Siem Reap Airport Currency Exchange: What Actually Works in 2026
If you're flying into Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, chances are you've already hit a strange wall while researching money matters: half the guides online seem to be describing a completely different airport than the one you're actually going to land at. That's not you doing something wrong — it's a real, ongoing problem with how currency-exchange information gets published.
SAI is not REP — and this genuinely matters
Siem Reap has had two airports. The old one, code REP, sat about 6 km from Pub Street — a 15-minute ride. It closed permanently in October 2023. The new one, Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), is a genuinely different piece of infrastructure roughly 50 km east of downtown Siem Reap. One of the biggest currency platforms out there, Wise, still hosts a page titled "Siem Reap Airport (REP) Currency Exchange" using an old, dead web address. If you're using Wise to sanity-check anything about this airport, you're reading about a place that no longer exists.
Plan on roughly 45–60 minutes from SAI to the city center under normal traffic, stretching to 75–90 minutes during holiday periods or on a shared shuttle.
Where to actually exchange money
Cambodia Asia Bank (CAB Bank) runs at least two confirmed counters: one just right of the main arrivals escalator, and one inside baggage claim directly opposite Carousel 01. A third counter near domestic departures is mentioned in some sources but hasn't been independently confirmed — don't route your plans around it specifically.
Bank of China also operates a counter on the first floor of the arrival welcome area, roughly 15 meters from the international exit — useful if you're carrying yuan specifically, though it handles USD and riel too.
Expect a markup somewhere in the 4–11% range off the mid-market rate, standard for airport counters anywhere. Fine for a small amount to cover a taxi; worth waiting on if you're converting more.
ATMs inside the terminal
Four banks run ATMs in the arrivals concourse — ABA Bank, Maybank, ACLEDA Bank, and BRED Bank — all genuinely inside the air-conditioned terminal, not out on an access road. Expect a flat $4–6 fee per withdrawal on top of your own bank's charges, and don't be surprised if you're handed mostly $50 and $100 notes.
The one thing about cash everyone gets caught out by
Cambodia's central bank has told banks to be more lenient about worn notes, but that guidance hasn't fully reached street level. Immigration officers processing your Visa-on-Arrival ($30) and shopkeepers around town still routinely reject bills with tears, heavy creases, or ink stamps. Check whatever cash you're handed before you walk away from the counter or machine.
If you'd rather wait and exchange in town
Huy Keang Currency Exchange, on Sivutha Boulevard near Pub Street, is consistently the one recommended by people who've actually used it — spreads much closer to the real market rate. One name worth avoiding if an older guide mentions it: Apsara Currency Exchange doesn't appear to still be operating.
Finding your way around the terminal
SAI's terminal spans three levels: the ground floor handles arrivals, ATMs, and transport; the second level handles departures and security; the third houses duty-free, dining, and a premium lounge — relevant only if you're departing, not arriving. Just follow signage toward "Arrivals" and both confirmed counters sit along that path.
The takeaway
- Land at SAI, not REP — budget close to an hour into town, not fifteen minutes
- Cambodia Asia Bank and Bank of China both have confirmed, currently-operating counters in arrivals
- Four banks' ATMs sit inside the same arrivals hall if you'd rather withdraw
- Check the condition of any cash you're handed before leaving the counter
- Save larger conversions for Huy Keang or a similar city option once you have time
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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