Cambodia & Laos Currency Exchange: Smart Money Guide for Your Dream Indochina Journey

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 international travellers across Southeast Asia. This exclusive guide is crafted from real guest feedback collected during Legend Travel Group journeys and daily on-ground updates from our local teams in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng.

Nothing kills vacation vibes faster than losing 15-20 % at airport counters or hunting for ATMs that actually work.
Whether you’re watching sunrise at Angkor Wat, cruising the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, or sipping fresh coconut on Don Det’s 4000 Islands, having the right cash mix keeps your trip smooth, safe, and Instagram-perfect.

Legend Travel Group guests enjoy peace-of-mind payment: only 10 % deposit to secure your spot, final balance due 30 days before departure. No stress, no hidden fees — just pure adventure.

Golden Rule across both countries:
USD 1–20 bills = your best friend
USD 50–100 = only for big hotels & visa fees
Torn, old, or pre-2006 USD = often rejected

Cambodia – The USD Paradise

1. Phnom Penh & Siem Reap Markets (Best Rates)

   • Psar Leu (Siem Reap) & Russian Market (Phnom Penh)

   • Rate: 4,050 – 4,100 KHR per USD (street beats banks!)

   • Pro tip: Count money twice, smile, bargain 10–20 KHR

2. ACLEDA Bank ATMs (Nationwide)

   • Fee: $4–5 per withdrawal

   • Daily limit: $2,000

   • Gives crisp USD + KHR option

3. Canadia Bank (Zero foreign card fee for many Swiss/German cards)

   • Perfect for Cambodia Tours guests staying longer than 2 weeks

Laos – Kip + USD Combo

1. Luang Prabang Morning Market (6:30–8:00 AM)

   • Rate: 21,800 – 22,200 LAK per USD

   • Ladies in traditional sinh give fairest rates

2. BCEL Bank ATMs (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng)

   • Fee: 30,000–50,000 LAK (~$2–3)

   • Max 2,000,000 LAK per transaction

3. Lao Development Bank (Pakxe & 4000 Islands)

   • Best for Laos Travel groups heading south

Carry for 7-day Cambodia + Laos journey (2 persons):

• USD 600 in 1s, 5s, 10s, 20s (crisp, post-2013 series)

• USD 200 in 50s/100s for hotels & visa on arrival

• EUR/CHF 200 (only for emergency airport exchange)

• Leave the rest on a Wise card (zero foreign transaction fee)

1. Pay in USD, get change in local currency → always win

2. Never exchange at hotels → 8–12 % loss guaranteed

3. Street food & tuk-tuks → USD 1 = magic price (no change drama)

4. Big attractions (Angkor Wat, Kuang Si Falls) → accept USD directly

5. Night markets → bring exact change in 1,000 KHR or 10,000 LAK notes

Cambodia

• ACLEDA Bank (green logo)

• Canadia Bank (gold logo)

• Avoid ANZ (highest fees)

Laos

• BCEL (blue logo) – works with 99 % of cards

• Joint Development Bank (JDB) – English interface

Lost wallet? No problem.
Legend Travel Group emergency fund:

• Instant Western Union locations in every major town

• 24/7 local guide carries spare USD for guests

• Wise/Revolut cards work at 95 % of ATMs

• Say “no” to plastic bags at markets (bring reusable tote)

• Support women-led money changers at morning markets

• Round up tuk-tuk fares – drivers remember kind tourists!

Book any Cambodia Tours or Laos Travel package and receive:

• FREE pre-loaded Wise card with USD 50 credit

• Private airport money-exchange escort (zero queue)

• Daily cash-flow WhatsApp support from your personal guide

• Only 10 % deposit – keep your money until 30 days before departure

Secure your spot on the ultimate Cambodia Tours or Laos Travel journey with just 10 % deposit today!

WhatsApp: +84 825 862 222
Email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Website: https://www.legendtravelgroup.com

By Legend Travel Group – Crafting legendary Indochina memories since 2008.