How to Pay in Cambodia

Mobile payments and digital wallets, curated for travelers visiting Cambodia.

Last updated: August 2026·8 sources

Prices and electronic payments can be denominated in either currency. Carry clean riel for small purchases and transport, plus clean US notes where useful. Damaged or marked US notes may be refused, change may be returned in riel, and counterfeit high-value dollars are a known risk. Check every note before leaving the counter and confirm the currency and amount before paying.

International cards work at many hotels, larger restaurants and formal businesses, but cash remains necessary for markets, roadside stops, small vendors and rural travel. KHQR is Cambodia's interoperable merchant QR system, but ordinary local bank apps are not practical downloads for a short-stay visitor. Bakong Tourists is the official visitor wallet and can scan KHQR without a Cambodian bank account. It requires identity verification and a stored wallet balance.

Visa and Mastercard funding has been introduced, yet current visitors report failed card linking, failed top-ups and fees that can be disproportionate for small loads. Remaining wallet funds cannot simply be returned to the original card in every case. Treat the app as an optional convenience, load only an amount you expect to spend, read the fee before confirming, and keep cash and cards as backups. Verify the merchant name, currency and amount after scanning.

Never disclose an OTP, PIN or recovery QR, and do not rely on a screenshot alone as proof that a transfer reached the merchant.

Other categories in Cambodia