Cambodia, home to the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, has a tipping culture that’s grown significantly alongside its tourism industry. Unlike some of its neighbors, Cambodia uses the US dollar for the vast majority of everyday transactions — making tipping refreshingly straightforward for American visitors.
The Cambodian riel exists alongside USD, but USD is used for almost everything, including tips. Riel is mainly used for small change less than $1.
Tipping at Restaurants
10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants if a service charge isn’t already included. Many restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh catering to tourists add a 10% service charge automatically — check your bill first.
At casual local spots and street food stalls, tipping is not expected but leaving small change (riel or small USD bills) is appreciated.
Tipping at Hotels
- Housekeeping — $1–2 USD per night, left daily
- Porter / bellhop — $1 USD per bag
- Concierge — $5–10 USD for meaningful assistance
Tipping Tuk-Tuks and Transportation
Tuk-tuk drivers are a central part of getting around in Cambodia, especially for visiting Angkor Wat’s temple complex. $1–2 USD is a typical tip for a single ride, while a full-day tuk-tuk driver hired for temple-hopping should receive $3–5 USD on top of the agreed daily rate.
Tipping Angkor Wat Tour Guides
Licensed guides for Angkor Wat and other temple complexes are common and worth hiring for the historical context they provide. For a half-day or full-day guide, $10–20 USD is the standard tip on top of their guiding fee, depending on group size and tour length.
Cultural Notes
Cambodia’s heavy reliance on the US dollar makes it one of the easiest Southeast Asian countries for American tipping habits to translate directly — small USD bills work everywhere, from tuk-tuk drivers to temple guides to hotel staff.
Cambodia’s tourism industry, centered on Angkor Wat, has developed strong tipping norms over the past two decades. Many local workers in this sector depend on tips as a meaningful part of their income, particularly tuk-tuk drivers and guides.
Cambodia Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $1–2 USD per night |
| Hotel porter / bellhop | $1 USD per bag |
| Tuk-tuk (single ride) | $1–2 USD |
| Tuk-tuk (full day) | $3–5 USD on top of daily rate |
| Angkor Wat guide (half/full day) | $10–20 USD |
Currency Converter
Convert USD (United States Dollar) to KHR (Cambodian Riel) using the free tool below.
USD ↔ Cambodian Riel Converter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use USD for tipping in Cambodia?
Yes — USD is used for the vast majority of transactions in Cambodia, including tips. Cambodian riel is mainly used for small change under $1.
How much should I tip a tuk-tuk driver in Cambodia?
$1–2 USD for a single ride, or $3–5 USD on top of the daily rate for a full day of temple-hopping.
How much should I tip an Angkor Wat tour guide?
$10–20 USD is standard for a half-day or full-day licensed guide, on top of their guiding fee.
Is a service charge included in restaurant bills in Cambodia?
Often yes at restaurants catering to tourists in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — typically 10%. Check your bill before tipping additionally.
More Asia Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in Asia? Check out our other tipping guides: