You land in Phnom Penh, step out of the airport, and the first thing you see at the ATM isn't a bunch of colorful local bills. It’s crisp, green Benjamins. Or maybe Jacksons.
Honestly, the whole cambodia money to us dollar situation is a bit of a trip for first-timers. You’re in a sovereign nation in Southeast Asia, yet the economy breathes through the lungs of the United States Federal Reserve. It's weird. It’s also incredibly convenient—until it isn't.
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If you’re trying to figure out how to pay for a sunset tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap or a spicy plate of amok in Battambang, you need to know that Cambodia doesn't just "accept" dollars. It effectively lives on them. But that’s changing. Slowly.
The 4,000 Riel Rule and the Reality of 2026
For decades, the math was easy. One dollar equaled 4,000 Cambodian Riel (KHR). Simple, right? You’d give someone a $5 bill for a $3.50 coffee, and they’d hand you back a $1 bill and 2,000 Riel.
But as of January 15, 2026, that "easy math" is getting a little more expensive. The official exchange rate from the National Bank of Cambodia is hovering around 4,026 KHR to 1 USD. Some days it's 4,030. Others, it dips back toward 4,015.
Why the tiny difference matters
While 26 Riel sounds like nothing—literally a fraction of a cent—it adds up when you’re paying for a $500 hotel stay or a group tour to Angkor Wat. Most local vendors still stick to the 4,000:1 ratio for simplicity.
However, big supermarkets like AEON or Lucky, and high-end hotels, will use the daily official rate. If you pay in USD at a grocery store, they might calculate your change at 4,025 KHR. You’ll end up with a pocket full of Riel that doesn't quite match the mental math you did at the register.
The "Dirty Dollar" Drama
This is the part that catches everyone off guard. In the States, you can have a dollar bill that looks like it went through a lawnmower and then a mud puddle, and it’s still worth a dollar.
In Cambodia? No way.
If your US dollar bill has a tiny 2-millimeter tear, a splash of ink, or even a heavy fold line that looks like a rip, it is effectively wallpaper. Most shopkeepers will politely (or not-so-politely) hand it back to you. They aren't being difficult. They simply can’t deposit those bills at the bank without paying a massive "mutilated bill" fee, so they pass that risk onto you.
The Siem Reap Exception
Interestingly, there’s been a bit of a push in 2025 and early 2026 to be more relaxed about this, especially in Siem Reap. Local authorities realized that shouting at tourists over a wrinkled five-dollar bill was bad for the "City of Temples" vibe. Some banks there are now instructed to accept slightly worn notes, but don't count on it.
- Pro Tip: Inspect every bill you get from an ATM. If it’s torn, go inside the bank immediately and ask for a swap.
- Pro Tip: Inspect your change. If a vendor tries to give you a "dirty" dollar, ask for a different one or for the equivalent in Riel.
De-dollarization: Is the Riel Making a Comeback?
The Cambodian government is currently on a mission. They want people to use the Riel. They’re not banning the dollar yet, but they are making it "less convenient" for small stuff.
You might notice that $1, $2, and $5 bills are becoming harder to find. In many places, if your bill is under $10, you’re expected to pay in Riel. If you pay with a $10 bill for a $2 item, you are almost guaranteed to get your change entirely in Riel.
This is part of a "soft" de-dollarization. By pulling small-denomination USD notes out of circulation, the National Bank of Cambodia is forcing the local currency into the hands of everyday people. It’s about national pride, but also about having control over their own monetary policy. When you use the cambodia money to us dollar exchange, you're participating in a tug-of-war between two currencies.
Bakong: The Digital Revolution You’ll Actually Use
If you want to look like a local and avoid the whole "torn bill" headache, look for the QR codes. They are everywhere. From the fancy riverside bistros to the lady selling grilled corn on a stick.
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This is Bakong. It’s Cambodia’s blockchain-based payment system.
It’s actually brilliant. You download the app, or better yet, use a local bank app like ABA (if you’re staying long-term) or a tourist-friendly version. You scan a KHQR code, and the system handles the conversion instantly. No more carrying a brick of 1,000 Riel notes that are worth about 25 cents each.
Even if you’re just visiting for a week, check if your international banking app (like Revolut or certain Thai bank apps) supports the KHQR system. It’s becoming the standard for 2026.
Practical Math: A Cheat Sheet for the Street
Since you won't always have a calculator out, here is how the locals and seasoned expats handle the cambodia money to us dollar conversion in their heads.
Basically, think in units of 4,000.
- 1,000 Riel = $0.25 (A "quarter")
- 2,000 Riel = $0.50
- 4,000 Riel = $1.00
- 10,000 Riel = $2.50
- 20,000 Riel = $5.00
- 40,000 Riel = $10.00
If a street food vendor says "Ten thousand," they mean 10,000 Riel, or roughly $2.50. If you give them $3, you should expect 2,000 Riel back.
The ATM Trap
Most ATMs in Cambodia will ask you which currency you want: USD or KHR.
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Pick USD if: You are paying for a big-ticket item like a hotel or a flight and want to avoid double-conversion fees.
Pick KHR if: You are heading into the countryside, exploring local markets, or just want to avoid the "perfect bill" stress.
Watch out for the fees. Most Cambodian banks charge between $4 and $6 per withdrawal for international cards. Bred Bank and Canadia Bank used to be the "cheap" ones, but fees have been creeping up across the board.
What to Do with Your Leftover Money
Here is the most important thing: Cambodian Riel is worthless outside of Cambodia.
You cannot go back to London, New York, or Bangkok and exchange your leftover Riel for local cash. No one wants it. Not even the high-end currency exchanges at the airport will give you a fair rate, if they take it at all.
As you get close to the end of your trip, start spending your Riel first. Save your USD for the final airport coffee or the flight out. If you have a mountain of 1,000 Riel notes on your last day, give them as a tip to your hotel cleaner or your favorite tuk-tuk driver. It’ll mean a lot more to them than it will to your junk drawer at home.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Bring New Bills: If you are bringing cash from home, ensure every single US dollar bill is "bank fresh." No marks, no tears, no stamps.
- Download a Currency App: Use something like XE or a dedicated converter to track the cambodia money to us dollar rate daily, especially if you're doing business.
- Break Large Bills Early: ATMs often spit out $100 bills. Most small shops can't change these. Go to a brand-name convenience store (like 7-Eleven or Circle K) and buy a bottle of water to get smaller denominations.
- Embrace the Riel: Use Riel for anything under $5. It’s faster, you won't get "rounded up" to the nearest dollar, and you’re helping the local economy stabilize.
- Check the QR: Before you fumble with cash, look for the "KHQR" sign. If you can pay via a mobile wallet, you'll get the best possible exchange rate without the physical hassle.
The dual-currency system is a quirk of history, born from the UN intervention in the 90s. It’s a sign of a country that is rapidly modernizing while still holding onto its past. Treat the money with respect—keep those dollars flat and dry—and you’ll find navigating Cambodia’s economy is surprisingly smooth.