How to send money to Cambodia in 2026: dollars or riels in 1-3 business days, for living costs and buying a flat
In 2026 Cambodia runs on US dollars, so a transfer to a local account arrives without exchange in 1-3 business days, or in riels if you prefer. Below $10,000 a Cambodian bank checks the name and purpose: rent, study, a visa extension; for larger sums it asks for a statement and a lease or flat reservation contract.
In short
- More than 80% of deposits in the country are in US dollars.
- A transfer to an account takes 1-3 business days.
- A flat above the ground floor, with the foreign share in a building up to 70%.
- Until 31.12.2026 flats up to $210,000 are free of the 4% tax.
In detail
Cambodia on 8 October 2026: where the money arrives and in which currency
Routes were checked on 8 October 2026, and riels are converted at 4,049 per US dollar. The country has no currency control: dollars arrive in an account as dollars, and the bank credits riels at its own rate. Cambodia has no international account number: the sender's bank gives the recipient's account number and the international code of their bank.
| Route | Now | Currency credited | Time | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer to a US dollar account | works | US dollars | 1-3 business days | the account number, the bank's international code, the recipient's name |
| Bank transfer to a riel account | works | riels | 1-3 business days | the same details |
| Payment by the national payment code | works | riels or US dollars | seconds | the app of a local bank or of a bank in a partner country |
| Money transfer service | works | US dollars or riels | from a few minutes | the recipient's ID document |
Is the sender's bank slow with transfers to Southeast Asia? There are usually more options than it seems: tell a manager about your situation, and they will choose a route for your sum.
The dollar in Cambodia: salaries, rent and paying by code
More than 80% of deposits in Cambodian banks are held in US dollars. Rent, salaries and flat prices are set in dollars, and the riel is used for small spending, so money for living costs is sent straight in dollars, without double exchange. Since November 2024 banks open riel accounts for all registered companies, and the riel's share in payments is gradually growing.
Since July 2022 the central bank has run a national payment code accepted by the apps of all banks in the country. Since 6 June 2023 clients of Thai banks pay with it too, and visitors from other countries through 12 foreign payment apps. The central bank is building the same links with Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and India.
A foreigner opens an account with a passport valid for at least 6 months and a current visa, proof of address and a first deposit. A one-month business visa costs $35, then it is extended for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, and with each extension the account keeps working without a break.
A flat in Cambodia: above the ground floor and up to 70% of a building
Since 2010 a foreigner can buy a flat in a co-owned building: above the ground floor, more than 30 km from a land border, if the foreign share in the building is no more than 70% of the flats' floor area. The land is held on a long-term lease of 15-50 years. Flats are bought in buildings constructed since 2010 and registered as co-owned buildings: this is checked in the developer's documents before the deposit. Foreigners pay the price with their own money, by transfer from abroad, often in parts on the construction schedule.
The transfer tax is 4% of the price and is paid within 3 months. Until 31 December 2026 flats up to $210,000 are exempt, and for more expensive ones $210,000 is deducted from the tax base. An example: a flat in Phnom Penh for $300,000 (1.22 billion riels) is taxed only on $90,000, that is $3,600 (14.6 million riels).
The annual property tax is 0.1% of the value above 100 million riels ($25,000) and is paid by 30 September, and a non-resident pays 14% on rental income. To complete the purchase before the relief ends and to pay the developer on schedule, we will suggest how best to send the money at each stage of the deal.
We will help you send money to Cambodia
Mistakes cost more than fees: dollars sent to a riel account with double exchange, paying for a flat on the ground floor or in a building where the foreign quota is used up, and the last payment after 31 December 2026, when the 4% tax relief ends. We will help you avoid them: we will choose the route and timing of the transfer, gather the documents and see the transfer through to crediting.
Details and terms are with a manager in the chat: the cost depends on the sum and the purpose of the transfer.
A transfer to Cambodia by tier: $10,000, $100,000 and above
- Up to $10,000. The bank checks the name, the account number and the purpose: rent, study, a visa extension, living costs.
- $10,000-100,000. The bank asks for the sender's account statement and a contract: a lease or a flat reservation.
- From $100,000. The bank looks at the source of capital and the sale contract. If the sum is large, a manager will help split it into payment stages.
What exactly to show the bank is covered in the article on proof of source of funds. Moving all your capital to another country is described on the capital relocation page.
Sending money to neighbouring countries
- How to send money to Thailand: paying by code works both ways
- How to send money to Vietnam: a neighbour on the Mekong
- How to send money to Malaysia: long-term residence
- How to send money to Laos: the kip and the bank's reference rate
- How to send money to Indonesia: a home in Bali
- How to send money to the Philippines: islands and work in the region
A step-by-step move with capital is on the capital relocation page.
FAQ
Can dollars be sent to Cambodia without exchange?
Can a foreigner buy a flat in Cambodia?
What tax is due when buying a flat in Cambodia in 2026?
Is a visa needed to open an account at a Cambodian bank?
We will suggest the best way to send your money
We will choose a transfer method for your amount and country, prepare the documents on the origin of the money for the bank, make the transfer through licensed partners and follow it until the money is credited. Ask your question in the chat - the manager will suggest the best terms and the cost. The legal side with banks and government bodies is handled by Murblz specialists and locally licensed partners.
Details and cost are with the manager in the chat. Describe your situation and we will reply right away.
Check transfer termsHow we handle a transfer: 4 stages → · Country rules checked