How Much Money Do I Need For Cambodia? (2024)

Although Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest countries, costs are rising and you’ll need to set aside a reasonable budget to see the best of the country and have a comfortable trip.

Whether you’re just visiting for a few days to see Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples or exploring all of Cambodia over the course of several weeks, you’ll have the best experience by working out a rough travel budget ahead of time.

Below, we’ve broken down the costs of travelling in Cambodia, covering everything from visas and transportation to accommodation, food and nightlife. We’ve also touched on the currency and ATM situation in Cambodia, as well as topics like credit card acceptance.

If you’ve never been to Cambodia but plan to visit soon, the information below should help you work out how much you’ll need to set aside for your trip.

If you haven’t planned your trip yet, you can use our One Week in Cambodia and Two Weeks in Cambodia itineraries to work out which areas you should visit and what you should see.

Cambodian Riel and US Dollars

• The official currency of Cambodia is the riel (KHR), which is pegged at a value of roughly 4,000 riel to the US dollar. The rate fluctuates up and down on a daily basis, but a general conversion rate of 4,000:1 is accepted throughout Cambodia.
• The riel is only available inside Cambodia, meaning you won’t be able to convert your existing money into riel before you arrive.
• Cambodia has an unofficial dual currency system. Although the riel is used for small purchases (for example, you’ll normally receive riel as change at restaurants and convenience stores), the vast majority of normal-sized transactions are made in US dollars.
• US dollars are widely available and accepted in Cambodia. Most ATMs throughout the country will dispense dollars instead of riel.
• In the western parts of Cambodia close to the Thai border, Thai baht is often accepted. This is also true for areas close to Vietnam, where many merchants will happily accept dong and offer change in Cambodian riel.

Cost of Visas for Cambodia

• Visitors from most countries will need a visa to get into Cambodia. Luckily, visas are available on arrival at both of Cambodia’s international airports and at all land border crossings, meaning you won’t need to apply and pay for visa ahead of your trip.
• Tourist visas are available from $30 for one month, with extendable, multi-entry visas priced at $35 or more, depending on your length of stay. Citizens of all Western countries are eligible to receive a visa on arrival — only passport holders from certain Middle Eastern, South Asian and African countries are required to apply in advance.
• You’ll need a passport sized photo to apply for a visa at the airport or land border crossing. Most immigration offices will take your photo for you for a $2 “fee,” meaning there’s no need to panic if you arrive without one.

ATMs and Credit Cards in Cambodia

• As of 2017, ATM machines are easy to find in all major Cambodian cities. Most ATMS dispense US dollars and accept major credit and bank card networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus and UnionPay.
• ATM fees are fairly reasonable, with most banks charging $4-5 per transaction for international cardholders.
• One downside of Cambodian ATMs is that they almost always dispense large denomination bills — if you withdraw $200, expect to get two $100 notes. You can avoid this by withdrawing money in multiples of $10 or $20, such as $290, which will force the ATM to provide smaller notes.
• Credit cards are widely accepted by mid-sized and large hotels, as well as international chain businesses. You’ll also be able to pay for most high-end café and restaurant meals using your credit card. For smaller, local businesses, transactions are usually cash only.

Daily Budget for Cambodia

• Although Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s least developed countries, it can be slightly more expensive to visit than its more developed, economically successful neighbours.
• This is largely because there’s less tourist infrastructure throughout Cambodia, meaning the few options that are available come at a slight premium.
• For a cheap, simple backpacker’s experience, we recommend budgeting at least $40 for each day you plan to spend in Cambodia. This is enough for you to stay in simple guesthouses and hotels, eat a mix of local and international food and travel around the country by bus.
• For a more comfortable experience with three to four-star hotels, we recommend budgeting at least $75 per day. This is enough for you to travel around Cambodia by plane and get a higher standard of accommodation and food.
• For a five-star experience in Cambodia, expect to spend as much as you would in Thailand or Vietnam. We recommend budgeting at least $150 per day if you plan on staying in luxury hotels and dining in high-end international restaurants.

