Daily costs per person in USD. Cambodia uses US dollars everywhere — keep costs low with market food, shared tuk-tuks, and the incredible-value Angkor Pass.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD / KHR (៛ Riel) (USD widely accepted, riel for change)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–12 | $20–50 | $80+ | Dorms → guesthouses → boutique hotels |
| Food | $5–10 | $12–25 | $40+ | Market stalls → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $5–10 | $15–25 | $40+ | Bicycle → tuk-tuk → private car & guide |
| Angkor Pass | $37 (1-day) | $62 (3-day) | $72 (7-day) | Amortise over your stay |
| Activities | $0–5 | $10–25 | $50+ | Free temples → circus & cooking → private guide |
| Daily Total | $20–40 | $50–100 | $150+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Angkor Pass value
1-day pass: $37. 3-day pass: $62 (usable within 10 days). 7-day pass: $72 (usable within 30 days). The 3-day pass is best value for most visitors — $62 for three full days of unlimited temples.
$0.50 beers on Pub Street
Draft beer on Pub Street is $0.50 and has been for years. Bottled Angkor beer: $1. Cocktails: $2–3. Siem Reap is one of the cheapest nightlife destinations in Southeast Asia.
Eat at the Old Market
The Old Market (Psar Chas) food stalls serve Khmer noodles for $1–1.50, rice with curry for $1.50, and fruit shakes for $1. Tourist restaurants on Pub Street charge $3–5 for the same dishes.
Tuk-tuk day rate
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for a full day of temple touring: $15–20. Agree the circuit (Small, Grand, or custom) and price before departure. Tip $2–3 at the end. E-bikes are $10–15/day for independent exploration.
USD works everywhere
Cambodia runs on US dollars — bring crisp bills. Riel (4,000 = $1) is used for change under $1. ATMs dispense dollars with a $4–5 fee per withdrawal. Withdraw $200+ at a time.
Social enterprise restaurants
Haven, Marum, and Sala Bai are training restaurants for disadvantaged youth — excellent food at fair prices ($5–10 mains) and your money directly supports education. Better food and better impact than Pub Street.
