Opening a Bank Account in Cambodia - Guide for Foreigners

Opening a bank account in Cambodia is straightforward for foreigners. This guide covers the best banks, required documents, account types, and mobile banking options available to expats and long-term visitors.

Having a local bank account makes daily life much easier - from paying rent to receiving salary and using mobile payment apps.

Plan your finances

Calculate banking and living costs in Cambodia

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Account Opening Requirements

To open a bank account in Cambodia as a foreigner, you will typically need:

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Main Banks in Cambodia

Cambodia has dozens of banks, but a few stand out for expatriates due to their English-language service, online banking, and ATM networks.

ABA Bank

Recommended

The most popular bank among expats. Excellent mobile app, 24/7 ATMs, USD and KHR accounts, and fast account opening.

Mobile bankingLow feesKHQR

ACLEDA Bank

Largest network

The largest bank by branch network. Good for KHR transactions and coverage in all provinces.

ATM networkAll provinces

Canadia Bank

International

Long-established bank popular with the business community. Good for corporate accounts and USD transactions.

SWIFT transferVisa/Mastercard

Bank Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of the main banks used by expats in Siem Reap.

Bank	Min. deposit	Monthly fee	App rating
ABA Bank	$100	Free	4.8/5
ACLEDA	$50	$1-3	4.5/5
Canadia	$100	$2-5	4.3/5
Wing Bank	$10	Free	4.4/5

Account Opening Process

Opening a bank account in Cambodia is straightforward. Most banks can open an account in 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Visit the bank branch in person with all required documents — most Cambodian banks do not process foreigner accounts online.

Present your passport (original + copy), valid visa, and proof of local address such as a rental contract or utility bill.

Fill in the account opening application form — bring a pen and allow 30-60 minutes for the paperwork at most banks.

Make the minimum initial deposit — typically $100-500 depending on the bank and account type.

Receive your debit card and account details — usually issued immediately or within 1-3 business days.

Set up online banking access — request this at the branch during opening, as it is not always activated automatically.

Account Types

Most banks in Cambodia offer both USD and KHR accounts. Here's what you need to know.

Savings Account

Earn interest on your deposited funds. Rates vary by bank and currency.

• Interest rate: 2-5%
• Min. balance: $10-100

Current Account

Day-to-day transactions, debit card, and online banking. Standard for expats.

• Checkbook
• Overdraft facility

USD Account

Primary currency for most expats. Most businesses and landlords accept USD. No conversion fees for daily use.

• Primary currency
• No conversion fee

KHR Account

Riel account useful for small local transactions and street food. Required in some government transactions.

• Local currency
• Smaller payments

Fees & Charges

Banking fees in Cambodia are generally low compared to Western countries.

ATM withdrawal fee

Local ATM

Free-$1

International transfer

Incoming transfer

$10-25

Card fee

Annual fee

$5-15

Digital Alternatives

Several international digital banks and payment platforms work well in Cambodia alongside or instead of a local bank account.

Wise

Best for international wire transfers. Low fees and real exchange rates for sending and receiving money from abroad.

Revolut

International digital bank. Ideal for international transfers and currency exchange at interbank rates.

Mobile Wallets

ABA Pay, Wing, Pi Pay and other local mobile wallets are widely accepted for everyday payments.

Tips for Expats

Here are some practical tips to get the most out of banking in Cambodia:

ABA Bank and ACLEDA Bank are the most widely used by expats in Siem Reap — both have good English-language apps and extensive ATM networks.

Open both a USD and a KHR (Riel) account if possible — Cambodia operates as a dual-currency economy and having both saves on conversion fees.

Keep a separate emergency fund in a digital bank like Wise or Revolut, which can receive international transfers faster than Cambodian banks.

Avoid withdrawing cash from airport ATMs — fees are much higher. Use bank-brand ATMs in town for the best rates.

Notify your home country bank before moving — set up international access to avoid your cards being blocked as suspicious foreign transactions.

Check whether your Cambodian bank account can receive SWIFT transfers — essential if you receive salary or pension payments from abroad.

Conclusion

Banking in Cambodia is accessible and affordable for expats. ABA Bank is the top choice for most foreigners due to its excellent app and wide ATM network.

Consider keeping a Revolut or Wise account for international transfers to avoid high SWIFT fees.

Most banks have English-speaking staff at their main branches, making the process straightforward even without Khmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners open bank accounts in Cambodia?

Yes, foreigners can easily open bank accounts in Cambodia. Most banks require a valid passport and a valid visa. Some banks may ask for proof of address or a letter from an employer.

Can foreigners open a bank account in Cambodia without a work permit?

Yes. Most Cambodian banks including ABA and ACLEDA allow foreigners to open accounts with a valid passport and visa only — no work permit required. Requirements may tighten at some banks for savings accounts with higher deposit amounts.

What is the best bank in Siem Reap for expats?

ABA Bank is the most popular among expats due to its excellent app, wide ATM network, and English customer service. ACLEDA is favoured for business accounts. Canadia Bank and Maybank are also good options if you do significant transactions with Southeast Asian countries.

Are Cambodian banks safe for depositing large amounts?

Cambodia does not have a deposit insurance scheme equivalent to FDIC or European deposit guarantees. Large depositors carry more risk. Most experienced expats keep only working capital in Cambodian banks and maintain main savings in a home country or offshore account.

Can I use my home country credit card in Cambodia?

Yes. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants catering to tourists. Amex has limited acceptance. Expect foreign transaction fees of 2-4%. For markets and smaller shops, USD cash is preferred.

Is mobile banking well developed in Cambodia?

Yes — ABA Mobile is excellent and widely praised by expats. ACLEDA has a functional app too. The National Bank of Cambodia's Bakong payment system is also growing, allowing QR-code payments in KHR and USD that work even at small market stalls.

How long does an international wire transfer to Cambodia take?

SWIFT transfers typically take 2-5 business days. Using Wise or similar services reduces this to 1-2 days at lower fees. Always verify the SWIFT/BIC code and account number carefully — errors can cause costly delays or returns.

Is there a maximum amount I can withdraw per day from ATMs in Cambodia?

Yes. Most ATMs in Cambodia dispense a maximum of $500-1,000 per transaction and $1,500-3,000 per day. ABA Bank allows higher daily limits for their own account holders. Large cash needs are better handled by a direct bank counter withdrawal.

Do I need a Cambodian bank account to rent an apartment?

Not strictly necessary. Most landlords in Siem Reap accept cash (USD) for rent. However, having a local bank account makes the process cleaner, allows bank transfers, and is useful for utility payments and monthly subscriptions.

What currency should I use for day-to-day spending in Siem Reap?

USD is the dominant currency for most expat transactions — rent, restaurants, supermarkets, and services. Cambodian Riel is used for small purchases under $1 and at local markets. Change is often given as a mix of USD and Riel. Having both available is practical.

Need help with banking?

Our expat advisors can guide you through account opening and financial setup in Cambodia.

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