Buying Bitcoin in Cambodia

Cambodia permits individuals to buy and hold Bitcoin, though its central bank advises against banking institutions facilitating cryptocurrency transactions. Residents can purchase BTC through both international and regional exchanges—such as Coinbase, Binance, and JuCoin—as well as peer-to-peer platforms like LocalBitcoins or Pursa for anonymous card purchases. Most exchanges support KHR or USD deposits via bank transfer, debit/credit cards, or mobile payments, and verification typically involves standard KYC. Transaction fees and processing times vary: international brokers often charge 1–2% plus network fees, while local P2P trades may incur higher spreads but greater privacy. Once purchased, securely storing BTC in a hardware or software wallet is critical, and users should verify platform reputations and regulatory compliance.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, is legal to trade and hold in Cambodia, but the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has issued guidance discouraging banks from supporting crypto transactions  . In practice, this means Cambodian banks will not process deposits or withdrawals directly for crypto exchanges, so users often rely on international platforms or peer-to-peer (P2P) solutions that accept alternative payment methods  .

Major Exchanges Serving Cambodian Users

International Platforms

  1. Coinbase (Recommended for Beginners)
    • According to a recent Invezz report, Coinbase is the top choice for Cambodian users due to its user-friendly interface, high liquidity, and robust security measures  .
    • Supports bank transfers and debit/credit card payments in USD; local currency conversion may require a third-party service or using USD directly  .
    • Fees: Approximately 1.49% for bank transfers and 3.99% for card purchases, plus network fees.
  3. Binance
    • Binance remains one of the largest global exchanges, offering KHR trading pairs via P2P as well as USDT pairs for Cambodian traders  .
    • Users can deposit KHR through P2P sellers or convert KHR to USDT and buy BTC directly  .
    • Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 0.1%, but P2P trades may incur a 0.5%–1% spread.
  5. OKX and Bybit
    • Both platforms support P2P KHR trades, enabling users to buy BTC directly from other users via bank transfer or mobile payments  .
    • Fast processing times (under 15 minutes for confirmed trades) and 24/7 customer support.
  7. Crypto.com & Kraken
    • Kraken offers USD trading and accepts wire transfers; Cambodian users often convert KHR to USD via local banks or P2P platforms before funding Kraken accounts  .
    • Crypto.com provides a mobile app with card purchases, though Cambodian cards may face restrictions; alternatively, deposit via USD stablecoins purchased elsewhere  .
  9. JuCoin (Local Exchange)
    • JuCoin is a regional platform specifically catering to Cambodian and Southeast Asian users, updated as of June 2, 2025. It supports KHR and USD deposits via bank transfer, debit, or credit card, with standard KYC verification  .
    • According to JuCoin’s guide, opening an account takes under 10 minutes, and you can buy BTC directly once verified, with fees around 1.5% for card payments and 0.5% for bank transfers  .

Regional and Local Options

  1. Transak
    • Allows Cambodian users to buy BTC in KHR via credit/debit card or bank transfer with a straightforward four-step process: enter amount, choose payment method, input wallet address, and verify information  .
    • Fees range from 1.5% to 2.5%, depending on the payment method.
  3. Changelly
    • Supports instant purchases of BTC with cards. Although last major update was 6.6 years ago, its infrastructure still processes Cambodian card transactions, but fees can be 4%–6% total  .
  5. Pursa (Anonymous P2P Purchase)
    • Pursa enables buying BTC anonymously in Cambodia using VISA without KYC, processing transactions within seconds and relying on an escrow system for security  .
    • Best for users who prioritize privacy; fees include a 1% escrow fee plus standard network fees.
  7. LocalBitcoins & Paxful (P2P Marketplaces)
    • While not Cambodia-specific, LocalBitcoins and Paxful have Cambodian sellers who accept KHR via bank transfer or mobile wallets (Wing, TrueMoney)  .
    • Fees: Escrow fee ~1%, plus seller’s premium (often 2–5%).
  9. UEEx Technology
    • According to a recent UEEx blog, platforms like UEEx, Bybit, Kraken, OKX, and MEXC are accessible in Cambodia, each catering to trading and exchange needs; note that UEEx itself is more focused on enterprise solutions, while Bybit and OKX dominate local P2P trades  .

