Currency Exchange in Cambodia, Laos & Thailand: The Complete Smart Money Guide for Travelers

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. © Legend Travel Group since 2008 – All rights reserved.

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Nothing spoils a perfect Southeast Asia journey faster than losing 15–30 % of your money on bad exchange rates or hidden fees. Whether you’re crossing from Cambodia to Laos via the stunning 4,000 Islands, gliding down the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Thailand, or hopping between Siem Reap, Vientiane, and Bangkok, smart money management lets you enjoy more street food, temples, and sunsets — without stress.

At Legend Travel Group, we want every guest to keep peace of mind from the moment they book their Cambodia Travel, Laos Travel, or Thailand Travel adventure with us (only 10 % deposit required, final payment 30 days before departure).

1. Cambodia = Bring crisp USD bills
   USD is co-official currency. Locals and businesses prefer USD over riel for anything above $5. ATMs dispense USD. Always carry plenty of $1, $5, and $10 notes (no tears, no marks, no 2006-or-older series).

2. Laos = USD + Thai Baht are kings
   Kip has almost no value outside Laos and terrible street rates. Carry USD for hotels and tours; Thai Baht for borders, buses, and southern Laos (Pakxe, 4,000 Islands).

3. Thailand = Only Thai Baht
   Using USD or other currencies outside big hotels will cost you 10–25 % extra. Withdraw THB from ATMs or exchange at SuperRich / VASU for the best rates.

Cambodia – Best Options

• Canadia Bank & Acleda Bank ATMs → dispense USD, zero local fee if you use fee-free cards

• Street money changers at Central Market (Phnom Penh) & Pub Street (Siem Reap) → excellent rates, but only for USD → KHR small change

• Avoid airports & hotels (lose 8–15 %)

Laos – Best Options

• BCEL Bank ATMs → best rates, 30,000–50,000 LAK fee (~$2–3)

• Money changers at Talat Sao Morning Market (Vientiane) & Luang Prabang Night Market → superb USD & THB rates

• Thai Baht widely accepted in southern Laos at near 1:1 retail rate

Thailand – Best Options

• SuperRich (orange), VASU Exchange, SIA Money Exchange → consistently 0.20–0.50 THB better than banks

• Avoid airport exchanges & yellow government booths (Exchange @ Airport = robbery)

• ATM fee 220–250 THB per withdrawal → use cards with no foreign ATM fees or withdraw max 20,000–30,000 THB each time

• Notify your bank before travel

• Use fee-free cards (Revolut, Wise, Schwab, Monzo, Starling)

• Maximum withdrawal limits: Cambodia $500–$1,000, Laos $200–$300, Thailand 20,000–30,000 THB

• Decline DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) – always pay in local currency

• Cambodia: $300–500 USD in small bills + credit card

• Laos: $200–400 USD + 5,000–10,000 THB

• Thailand: 5,000–10,000 THB + card for larger purchases

• Always count change in front of the vendor

• Smile and say “arkun” (Cambodia), “khob chai” (Laos), “khob khun krab/ka” (Thailand) – respect = better rates

• Small notes are gold for tuk-tuks, street food, and temples

Let us handle the details while you enjoy the journey. When you book your Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours, or Thailand Tours with Legend Travel Group:

• Only 10 % deposit required

• Final payment just 30 days before departure

• 24/7 local support & English-speaking guides

• Private transfers, best hotels, and authentic experiences included

Explore multi-country adventures:
Mekong Discovery (Cambodia → Laos → Thailand)
Indochina Highlights (Vietnam → Cambodia → Laos → Thailand)
Or custom private journeys tailored exactly to your dates and style.

Contact us today at Legend Travel Group and travel with complete peace of mind.