Accommodation in Cambodia

• While Cambodia doesn’t quite have the huge range of accommodation options you can find in Thailand, it’s home to a surprisingly diverse range of hotels, guesthouses, hostels and resorts.
• Since tourism is fairly new to Cambodia, many of the mid-priced and luxury hotels you’ll find in the country are just a few years old, with new rooms and high quality facilities.
• Prices for accommodation in Cambodia vary from city to city. Expect to pay a minimum of $15 for a comfortable budget room in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and upwards of $100 for luxury hotels rooms in either of Cambodia’s two largest cities.
• Where Cambodia really excels is in the mid-price range. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a great selection of small, comfortable boutique hotels offering beautiful rooms for $30 to $50 per night.

Affordable Hotels in Phnom Penh

French Market, Phnom Penh (February 2012) © ozmark17

• Sla Boutique Hostel
  View on Booking.com or Agoda.com
  Located close to the Royal Palace and a short tuk-tuk ride from Sisowath Quay, Sla Boutique Hostel offers mixed and gender segregated dormitories with clean, comfortable beds. One of Phnom Penh’s best ultra-budget accommodation options.
• The Mou Hotel
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  The Mou Hotel is located close to Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium and 10 minutes from most of the city’s sightseeing and entertainment areas by tuk-tuk. Rooms are clean and simple but offer a good level of comfort for the modest rates.
• Home Chic Hotel
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  With an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers, Home Chic Hotel offers boutique hotel luxuries at surprisingly affordable rates. Rooms here are clean, modern and nicely decorated with soft and comfortable bedding and furniture.

Mid Range Hotels in Phnom Penh

• Secret Villa
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  Located just a few blocks from the Royal Palace, Secret Villa is a small boutique hotel with a good selection of rooms and apartments. An outdoor pool, beautiful garden setting and a nice restaurant make this a very pleasant place to stay.
• Villa Sovanna Boutique Hotel
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  Villa Sovanna Boutique Hotel is an upmarket boutique hotel located in Phnom Penh’s leafy and peaceful BKK1 neighbourhood. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, while facilities such as a small T-shaped outdoor pool make this a great place to rest and relax.
• Villa Langka Boutique Hotel
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  Another upmarket boutique hotel, Villa Langka Boutique Hotel has a beautiful pool surrounded by trees and gardens. Rooms range from cosy and inexpensive singles to superior triple rooms aimed at families and groups.

Luxury Hotels in Phnom Penh

• Raffles Hotel Le Royal
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  One of Phnom Penh’s most luxurious hotels, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has a variety of spacious and beautifully decorated suites. Set inside a colonial building on a large plot of land, this hotel has gorgeous facilities that include a large pool, gym and outdoor movie viewing area.
• Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel
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  Another international five-star hotel, the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel has a selection of modern rooms and suites. Facilities here are exactly what you’d expect from a Sofitel hotel, with a relaxing outdoor pool, fitness centre, lounge bar and several restaurants.
• Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel
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  The Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel is a Cambodian operated five-star hotel located across the Tonle Sap River from most of Phnom Penh. Although the rooms and facilities are excellent, its location on the opposite bank of the river from Phnom Penh makes this quite a remote place to stay.

Affordable Hotels in Siem Reap

• Bou Savy Guesthouse
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  Located a few minutes away from the centre of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk, Bou Savy Guesthouse has a great selection of fan and air conditioned rooms. It also has great facilities for a budget hotel, with an outdoor pool and relaxing garden setting.
• Parklane Hotel
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  Parklane Hotel is an affordable three-star hotel located less than five minutes from the centre of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. Rooms are fairly minimalistic but have air conditioning, comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi, making this a good option for anyone visiting Siem Reap on a limited budget.
• Angkor Secret Garden Inn
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  Another budget option close to the centre of Siem Reap, Angkor Secret Garden Inn offers large rooms with comfortable beds. A good budget option if you need a cheap, simple and welcoming place to stay while exploring nearby attractions like Angkor Archaeological Park.

