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Cambodia Budget Guide

How much does Cambodia cost? Everything you need to plan your budget.

Quick Answer

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations. Budget travelers can live well on $25–45/day. Mid-range comfort costs $60–130/day. Luxury (Amansara, Song Saa) runs $200–500+/day. The currency is US Dollars — accepted everywhere.

Budget by Travel Style

Budget
$25–45/day

Sleep

Guesthouses, hostels ($8–18/night)

Eat

Markets, local restaurants, street food ($1–5/meal)

Move

Buses, shared tuk-tuks, bicycle

See

Most temples included in Angkor Pass; skip private guides

Top tips

  • Cook or eat where locals eat — markets are cheap and delicious
  • Take night buses to save on a night's accommodation
  • Buy Angkor Pass at the booth — no markup needed
Mid-range
$60–130/day

Sleep

Boutique guesthouses, 3-star hotels ($30–70/night)

Eat

Good restaurants, one splurge meal ($8–20/meal)

Move

Private taxis between cities, tuk-tuks locally

See

Private half-day temple guide, boat tours, cooking class

Top tips

  • Book hotels with a pool — worth it in the heat
  • Hire a private guide for Angkor Thom at minimum ($25–40/half day)
  • Use Grab in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for fair-priced rides
Luxury
$200–500+/day

Sleep

Amansara, Raffles, Shinta Mani, Song Saa ($200–600/night)

Eat

Malis, Sugar Palm, Cuisine Wat Damnak, hotel restaurants

Move

Private car and driver throughout, domestic flights

See

Private Angkor access at dawn, helicopter tours, river cruises

Top tips

  • Amansara in Siem Reap offers private Angkor access — worth the splurge
  • Song Saa Private Island for Koh Rong is world-class
  • Hire a dedicated guide for your full stay ($80–120/day)

Price List — What Things Cost

Angkor 1-day pass $37 USD
Angkor 3-day pass $62 USD
Angkor 7-day pass $72 USD
Cambodia e-visa $36 USD
Tuk-tuk (all day, temples) $15–25
Private car + driver (full day) $50–80
Bus (Phnom Penh → Siem Reap) $8–12
Domestic flight (PP → SR) $50–80
Beer at local restaurant $0.75–1.50
Meal at local market $1–3
Khmer amok at mid-range restaurant $6–10
Coffee (local iced coffee) $0.50–1
SIM card (7-day unlimited data) $5–8
Cooking class (half day) $20–35
Massage (1 hour, local spa) $8–15

Money Tips for Cambodia

Bring USD

ATMs dispense USD. Bring crisp, recent bills — torn or old notes may be refused.

Use Grab in cities

Grab (ride-hailing) gives metered fares and removes negotiation stress.

Withdraw strategically

$3–5 ATM fee per transaction. Withdraw larger amounts to minimise fees.

Negotiate at markets

At local markets, offer 50–60% of the asking price and negotiate from there.

Eat local

Market stalls and local restaurants serve food that is cheaper AND better than tourist restaurants.

Get a local SIM

Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone SIM with 7-day unlimited data for $5–8 at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What currency does Cambodia use?
Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars interchangeably. USD is accepted everywhere and is often preferred for larger amounts. Change is sometimes given in Riel. ATMs dispense USD in most cities.
Is Cambodia cheap to travel?
Yes — Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations. A budget traveler can get by on $25–45/day; mid-range travelers spend $60–130. Even luxury travel is significantly cheaper here than in Europe or the US.
Are ATMs widely available in Cambodia?
ATMs are available in all major cities and tourist areas (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot). Most dispense USD. Expect a $3–5 fee per withdrawal. Carry cash when heading to rural areas.
Is tipping expected in Cambodia?
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. $1–2 per meal at local restaurants, 10–15% at upscale places. $5–10/day for guides, $2–3 for tuk-tuk drivers for a full day. Hotel staff: $1–2/day.
Can I use a credit card in Cambodia?
Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops accept Visa/Mastercard, sometimes with a 2–3% surcharge. Markets, local restaurants, and tuk-tuks are cash-only. Always carry USD.

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