Can I really stay under $20 if I visit Angkor Wat?

No. The $37 entry fee will break your daily budget. Plan to spend $20 on standard days and allocate an extra $40 for your temple day.

Do I need to carry USD or Riel?

Both. Cambodia uses a dual-currency system. Use USD for large purchases and Riel for small transactions. Always carry small change.

How to travel Cambodia on $20 a day

To survive on $20 a day in Cambodia, you must rely on hostels, local street food, and public buses. By avoiding private taxis, fancy Western cafes, and expensive guided tours, you can comfortably cover your basic needs while seeing the country's main sights.

Secure budget accommodation. Book hostel dorm beds in advance via apps like Hostelworld or Agoda. In cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, you can find clean, social dorm beds for $4–$6 per night.
Eat exclusively local. Stick to street-side stalls and local 'cha' (stir-fry) joints. A bowl of Kuy Teav or a plate of rice with pork costs $1.50–$2.50. Avoid restaurants with English menus; if you can see a price, it's usually marked up.
Use local transport. Use the 'PassApp' or 'Grab' apps to book remorques (tuk-tuks) at set prices rather than negotiating on the street, which leads to tourist pricing. For inter-city travel, use companies like Giant Ibis or local minivans ($6–$10 per trip).
Master the entry fees. The Angkor Wat pass is your biggest expense at $37 for one day. Budget for this separately or skip it in favor of free secondary temples like Wat Preah Prom Rath or local pagodas.

Can I really stay under $20 if I visit Angkor Wat?: No. The $37 entry fee will break your daily budget. Plan to spend $20 on standard days and allocate an extra $40 for your temple day.
Do I need to carry USD or Riel?: Both. Cambodia uses a dual-currency system. Use USD for large purchases and Riel for small transactions. Always carry small change.