Tipping in Cambodia
Tipping is appreciated in Cambodia, but not obligatory.
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Tipping quick reference
| Service | Recommended | Range | Payment | Service charge? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant ~5% standard, up to 10% for excellent service; USD is used alongside riel and even small tips are meaningful | 5% | 5–10% | Card or cash | No |
| Taxi Not expected; rounding up the fare is a common courtesy | 5% | 0–10% | Card or cash | No |
| Hotel housekeeping Not expected; a small note per night is a kind gesture | ៛4000 per night | ៛0–៛8000 | Cash only | No |
| Hotel porter Not expected; a small tip per bag is appreciated | ៛4000 per bag | ៛0–៛8000 | Cash only | No |
| Hairdresser Not expected; around 5% or rounding up for good service | 5% | 0–10% | Cash only | No |
| Tour guide USD 2–4 per day is the usual guide tip, USD 1–2 for drivers | ៛12000 per person | ៛8000–៛20000 | Cash only | No |
| Spa & massage Not expected; around 5% for good service is appreciated | 5% | 0–10% | Cash only | No |
Tipping Culture in Cambodia
Tipping isn’t a traditional part of Cambodian culture — for generations, the price agreed was simply the price. That’s changed with two decades of rapid tourism growth: in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville, a small tip is now genuinely expected in restaurants and by guides, even if it still feels optional rather than automatic. Outside the main tourist hubs, don’t be surprised if a tip catches someone off guard — it’s simply not the norm there yet.
What makes Cambodia distinctive is its dual-currency economy: both the US dollar and the Cambodian riel circulate side by side, with USD used for larger amounts and riel for change and small purchases. Both are fine for tipping, but riel is often the more practical and appreciated choice for small amounts — handing over a $1 bill for something that would cost a few thousand riel can feel oddly oversized, and small USD notes are increasingly hard to find as ATMs shift toward dispensing only larger bills.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Riel works better for small tips. With roughly 4,000 KHR to $1, riel notes let you tip proportionally instead of always reaching for a dollar.
- Wages are low, so even small tips matter. A tip that feels modest to a visitor can meaningfully supplement a day’s income for hotel and restaurant staff.
- Tuk-tuk and taxi tipping is optional. Agree on the fare beforehand; a small tip for a longer or particularly helpful ride is a nice touch, not an expectation.
- Tour guides rely on tips more than most. For a full day at Angkor, $5–10 for the day is generous and, for many guides, a meaningful part of their income.
Tipping FAQ for Cambodia
Should I tip in US dollars or Cambodian riel? Either works, but riel is more practical for small amounts — it lets you tip proportionally instead of using an oversized dollar bill.
Is tipping expected in Cambodia? It’s not a deep-rooted local custom, but it’s become common in tourist areas like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, especially for restaurants, guides, and drivers.
Do restaurants add a service charge? Occasionally, mostly at upscale or tourist-oriented places — check your bill before adding an extra tip.
How much should I tip a tour guide for a full day at Angkor? Around $5–10 for the day is considered generous and is genuinely appreciated.