Getting Cash on Koh Rong: 2026 Money Guide
Search online and you’ll find two completely different answers to “is there an ATM on Koh Rong?”. Hotels.com says yes — one machine in Koh Tui Village. A TripAdvisor forum from December 2025 says no, never has been. The truth is that even if a machine exists, it’s out of service as often as it isn’t. Either way, you should not count on it. This guide tells you exactly what to do instead so you’re not stuck on a cash-only island with an empty wallet.
Key takeaways
- Treat Koh Rong as 100% cash-only — even if an ATM exists at Koh Tui Village, it is unreliable
- Withdraw everything you need in Sihanoukville before boarding the ferry
- USD is the main currency; riel is used as small change
- Budget $50–$80 per day for mid-range travel (accommodation, food, one activity)
- A Wise card gives you the best exchange rate at Cambodian ATMs and keeps fees low
- Some guesthouses in M’Phai Bay accept card via EFTPOS — but bring enough cash regardless
Is there an ATM on Koh Rong?
Reports are genuinely conflicting. Hotels.com claims there is one ATM on the island, located in Koh Tui Village on the north-west side. However, a TripAdvisor forum thread from December 2025 — far more recent — states flatly that there is no ATM and never has been.
What this tells you is simple: even if a machine is installed in Koh Tui Village, it is not reliable. Village ATMs in rural Cambodia run out of cash, go offline, and break down regularly. Koh Tui Village is also a 20-minute boat ride from M’Phai Bay, where most travellers stay — so chasing the machine is a half-day adventure in itself.
The practical rule: assume there is no ATM on Koh Rong. Withdraw everything you need before you leave Sihanoukville.
Withdraw cash in Sihanoukville before the ferry
Sihanoukville is your last guaranteed ATM access before the island. The ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the operator). Once you’re on the island, you’re committed.
There are several ATMs within walking distance of the ferry terminal in Sihanoukville. The ones most travellers recommend:
- ABA Bank — widely available, accepts all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), $4–5 withdrawal fee
- PPCBank — often cited as having the lowest withdrawal fees in Cambodia (~$3), dispenses USD
- Canadia Bank — functional but fees can be higher; less recommended for foreigners
Cambodia’s ATMs dispense US dollars by default. Maximum withdrawal per transaction is typically $300–$500 depending on the bank. If you need more, do two transactions at different machines.
Note on ATM fees: Cambodian ATMs charge both a local fee (from the Cambodian bank, usually $3–5) and a foreign transaction fee from your home bank. Using a fee-free travel card like Wise or Revolut eliminates the second fee and gets you the real exchange rate on any riel-denominated purchases.
How much cash to bring to Koh Rong
This depends heavily on your travel style. Most of the island’s costs are in USD. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Beach bungalow (per night) | $15–25 | $30–60 |
| Meals (per day) | $10–15 | $20–35 |
| Beer / drinks | $1.50–2 each | $2–3 each |
| Ferry (one way) | $8–12 | $8–12 |
| Snorkeling or boat tour | $15–25 | $30–50 |
| Motorbike rental | $15/day | $15–20/day |
| Daily total | ~$30–40 | ~$60–100 |
For a 4-night stay, I’d recommend withdrawing $200–300 for budget travel, or $400–500 if you plan on tours and a few nights in a nicer bungalow. Having a small buffer for the unexpected (late ferry, an extra night, a tour you didn’t plan for) is worth it — you can’t top up once you’re on the island.
What currency does Koh Rong use?
Like most tourist-facing businesses across Cambodia, Koh Rong runs almost entirely on US dollars. Prices at guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators are quoted in USD. You pay in USD. Change is often given in a mix of USD and Cambodian riel (KHR) for amounts under $1.
The 2026 exchange rate is roughly 4,000–4,100 riel to $1 USD. If you receive riel as change, it’s legitimate — don’t panic. But you don’t need to bring or convert riel before your trip; any small change will come from local vendors naturally.
Avoid bringing large-denomination bills ($50 or $100) if possible. Smaller guesthouses and beach bars sometimes struggle to make change for large notes, especially early in the day.
Card payments on Koh Rong
A handful of guesthouses in M’Phai Bay have EFTPOS terminals, and this has been the case since at least 2019. Some of the more established accommodation options on the island process card payments — but the terminals are unreliable, connectivity can drop, and there’s usually a surcharge of 3–5%.
My advice: do not rely on card payments. Even if a guesthouse tells you they accept cards when you book, have cash as backup. The connection to a card network in a remote island setting is fragile. Paying cash also sometimes gets you a small discount at local spots that prefer to avoid transaction fees.
