Currency Exchange Guide for Siem Reap: Best Rates & Local Bureaus
BLUF: Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) is situated 45 km outside the city, where arrivals currency desks take an expensive 5% to 9% spread. In Siem Reap town, the best currency exchange rates are found around the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and along Sivutha Boulevard, offering tight cash margins between 0.4% and 0.8% on USD, EUR, THB, and SGD. Always ensure your US Dollar bills are in pristine condition with zero tears or marks.
Siem Reap is the gateway to the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage temples of Angkor Wat. Like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap operates on a dual-currency system where US Dollars and Cambodian Riel circulate concurrently. Physical cash is necessary for hiring tuk-tuks, tipping temple guides, buying coconuts, and evening dining along Pub Street.
Key Currency Exchange Districts in Siem Reap
Old Market (Phsar Chas)
The vibrant commercial and tourist heart of Siem Reap, packed with licensed money changers and jewelry shops offering the best rates.
Sivutha Boulevard
The main north-south commercial artery hosting major commercial banks (ABA Bank, Canadia Bank) and authorized Ly Hour Exchange branches.
Pub Street & Night Markets
The entertainment district with late-night currency exchange counters.
Siem Reap-Angkor Airport (SAI)
New airport hub 45 km away. Exchange only enough cash for the shared airport shuttle bus (9 USD) or private taxi (~35 USD).
Comparing Cash Exchange Channels in Siem Reap
| Exchange Channel | Primary Locations | Typical Spread | Features & Practical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Market Gold & Currency Bureaus | Surrounding Phsar Chas | 0.4% - 0.8% | Sharpest cash rates in Siem Reap. Fast transactions, deep cash liquidity, zero fees. |
| Ly Hour Exchange Sivutha Branch | Sivutha Boulevard | 0.45% - 0.85% | Official branded money services business with trusted transparent rates. |
| Major Banks (ABA Bank, Canadia) | Sivutha Boulevard & Old Market | 1.0% - 2.2% | Institutional safety, clean banknote delivery. Requires physical passport. |
| Siem Reap Airport (SAI) Kiosks | International arrivals terminal | 5.0% - 9.0% | Steep airport margins. Convert only minimal transport funds into town. |
Local Cash Logistics & Payment Essentials in Siem Reap
The official Angkor Ticket Center accepts major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and clean US Dollar cash (37 USD for 1 day, 62 USD for 3 days). However, local temple tuk-tuk drivers (15 to 25 USD per day) and roadside fruit vendors accept cash only.
ATMs operated by ABA Bank in Pub Street dispense US Dollars directly with international cards.
Regulations, Cash Limits, and Transaction Security
Cambodia enforces strict banknote quality standards. Bank tellers and merchants routinely reject US Dollar banknotes with minor tears, stamps, or heavy ink marks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Currency Exchange in Siem Reap
Where is the best place to exchange currency in Siem Reap?
The jewelry and money exchange shops surrounding the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and along Sivutha Boulevard offer the best cash rates in Siem Reap.
Can I pay for my Angkor Wat pass with a credit card?
Yes. The official Angkor Enterprise ticket center accepts Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay with zero surcharge, as well as pristine US Dollar cash.
How much is transport from the new Siem Reap Airport (SAI) to town?
An official airport taxi costs around 35 USD, while the shared airport shuttle bus costs 9 USD per person into central Siem Reap.
Can I spend Thai Baht in Siem Reap?
Many tourist businesses accept Thai Baht (THB), but exchange rates are less favorable than paying in US Dollars or Cambodian Riel.
Why do merchants in Siem Reap inspect dollar bills so carefully?
Merchants cannot deposit torn, stamped, or faded dollar bills into local banks without paying a steep penalty, so they strictly inspect every foreign banknote.