Are Banks Open Today in Cambodia?

Cambodia's banking sector has experienced rapid growth, with major institutions like ACLEDA Bank, ABA Bank, and Canadia Bank leading the market alongside international banks and microfinance institutions. Banks typically operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with some branches offering Saturday services. Cambodia observes numerous public holidays including Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day), and the Water Festival when banks are closed. The country has transitioned to a cashless economy with widespread mobile banking adoption through Wing, Pi Pay, and bank apps. Understanding banking hours and the extensive holiday calendar is crucial for financial planning in Cambodia. Cambodia's banking sector operates under the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and has one of the most unique monetary situations in the world — the US dollar circulates alongside the Cambodian riel (KHR) as a de facto dual currency. Most transactions in Phnom Penh and tourist areas are conducted in US dollars, with riel used primarily for small change. This dollarization means Cambodian banks hold significant dollar-denominated assets and liabilities, and ATMs typically dispense US dollars rather than riel in urban areas. ACLEDA Bank, originally an NGO microfinance institution, has grown into Cambodia's largest bank by customer numbers through its extensive rural network. ABA Bank (owned by National Bank of Canada) has become the preferred bank for urban professionals and expatriates due to its modern digital infrastructure and English-language service. Wing Money and Pi Pay represent Cambodia's leading mobile financial services, with Wing operating the country's most extensive agent network reaching rural communities where bank branches are absent. Cambodia's holiday calendar is among the world's most extensive, with approximately 28 official public holidays — far more than any other country. Key banking holiday clusters include Khmer New Year (April 13-15, 3 days), Pchum Ben or Ancestors' Day (2-3 days in September/October based on lunar calendar), and Water Festival (Bon Om Touk, 3 days in November). These extended closures require significant advance planning for businesses operating in Cambodia, particularly around Khmer New Year which affects the entire economy. Cambodia's BAKONG payment system, developed by the National Bank of Cambodia and launched in 2020, is one of the world's first central bank digital currency (CBDC) systems in active retail use. Built on blockchain technology, BAKONG enables instant transfers between banks, microfinance institutions, and payment service providers through a unified QR payment system. This technological leap has positioned Cambodia as an unlikely pioneer in digital currency infrastructure, providing financial inclusion tools that reach well beyond traditional bank branch networks.