Mid Range Hotels in Siem Reap

• Vilada Angkor Boutique
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  Vilada Angkor Boutique is a boutique hotel located just outside the centre of Siem Reap. With just seven rooms, this hotel offers friendly service and a comfortable stay, with a small outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar and a variety of nicely decorated rooms and suites.
• Villa Medamrei
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  Villa Medamrei is another small boutique hotel in Siem Reap. Located beside the river and a short walk from the night market and other attractions, this hotel is a great mid-priced place to stay if you want to be close to Siem Reap’s restaurants and nightlife.
• Golden Butterfly Villa
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  Another centrally located option, Golden Butterfly Villa is five minutes away from most of Siem Reap’s popular bars and restaurants. Rooms here are simple but include all of the things you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap

• Lotus Blanc Resort
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  Lotus Blanc Resort is a five-star resort hotel located 10 minutes from the centre of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, while the hotel itself offers facilities such as a large outdoor pool, garden, fitness centre, restaurant and dining terrace.
• Palace Residence & Villa Siem Reap
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  Located a short 10 minute tuk-tuk ride from central Siem Reap, Palace Residence & Villa Siem Reap is a five-star resort with a selection of villas available. Many villas feature private outdoor swimming pools and are equipped with classic 20th century furniture and decorating.
• Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
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  Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is a five-star resort close to the centre of Siem Reap. Large rooms and suites, a great outdoor pool and one of Siem Reap’s best spas make this one of the city’s top luxury accommodation options.

Food in Cambodia

Amok © sodaniechea

• Food in Cambodia is generally tasty and affordable, with a good selection of both Khmer and international food available in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
• While Cambodia isn’t as well known for its food as other countries in Southeast Asia, it has a good selection of dishes that can be found easily throughout the country. Eating local food is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce your daily spending while in Cambodia.
• Popular Cambodian dishes include amok — a coconut-based fish curry — and noodle dishes such as k’tieu. Khmer food is available from as little as $1 per dish (and occasionally less, if you’re outside the two main cities) and offers a great way to fill up at a very low cost.
• For the most part, street food stands and small restaurants in Cambodia are hygienic and safe, although there are certainly some exceptions. If a street food stand or restaurant is busy, with a good mix of locals and tourists, it’s usually a safe and worthwhile place to eat.
• Because of Cambodia’s growing popularity as a tourism destination, you’ll find a good selection of Western and international restaurants in cities like Phnom Penh and SIem Reap. Prices tend to be reasonable, with a place of pasta available for $5 to $10, burgers priced from $3 to $5 and popular foods like pizza available for well under $10.
• Due to Cambodia’s history as a French colony, you can find bakeries and French restaurants in major centres like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cambodia is also significantly cheaper than its neighbouring countries for imported foods and drinks like wine, cheese and condiments.

Street Food and Cafés in Phnom Penh

• L’Irresistible Coffee: Located close to the Russian Market, L’Irresistible Coffee is a small coffee shop that trains and employs disabled Cambodian people. In addition to its great social mission, this café serves excellent French press coffee and espresso.
• David’s Restaurant – Handmade Noodles: David’s Restaurant is a small Khmer and Western restaurant serving a variety of Cambodian favourites, including lok lak, noodle soup and a good range of other cheap and simple dishes.
• ST 63: Located just around the corner from Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, ST 64 serves Khmer and Western food. The restaurant is comfortable and unpretentious, with great prices for a wide variety of tasty and simple Khmer dishes.

High-end Dining in Phnom Penh

• La Residence: La Residence is a small French restaurant in Phnom Penh that serves a variety of excellent mains and desserts. An extensive wine list and a relaxed, intimate setting make this a great place for dates and special occasions.
• Malis Cambodian Restaurant: Malis Cambodian Restaurant serves classic Khmer dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting near Norodom Boulevard. This restaurant’s garden courtyard setting and fresh ingredients make it a great place to experience Khmer food away from hustle and bustle.
• Topaz: Another high-end French restaurant, Topaz is famous for its excellent steaks. Prices are very much on the high side for Phnom Penh but still offer excellent value for money compared to similar restaurants in Western countries.

Street Food and Cafés in Siem Reap

• Sinn SisaMouth Cafe: Located near Angkor Night Market, Sinn SisaMouth Cafe serves a good selection of local Khmer dishes, ranging from curries to fried noodles. With affordable prices and a nice garden setting, this is one of the best local options in central Siem Reap.
• Khmer Grill Restaurant: As you’d expect from its name, Khmer Grill Restaurant specialises in grilled chicken, beef, fish and other meats. One of the best places in town if you’re looking for a cheap, hearty meal.
• The Missing Socks Laundry Cafe: The Missing Socks Laundry Cafe is one of many cafés in and around Siem Reap. With a good selection of coffee and tea options, as well as an excellent breakfast menu, this is a great place to start your day before exploring the nearby temples.

