Techo International Airport Currency Exchange: What to Know Before You Land
If your flight shows the code KTI rather than PNH, you haven't made a booking mistake — you're flying into Cambodia's brand-new capital-city airport, and there's a real reason the old code won't work anymore.
Why the code changed, and why it matters
The old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH, Pochentong) closed permanently on September 8, 2025. Techo International Airport opened the very next day, taking over every commercial flight. A formal opening followed October 20, 2025, but the airport was already fully operational by then. If a guide you're reading doesn't specifically mention KTI or Techo by name, it's likely describing the old, closed airport.
Distance and timing
KTI sits about 20 km southwest of central Phnom Penh — genuinely farther than the old airport was. Budget at least 45–60 minutes to reach the city, more during rush hour.
One continuous building, not two
KTI is architecturally a single building: a central "head house" (security, immigration, retail) flanked by wing-like piers toward the gates, all under one continuous roof. Only the northern pier is open so far — the airport launched its first phase in September 2025 with room for around 13 million passengers a year. A second, southern pier is planned around 2030, roughly doubling that capacity.
Canadia Bank — the confirmed operator
Canadia Bank runs currency exchange here, with a full branch plus counters in both arrivals and departures. Canadia launched this branch the same day the airport opened, and it's the exclusive partner handling payment processing airport-wide — shops, restaurants, parking, even taxis and rickshaws, mostly via QR code and card. Hours run 7:00 AM to midnight daily. You may see mentions of Maybank or "CP Bank" for ATMs — neither is independently confirmed, so I wouldn't plan around either specifically.
Visa on arrival and cash basics
Visa-on-arrival typically runs around $30 USD, payable in cash — have close to exact change ready. Cambodia runs a dual-currency system (USD for anything substantial, riel mostly for small change), and the country is notably strict about bill condition — torn, heavily creased, or stamped dollar notes get refused more often than you'd expect. Check any cash you're handed before walking away.
The takeaway
- You're flying into KTI, not PNH — genuinely different airport, different location
- Canadia Bank is the confirmed operator, in both arrivals and departures, 7 AM–midnight
- Budget 45+ minutes into the city, more than the old airport required
- Have cash ready for the ~$30 visa-on-arrival fee
- Check the condition of any USD notes you receive
Need mobile data too?
Sorting out currency is only half the "landing prepared" checklist — most travelers also need mobile data the moment they touch down, for maps, ride-hailing apps, and checking in with home. Rather than pushing one option, here are two eSIM providers worth comparing before your trip:
- Roamable — travel eSIM plans covering most major destinations
- Strong eSIM — global digital SIM, 190+ countries
As with currency exchange, rates and coverage vary — worth a quick compare based on your destination and how much data you'll actually need.
Affiliate disclosure: JesTiny Guide may earn a commission if you use a pre-booking link through one of our partner counters, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site free and independently run. Rates shown are indicative and sourced from live currency APIs — always confirm the final rate at the counter before exchanging.
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