HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED FOR CAMBODIA?
INFO ON CAMBODIA CURRENCY
Riel is the official Cambodia currency and money to spend when in the country (KHR), however, the United States dollar (US $) is the second yet unofficial currency you can always rely as a money to spend in Cambodia, and beside Cambodian Riel, it is accepted everywhere, although the change can be in Riel. Shops set prices in US $ or KHR, while in the north and west and near the Thai border, prices are also display in Baht (THB). However, while traveling further to countryside in Cambodia, you will see that Riel is used instead of Dollar and we advice you to change them beforehand as the economy in smaller town is always rely on Riel. But, remember, if you stay at hotels or pay for tourism services, you will always be able to use USD even in the smaller town, however, before going, you may change your $50 to smaller banknotes of $1 to pay for anything you purchase. Remember, your US dollars will be rejected if they are ripped, torn, or if they are old banknotes.
ATMs and Credit Cards in Cambodia
There are credit-card-compatible ATMs (Visa and Master-Card etc) in most major cities including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Kompong Cham. There are also ATMs at the Cham Yeam and Poipet borders if arriving from Thailand. Machines dispense US dollars. Large withdrawals of up to US$2000 are possible, providing your account can handle it. Stay alert when using them late at night. ANZ Royal Bank has the most extensive network, including ATMs at petrol stations and popular hotels, restaurants and shops, closely followed by Canadia Bank. Acleda Bank has the widest network of branches in the country, including all provincial capitals, and many have ATMs which are compatible with international credit cards. It is advisable to be vigilant if used at night. ANZ Royal Bank has the most extensive network, including ATMs at gas stations, chain hotels, restaurants and popular stores, followed a short distance by Canadian Bank. Acleda Bank also has an extensive network of ATMs present in all provincial capitals in Cambodia, but only accepts Visa. Most withdrawals have a commission of 3-5 US $. Credit cards are usually not accepted outside the Phnom Penh, Siem Ream and beach town such as Sihnoukville as well as some selected group of shops in the capital city . As the use of credit cards will be limited outside of the main cities, if you are traveling in remote parts of the Cambodia make sure you have a enough of cash in USD with you. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most local and international banks and the capital has a number of ATM machines to supply the withdraw. ATMs can also be found in Siem Reap, Kep, Battambang, Kratie and and some other towns such as Kampong Saom and all the beach town, however, bear in mind that, due to local conditions such as unexpected power cuts, these will be less reliable than cash machines back home. So, again, try to always carry some cash with you to pay for your expenses.
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How Much Money Do I Need For Cambodia?
Money & costs
- Economic: less than US $ 50
- Room in pension: 5-10 US $
- Street food: US $ 1-3
- Local buses: 2-3 US $ (every 100 km)
- Medium: 50-200 US $
- Hotel room with air conditioning: US $ 15-50
- Lunch at a local restaurant: US $ 5-10
- Local guide: 25-35 US $ / day
- High: more than 200 US $
- Boutique Hotel or Resort: $ 50-500
- Gourmet food with drinks: US $ 25-50
- SUV rental: US $ 60-120 / day
- Angkor Wat one day pass: US$ 37
The cost of travelling in Cambodia covers the whole spectrum, from almost free to outrageously expensive, depending on taste and comfort. Penny- pinchers can survive on as little as US$25 per day, while budget travellers with an eye on enjoyment can live it up on US$50 a day. Midrange travellers can turn on the style with US$80to US$110 a day, staying in smart places, dining well and travelling in comfort. At the top end, flash US$200 a day or more to live a life of luxury. Accommodation starts from as little as US$7 to US$10 in popular destinations. Spending US$15 to US$25 will add to the amenities, such as air conditioning, satellite TV, fridge and hot water. Stepping up to US$50, you enter the world of three-star standards and charming boutique resorts. Forking out US$100 or more brings a five-star fling. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a discount if it is low season or traffic is down.
While Cambodian cuisine may not be as well known as that of its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, it can certainly compete with the best of them. Snack on the street or chow down in the market, with meals starting at just 2000r or so, or indulge in a banquet for a couple of bucks. Khmer restaurants are a step up in comfort, and a local meal will cost US$3 to US$5. Next are the sophisticated Khmer, Asian and international restaurants. Meals start from about US$4 at the cheaper places, rising to more like US$15 at the smarter ones, and US$50 or more is possible if you go wild with the wine list.
Domestic flights link Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Fast boats link several popular destinations in Cambodia and the journey can be more scenic than by road. There is now a healthy selection of bus companies connecting towns and cities throughout Cambodia and prices are rock bottom. On the rougher roads, share taxis and pick-ups take the strain. Train travel is no longer possible, as passenger services have been suspended, but that could be seen as a blessing in disguise given that trains crawl along at an average speed of 20km/h. For ultimate flexibility, rent a car or 4WD and travel with a guide. Visiting Angkor Wat (which is surely everybody coming to Cambodia) will have to factor in the cost of entrance fees, which are US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days and US$72 for one week pass. An additional expense is transport to get to, from and around the ruins; from US$3 for a bicycle, US$6 to US$8 for a moto (small motorcycle with driver), US$10 to US$15 for a remorque (trailer pulled by a bicycle or motorcycle) and US$35 to US$50 for a car. Small budget, big budget, it doesn’t really matter; Cambodia is the place to be. Soak it up in the style that suits.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but salaries are very low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and sometimes even when taking a room, but you won’t need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam.
Cambodian Riel and US Dollars
Cambodia Rien with symbol of ៛ display with KHR and available banknotes of : 50 riels, 10000 riels, 100 riels, 20000 riels, 2000 riels, 500 riels, 1000 riels, 5000 riels, 50000 riels.
Cambodian Riel to USD: The US dollar remains king in Cambodia. With enough cash available, the traveler will not need to visit a bank, since it is possible to exchange small amounts of dollars for rails in hotels, restaurants and markets. It is always useful to have about US $ 10 in rails on hand, as they are practical for motorcycles, remork-motorcycles (tuk tuks) and markets. If something cheap is paid in dollars, the change in rails is returned. The other currency that may be useful is the Thai baht, especially in the west of the country. Prices in locations like Koh Kong, Poipet and Sisophon are usually in baht, and even in Battambang it is common. In order to simplify land travel as much as possible, it is advisable to prepare a certain amount of dollars before arriving in the country. Cash in other currencies can be exchanged at banks or markets in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. However, most banks offer a very unfavorable exchange rate in operations that are not made in dollars, so it is better to go to the exchangers in the main markets and surroundings.
CAMBODIAN RIEL: If you’ve got cash US dollars, you won’t need to change money in Cambodia and you’ll pay much the same as you would with Cambodian Riel. Thai baht are also widely accepted. Both of these are easy to change, as are most other major currencies. It can be difficult to change travellers cheques outside Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Kompong Cham. Go further and plan your trip today with our most comprehensive travel to Cambodia
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