Updated August 2026.
Opening a bank account is one of the first things to sort out when you arrive in Cambodia. The good news is that it is far easier here than in most countries, and with the right bank you can walk in with a passport and walk out with a working account in about an hour.
What documents do I need?
Less than most people expect, and it varies by bank.
ABA is the most straightforward for new arrivals. A valid passport and your current visa is normally enough. They accept tourist class visas, and no residence certificate is required.
ACLEDA usually asks for a residence certificate as well, which is harder to produce if you have just landed.
Some banks may additionally ask for an employment contract or proof of income, depending on the account type. If you are here to work, having your employment letter with you saves a second trip.
How much do I need to deposit?
| Bank | Typical minimum opening deposit |
|---|---|
| ABA | USD 500 |
| ACLEDA | USD 1,000 |
Check before you go, as minimums change and vary by account type.
Which bank is best for foreigners?
Four names worth knowing.
ABA
The default choice for most expats, and for good reason. It was the first bank here to launch a proper mobile app and it still has the best one. The QR payment system works everywhere, from shopping centres to street vendors, and the ATM network is among the largest in the country.
The app handles domestic transfers, bill payments, phone top-ups, cheque deposits and SWIFT international transfers. Easiest bank to open with, easiest to live with.
ACLEDA
Started in 1993 providing microcredit to war victims, and has grown into one of the most established institutions in the country. The mobile banking is close to ABA in quality.
Its real strength is reach. Its agent banking network extends into provincial and rural areas where no branch exists, which matters if you will be working outside Phnom Penh.
The tradeoff is that it is harder to open with as a new arrival, because of the residence certificate.
Canadia Bank
Well established, wide branch and ATM network, and known for competitive rates and fees on international transfers, sometimes running promotions with low or zero fees. Worth considering if you will regularly send money home.
Wing
Not a traditional bank but widely used, particularly for mobile payments and transfers. Useful as a secondary option, and common among people who need quick local transfers without a full bank relationship.
What about QR payments?
Cambodia is further ahead on this than most Western countries. QR payment is accepted almost everywhere, including small independent vendors and market stalls, and it works across banks through the national KHQR standard.
In practice this means you can pay for almost anything from your phone, and you will carry less cash here than you probably do at home.
What if my employer uses a specific bank?
Common, and worth asking about before you arrive. Many employers have a partner bank and will want you to open a payroll account there.
If that bank does not suit you, open a second account with your preferred bank and move money across as needed. Most domestic transfers are free, though they can take one to three days to clear.
One practical tip: never transfer your entire balance at once. If the receiving account is new or empty and something goes wrong, you can find yourself without access to your money for a couple of days.
Can I open an account before I arrive?
Generally no. You will need to attend a branch in person with your passport. The upside is that the process is quick, and most people do it within their first week.
A few practical notes
- Cambodia runs on both US dollars and Khmer riel. Most expats hold a USD account, and riel tends to appear as small change
- Bring a local contact if you can. The process is straightforward but a language barrier can slow it down
- You will usually leave with an ATM card and mobile banking activated the same day
Getting help
Nextstep works across recruitment and relocation in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Setting up banking is one of the things we help people with when they arrive, alongside the visa and work permit side.
Browse current opportunities, or get in touch and we will point you at the right bank for your situation.
