, if you are not careful, can be costly in the long run.
However, you should know that these ATMs offer both riels and US dollars. Because in Cambodia, in addition to the riel, the American dollar serves as a “parallel” currency, if not even the second official currency. Which means that we will constantly juggle between the two, with the riel for small purchases and the dollar for larger sums or anything relating to tourist services, moreover often indicated in this currency. With a permanent rate more or less defined at 1 US$ = 4,000 Riel.
What currency to take?
The ideal when arriving from the Euro Zone is to bring euros combined with dollars, either taken before departure or from ATMs once there. Even if the European currency exchanges well, the American one will definitely be useful to you anyway.
In all cases, bring banknotes in good condition, especially for dollars, otherwise you will be refused them.
Payment methods
Even if card payments can be made in tourist or “upscale” places, Cambodia remains a country where cash is traditionally important. So, you might as well bring a good quantity of cash (euros, dollars, riels) which will be useful to you at all times, especially for dollars.
And then now, simpler (?), there is what is called the ” None “ which is revolutionizing the payment system in Cambodia.
This is a very developed and popular means of mobile payment, which has recently also been adapted to tourist customers. As a visitor, simply load the official app “Bakong Tourists”to create your account with your passport and link it to your Visa or Mastercard bank card. Then, you can pay your expenses anywhere via this system by scanning the QR Codes associated with products and services (more than 3.5 million merchants and others accept this system), and even withdraw cash from certain ATMs or kiosks provided for this purpose. Easy…
On the way back
Since the riel has no value outside the country, you might as well spend everything or end your stay by paying for your expenses in dollars.
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This budget to plan for Cambodia
Although prices have increased recently, Cambodia remains a rather economical destination for the traveler.
Even if the country remains more expensive than its Laotian neighborwe can hope to live there with a budget of 40 to 50 € (based on two people) if we operate in backpacker mode. And for a little more comfort or facilities, €60 to €80 often seems sufficient, especially since the visit to Angkor, without being excessive, still has a cost that can impact your budget. In short, Cambodia remains an affordable country where you can ultimately travel without (too much) deprivation.
Which can be expensive
- The Angkor site which represents for most people the most expensive visit of all. But it’s worth it, if not the cost!
- All imported products, including alcohol, or services meeting Western standards.
- Private transport such as car with driver.
- The comments when you withdraw too much money from ATMs.
- High season, from November to February, with prices increasing slightly, especially for accommodation.
Which may not cost much
- Most things, either in terms of cost or value for money.
Price range
- Double room in a “backpacker hotel”: less than a dozen euros in a dormitory or guesthouse.
- Double room in a “tourist hotel”: for €35 to €50 per double, we already have a good choice of quality establishments.
- Snacks, “local” restaurant meals: €2 or €3 in markets, street stalls or local restaurants.
- Meals in a “tourism” restaurant: €12 to €15 for a full meal in a restaurant used to tourists.
- Car rental with driver: plan on between €60 and €100 per day depending on the planned route and the vehicle.
- Rental of two wheels: count on €5 or €6 per day for a bike and €8-12 for a scooter.
- “Local” bus or collective vehicle: roughly €3 per 100 km.
- Express/comfort bus: almost double that of standard buses.
- Tuk‑tuk: €2 or €3 per trip in town and outskirts.
Haggling and tipping
Bargaining in Cambodia is practiced in local markets, for the purchase of souvenirs and textiles or even with tuk‑tuk drivers, ultimately resulting in a gain of 20 to 30% on the first announced price.
As for tipping, even if it is not originally a local practice, it has become common with the development of tourism in certain places. There, in tourist restaurants, you can add 10% to the bill, give the equivalent of one euro to hotel staff used to visitors, or even €5 or €6 to guides and private drivers.