The exceptions where card payment is more reliable: pre-booked accommodation through platforms like Booking.com or Hostelworld (payment taken online before arrival), and Viator tours (paid online in advance). For anything you’re paying for in person on the island, assume cash.
Best travel card for Cambodia
If you’re doing more of Cambodia than just Koh Rong, a travel card will save you a meaningful amount in ATM and foreign transaction fees.
Wise is the most popular option among long-term Southeast Asia travellers. You load it in your home currency and it converts to USD (or KHR) at the real mid-market rate. Wise gives you two free ATM withdrawals per month up to £200/$200 equivalent before charging a small fee. It won’t eliminate the Cambodian bank’s local ATM charge (~$3–5), but it kills the foreign exchange markup your home bank would normally add on top.
Revolut and Starling (UK) are solid alternatives with similar fee structures. Whichever card you use, the principle is the same: use a fee-free travel card at a low-fee Cambodian ATM (PPCBank or ABA) and you’ll spend far less than using a standard debit card.
What to spend your cash on
Once you’ve sorted your cash situation, Koh Rong is genuinely one of the best value islands in Southeast Asia. Your dollars go a long way. Beyond relaxing on the beach, here are the best ways to spend them — and the tours worth booking before you arrive:
The Full-Day Koh Rong Sanloem Beach Tour runs from Sihanoukville and includes snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and a visit to secluded beaches. It’s an excellent way to see the island if you’re not staying there, or to explore the coastline if you only have a day. Book online in advance so you pay by card before you arrive.
For fishing and snorkeling together, the Koh Rong Fishing & Snorkeling Tour is available as private or shared. It departs from the south coast and covers some of the best reef areas around the island.
One experience that’s genuinely unlike anything else: Snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton at night. Koh Rong Sanloem’s bay is one of the best spots in Asia to see bioluminescence. The water glows blue-green as you move through it. This tour runs at night and departs from Sihanoukville.
These tours are best booked online via Viator and paid by card in advance — which also helps your cash-on-the-island budget stretch further. For more ideas on things to do on Koh Rong Sanloem, see our full activity guide.
Planning where to stay
If you’re undecided on where to base yourself, M’Phai Bay (on Koh Rong Sanloem, not the main Koh Rong island) is the most popular choice for travellers who want a quiet, beautiful beach with guesthouse options. Our guide to where to stay and eat on Koh Rong Sanloem, M’Phai Bay covers the current options with prices.
If you’re planning to explore the island on foot or by boat, getting to Clear Water Bay from M’Phai Bay is worth the effort — our guide covers the route and how to hire a boat.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cash machine on Koh Rong?
Possibly one ATM in Koh Tui Village on the main Koh Rong island, though reports conflict and it’s not reliable. For Koh Rong Sanloem (where most tourists stay), there is no ATM. Always withdraw cash in Sihanoukville before catching the ferry.
Do they accept US dollars on Koh Rong?
Yes — USD is the primary currency across the island. Prices are quoted in dollars and that’s what you’ll pay. Small change under $1 is often given in Cambodian riel at roughly 4,000 KHR to $1.
Which ATM is best for foreigners in Cambodia?
PPCBank and ABA Bank are consistently recommended for having the lowest local withdrawal fees ($3–5 per transaction). Use either with a Wise or Revolut card to also avoid your home bank’s foreign exchange markup.
Is it better to withdraw riel or USD in Cambodia?
For Koh Rong specifically, withdraw USD. The island’s economy runs on dollars and you’ll receive riel as small change naturally. If you’re visiting Phnom Penh or local markets elsewhere in Cambodia, having some riel is useful — but for Koh Rong, USD is all you need.
How much cash should I bring to Koh Rong?
For a 4-night stay: budget travellers should bring $150–200; mid-range travellers planning one or two activities should bring $300–400. Always add a $50–100 buffer for emergencies, unexpected nights, or a tour you didn’t plan for.
Final thoughts
The cash situation on Koh Rong sounds more complicated than it is once you know the rule: withdraw what you need in Sihanoukville, assume cash-only for everything once you’re on the island, and book tours in advance online to keep your on-island spending predictable. A Wise card at a PPCBank or ABA ATM will get you the best possible exchange rate for your withdrawal.
The island itself is well worth the planning effort. For a full list of activities, see our guide to things to do on Koh Rong Sanloem — and if you’re planning a multi-sport Cambodia trip, we also cover snorkeling in Cambodia and sailing in Cambodia for the broader coastline.
