Using credit cards in Cambodia: Is Wise the best solution?

Explorer friend, welcome back to a new edition of Consigliviaggiasia — the blog full of up-to-date tips for anyone looking to plan a DIY trip!

Today, straight from Cambodia, where I am for my Asia Tour 2025, I want to talk to you about a topic that interests many travelers: using debit or credit cards in Cambodia.

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably planning a trip to this fascinating Southeast Asian country and wondering whether you’ll have any trouble paying with your card, right?

If that’s the case, take a few minutes to read this updated guide I’ve written just to help you out!

In the next few paragraphs, you’ll discover:

Which currencies are accepted in the Kingdom of Cambodia
Where you can use your credit card
What problems you might encounter with a traditional card
What could be the most convenient solution

Accepted currencies in Cambodia 🇰🇭

If you arrive in Cambodia without being well-informed about the local currencies, you risk getting confused and running into some unpleasant surprises.

The two officially circulating currencies are:

✅ US Dollars (USD)
✅ Cambodian Riel (KHR)

US Dollars are the most commonly used currency for payments, while Riel is often given as change. Be careful! This can be a disadvantage for you because:

The exchange rate applied by shopkeepers may not be favorable.
Many stores may not accept Riel for large payments.

👉 Tip: If you choose to pay in cash, make sure to always receive your change in US Dollars and try to avoid accepting Riel if possible.

💵 Exchanging money in Cambodia

Now that you know which currencies are accepted, you’re probably wondering:

💡 Where is it best to exchange my money?

The answer is simple: at authorized exchange counters, but avoid doing it at the airport, as the exchange rate is usually very unfavorable.

If you absolutely must do it, exchange only a small amount, enough to cover your initial expenses, such as:

The taxi to reach the hotel
The purchase of a data SIM card

ASIA discount code 5%

🏦 Currency exchange counters

In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will find several exchange counters, mainly located in the city center and easily recognizable.

⚠️ Be careful with the exchange rate!

Many of these offices do not display the daily exchange rate. Before exchanging your money, check the updated rate on Google to avoid receiving an unfavorable exchange.

❌ How to avoid unpleasant issues with local currencies

To avoid issues with payments and change, the best solution is to use your credit or debit card as much as possible.

Unlike many other Southeast Asian countries, in Cambodia, cards are accepted almost everywhere.

⚠️ For small amounts, they may ask you to pay in cash, but calmly insist: in most cases, they will accept the card.

The POS systems you’ll find are modern and support payments with Google Wallet and Apple Pay. A great advantage, don’t you think?

✅ Before paying with your card, remember to:

✔️ Check the amount entered on the terminal
✔️ Make sure there are no additional fees of 3–5% added to the total

Richiedi ora la tua carta Wise

Where can you pay with a card?

✅ Supermarkets
✅ Restaurants
✅ Cafés
✅ Hotels
✅ Spas and large massage centers
✅ Pharmacies
✅ Tour operators

Where can’t you pay with a card?

❌ Tuk-tuks
❌ Taxis
❌ Street food vendors
❌ Small restaurants and pubs
❌ Small massage parlors
❌ Traditional markets (always ask—some stalls accept cards for purchases over 10 USD)

💡 Tip: Before ordering at a place, always ask if they accept credit cards. It’s better to be sure to avoid surprises!

⚠️ Remember: always carry enough cash with you! It may be essential during excursions or at small businesses that don’t accept card payments. Better to be prepared for any situation!

To recap: in Cambodia, you’ll find two currencies in circulation. You can pay with a credit or debit card without any issues or additional fees on the total amount, and you can also use the virtual cards on your smartphone.

⚠️ What to do before departure with your credit card provider:

Before you leave, contact your bank or credit card provider and check these essential points:

✅ Inform them about your Southeast Asia trip
Many financial institutions consider countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos as high-risk for fraud. To protect their customers, some block the card after the first transaction made in these destinations. Notifying them in advance helps avoid unpleasant inconveniences.

✅ Inquire about fees and charges
Ask about the payment fees that will be applied every time you use your card. If you don’t have a multi-currency card, you may end up with high extra charges on your statement.

✅ Check withdrawal limits and ATM fees
Every bank has a daily withdrawal limit. Ask what the maximum withdrawal amount is and what additional fees may be applied, aside from those charged by local ATMs.

“There is a solution to the high costs of traditional credit cards and the inconvenience of managing cash: it’s called Wise.”

💡 Why use Wise in Cambodia instead of a traditional debit card?

Today, more and more travelers, myself included, are choosing to use Wise’s multi-currency card during their trips. Have you ever heard of it?

Wise offers numerous advantages, especially when traveling to countries with a currency different from the euro.

Why choose Wise?

✔️ Pay like a local – No hidden fees and always favorable exchange rates.
✔️ Easy to open – Creating a Wise account is quick and requires no initial deposit.
✔️ Instant virtual card – After activation, you can immediately use the virtual card on your smartphone.
✔️ Physical card available – If you want a physical card, just make a small deposit.
✔️ International money transfers – Secure, fast, and with complete transparency on fees.
✔️ Fee-free withdrawals – You can withdraw up to €200 per month without fees, only paying the charges applied by local banks.
✔️ Intuitive app – Manage your money easily, wherever you are.

With Wise, traveling abroad becomes much easier and more affordable.

👉 Want to discover all the benefits of Wise? Click on this link and activate your account before you leave!

Another great advantage of Wise is that you won’t risk having your card blocked while traveling, and you won’t even need to notify the bank before departure. You can use your card anywhere, worry-free.

Conclusion

Traveling in Cambodia without worries is possible, you just need to choose the right tools to manage your money in a practical and affordable way.

While traditional credit cards can come with high fees and the risk of unexpected blocks, Wise proves to be an excellent alternative for those who want to save on exchange rates, avoid extra charges, and withdraw money without concerns.

With Wise, you can:
✅ Pay like a local with no hidden fees
✅ Withdraw up to €200 per month with no fees
✅ Avoid sudden card blocks while abroad
✅ Manage everything easily with an intuitive app

If you’re planning your trip to Cambodia, activate your Wise card before you leave and enjoy a stress-free experience!

📌 5 tips for managing payments in Cambodia

✅ Use Wise to save – Pay in US dollars with no hidden fees and the best exchange rate.
💳 Pay with card when possible – Supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants accept cards, but always check before ordering.
💵 Carry cash in US dollars – Avoid exchanging riel, as it is often not accepted.
🏧 Be cautious with ATM withdrawals – Wise allows you to withdraw up to €200 per month with no fees, but local ATMs may apply additional charges.
📞 Notify your bank before departure – If using a traditional card, avoid unexpected blocks by informing them of your trip in advance.

Safe travels and see you in the next guide from Consigliviaggiasia! ✈️🌍