Personal Finance Tips

Top payment methods in Cambodia: A guide on best ways to pay

Nicholas Chia

08.09.25

Read time 2 minutes

Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Cambodia? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.

Cambodia, with a population of around 17.35 million people, has a GDP of approximately 49.80 billion, making it the 95th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR).

The economy's main drivers are garment and footwear manufacturing, tourism, and construction. It is a member of ASEAN and benefits from preferential trade access to the EU and the US, with China as its largest investor and partner.


Country	Cambodia
Population	17.35 million
GDP (USD)	49.80 billion
Global Ranking	95th
Currency	Cambodian Riel (KHR)

What is the main payment method in Cambodia?

The financial landscape in Cambodia is heavily influenced by ABA Mobile, a dominant banking app that has driven digital payment adoption through its seamless QR code payments (KHQR), transfers, and bill payment features.¹ Cash, in both the local Riel and the US Dollar, remains prevalent, with US dollars often used for larger purchases and Riel for smaller transactions and change. Bakong, a central bank-sponsored digital wallet and transfer system, also plays a key role by connecting various financial institutions.²

How to pay in Cambodia

Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Cambodia.

Payment method	Description	Type
Wise	Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies.	Online/in-person
Mobile Payments (e.g., Wing, Pi Pay)	Mobile payment services are widespread and allow users to perform P2P transfers, pay bills, and make merchant payments through dedicated apps.	Online/in-person
Cash (Cambodian Riel & US Dollar)	Cash is a primary payment method, especially for everyday transactions. The US Dollar is widely used alongside the local Cambodian Riel.	In-person
Cards (Visa/Mastercard)	While growing in popularity, card usage is primarily concentrated in urban centers and larger establishments like hotels and supermarkets.³	In-person
Bank Transfers	Bank transfers are available for consumers through services like the National Bank of Cambodia's "Fast Payment" system, facilitating immediate fund transfers in Khmer Riel across member institutions.⁴	Online

Is PayPal available in Cambodia?

Yes, PayPal is available in Cambodia, allowing users to send and receive payments.⁵

Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card

Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.

And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get started with Wise

*Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://payout-surge.live/a%3E for details.

Sources:

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.