Koh Rong Money Guide 2026: Are There ATMs, What Things Cost & How to Pay
Last fact-checked: October 2026
Running out of cash is the single most common mistake travelers make when visiting Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Because all goods are shipped 25 km from the mainland by boat and banking infrastructure on the islands remains minimal, five minutes of financial preparation in Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh will save you hefty fees.
Are There ATMs on Koh Rong in 2026?
Do not rely on finding a working international bank ATM on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem. While cash-out agents operate in Koh Touch, there is no guaranteed 24/7 Visa/Mastercard bank ATM dispensing cash on the islands.
- Rule #1: Withdraw USD in Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, or Kampot: Use ABA Bank, Canadia Bank, or Bred Bank ATMs on the mainland before heading to Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Bring $50–$80 per person per day for mid-range travel (or $30–$40/day for backpackers).
- Rule #2: Inspect Every US Dollar Bill: In Cambodia, even a tiny 2 mm tear, pinhole, faded ink, or bank stamp on a US dollar note will cause shops and ferry booths to reject it. Ask for crisp new $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills, plus Cambodian Riel (4,000 KHR = $1 USD) for small change.
- Rule #3: Emergency Cash-Out in Koh Touch (8–10% Fee): If you run out of cash on the island, travel shops, pharmacies, and several bars near Koh Touch Pier let you swipe a Visa or Mastercard or send a Wing/Western Union transfer and hand you USD cash minus an 8% to 10% commission.
- Rule #4: Set Up the Bakong Tourists App (KHQR): The National Bank of Cambodia's official 'Bakong Tourists' app lets foreign visitors link a Visa or Mastercard and pay by scanning KHQR codes at participating restaurants, minimarts, and resorts.
Complete 2026 Koh Rong Price & Daily Budget Table
Island prices are roughly 20–30% higher than on the Cambodian mainland due to boat freight:
| Expense Category | Backpacker / Budget | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury / Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $10 – $25 (dorm / basic room) | $55 – $130 (4* beachfront resort) | $220 – $650+ (5* pool villa) |
| Speed Ferry (Round-Trip) | $25 USD | $25 USD | $25 (or private boat) |
| Breakfast | $2.50 – $4.50 | $6.00 – $10.00 (or incl.) | Included at resort |
| Lunch & Dinner (per meal) | $3.50 – $6.00 (Khmer dish) | $8.00 – $16.00 (seafood BBQ) | $25.00 – $55.00 |
| Scooter / Boat / Activity | $10 – $20 (scooter or boat tour) | $15 – $35 | $50 – $110 (diving / private boat) |
| Estimated Daily Total | $28 – $45 / day | $85 – $160 / day | $280 – $750+ / day |
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Koh Rong Costs & ATMs FAQ
Can I pay for my hotel on Koh Rong by credit card?
4-star and 5-star resorts (The Royal Sands, Long Set Resort, Scarlet Sails, The Secret Garden, Sok San Beach Resort) and larger hostels like Onederz accept Visa and Mastercard, sometimes with a 3% bank processing surcharge. Smaller bungalows are cash-only.
Are $100 US bills accepted on Koh Rong?
Large resorts accept crisp post-2013 $100 bills (with the blue 3D security ribbon), but small restaurants and boatmen often cannot make change for $100 or $50 notes—carry plenty of $5, $10, and $20 bills.