Fine Dining in Siem Reap

• Cuisine Wat Damnak: Cuisine Wat Damnak serves expertly prepared Khmer food in a peaceful setting, with an extensive vegetarian menu. A great and affordably priced introduction to Khmer food for visitors to Siem Reap.
• Flow Food & Wine: Flow offers a great mix of European cuisine in a small, intimate restaurant on Street 26. Dishes are expensive by Siam Reap standards but still reasonable, with entrees from four dollars and most mains priced at $20 or less.
• Cuisine Wat Damnak: Located inside the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Elephant Bar is a step back in time to Cambodia’s period as a French colony. Beautiful decorating and a selection of delicious co*cktails make this a fun place to enjoy a drink after exploring Angkor Archaeological Park.

Alcohol and Cigarettes in Cambodia

Beer © crystiancruz

• Alcohol in Cambodia is very affordable, with local beers such as Angkor (and the very similarly named Anchor beer) available for as little as one dollar a can in local restaurants. Expect to pay $2-5 for a beer in a local bar, and $5 or more if you drink in a high-end hotel or restaurant.
• Buy your beer from a convenience store and you can expect to pay less than one dollar a can, assuming you stick to the local brews.
• co*cktails in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap range from just a few dollars at cheap bars to $10 or more at high-end venues. Wine in surprisingly cheap in Cambodia compared to its more heavily taxed neighbours, with imported wines available from $3 per glass in many Western restaurants.
• Cigarettes are equally cheap in Cambodia, with imported brands available for a little over 6,000 riels per pack and local cigarettes available for 25-50% less. Imported cigars are also available in Cambodia at similar prices to what you’d pay in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam.
• Overall, nightlife in Cambodia is exceptionally cheap. Provided you stick to local restaurants and popular tourist bars, you can have an enjoyable night out with several rounds of drinks, all while spending less than $15 per person.

Travelling Around Cambodia

Travelling Around Cambodia © kengz

• There are three ways to get around Cambodia — by air, by road and by rail. We’ve listed the cost of each option below, as well as the benefits and downsides of each method of transportation.

Cambodia Domestic Flights

• Flying is by far the easiest way to travel around Cambodia. It’s also the most costly. Cambodia has three international airports — located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville — with flights available on domestic airlines like Cambodia Bayon Airlines.
• Because the domestic airline industry in Cambodia is small and relatively new, there isn’t much competition and prices are generally higher than what you’d pay for equivalent flights in Vietnam or Thailand. Expect to pay $80 or more to fly one way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Cambodia International Flights

• There are numerous daily flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap and Bangkok to Phnom Penh. Check Skyscanner for prices and flight schedules. There are also several airlines that now make long-haul international flights to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh – again, check Skyscanner for specific routes to find carriers and prices.

Cambodia Buses

• Cambodia’s road network is getting better every year, making it easier to reach small towns and destinations that were once very much off the beaten path. There are two bus options that cover most of Cambodia — large intercity buses and smaller, privately operated minibuses.
• Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around Cambodia. You can get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for about $6 on the cheapest privately operated buses, while higher quality buses from companies like Mekong Express cost around $10 to $14 each way.
• One thing to note is that bus travel in Cambodia can be slow and fairly uncomfortable. Expect to deal with loud movies (and potentially karaoke on some buses), as well as unpredictable traffic and somewhat aggressive driving from most bus drivers.

Buy Tickets To Siem Reap

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Spend or Convert Your Riel Before You Leave

• Because Cambodian riel is not a major world currency, it’s very difficult to exchange outside of Cambodia. Even currency exchange businesses in neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand will turn away riel without providing any exchange services.
• If you’re leaving Cambodia and still have riel leftover, it’s best to either spend or convert it before you leave. If you’re leaving Cambodia by land, you’ll usually be able to find an exchange lady at the border who can exchange your riel into Thai baht or Vietnamese dong.