Payment Methods and Processing Times

  1. Bank Transfers
    • Most exchanges accept SWIFT-based USD wire transfers from Cambodian banks (ABA, Canadia, ACLEDA). Processing can take 1–3 business days.
    • KHR bank transfers for local Cambodian exchanges (e.g., JuCoin) clear within 12–24 hours, though weekends may add delay  .
  3. Debit/Credit Cards
    • International cards (Visa, Mastercard) work on platforms like Coinbase, Transak, and JuCoin with instant or sub-30-minute processing, though limited by exchange’s card acceptance policies  .
    • Higher fees (2–5%) and potential declines if issuing bank flags crypto transactions.
  5. Mobile Money (Wing, TrueMoney, Pi Pay)
    • On P2P platforms (LocalBitcoins, Paxful), sellers often accept Wing or TrueMoney wallet transfers, with near-instant clearance but require matching with reliable local sellers  .
    • Users should verify seller reputations and only trade with high-rating profiles.
  7. Voucher Codes & Gift Cards
    • Some P2P sellers accept international gift cards (e.g., Steam, Amazon) at steep premiums (10–15%). Not recommended for large purchases due to volatile pricing.

Fees, Spreads, and Limits

Step‐by‐Step Guide to Buying Bitcoin

  1. Choose Your Platform
    • Beginner: Coinbase or JuCoin for ease of use and clear KYC process  .
    • Advanced/Cost-Sensitive: Binance P2P or OKX with lower trading fees but more manual trading steps  .
  3. Account Registration and Verification
    • Provide basic information: full name, date of birth, address, and government ID (passport or national ID).
    • Some platforms (Pursa, select P2P trades) allow anonymous purchases up to a certain limit without KYC  .
  5. Deposit Funds
    • Bank Transfer (KHR/UDS):
      1. On JuCoin or Transak, select “Bank Transfer,” input KHR or USD amount, and send funds to the provided bank details.
      2. Wait 12–24 hours (KHR) or 1–3 days (USD) for clearance  .
    • Card Purchase:
      1. Enter card details (Visa/Mastercard).
      2. Confirm 3D Secure authentication. BTC arranges in under 30 minutes in most cases  .
    • P2P and Mobile Payments (Wing, TrueMoney):
      1. On Binance P2P or LocalBitcoins, find a seller accepting your payment method.
      2. Generate escrow-backed trade and follow seller’s instructions for transferring KHR to their mobile wallet.
      3. Release BTC from escrow once seller confirms receipt  .
  7. Buy BTC
    • Enter amount of KHR/USD to spend or specify BTC quantity.
    • Review fees, confirm transaction, and input your wallet address.
    • Once payment clears, the platform sends BTC to your wallet. P2P trades require manual escrow release.
  9. Withdraw and Secure Your Bitcoin
    • Transfer BTC from exchange to your private wallet (software, hardware, or mobile) to maintain full custodial control.
    • Use hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) if purchasing over $1,000 for maximum security. Alternatively, Electrum or Trust Wallet for smaller amounts.
  11. Cash Out Options (When Needed)
    • Use P2P platforms to sell BTC for KHR via Wing or TrueMoney.
    • Some exchanges (e.g., Binance24) allow ATM withdrawals if partnered with local outlets, though coverage is very limited.

Security and Best Practices

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
    • Always use Google Authenticator or Authy; avoid SMS-based 2FA where possible due to SIM swap risks  .
  3. Verify Platform Legitimacy
    • Check domain (HTTPS), read user reviews, and confirm Cambodian presence if using local exchanges (JuCoin, Pursa).
    • Review community feedback on Reddit (r/CambodiaCrypto) or Facebook groups.
  5. Beware of Scams
    • Only trade with highly rated P2P sellers (95%+ feedback).
    • Never share private keys or send funds without escrow.
  7. Stay Informed on Regulation Changes
    • NBC may update policies; regularly check official announcements or credible news sources.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

Sources

  1. Transak – “How to Buy Bitcoin in Cambodia”  
  2. Changelly – “Buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Cambodia”  
  3. Invezz – “7 Best Exchanges to Buy Bitcoin in Cambodia 2025”  
  4. BrokerChooser – “Best Crypto Brokers in Cambodia 2025”  
  5. Bitrawr – “4 Best Exchanges to Buy Bitcoin in Cambodia”  
  6. JuCoin – “How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Cambodia 2025”  
  7. Coinalpha – “8 Best Crypto Exchanges in Cambodia 2025”  
  8. Pursa – “Buy Bitcoin in Cambodia Anonymously Visa”  
  9. UEEx Technology – “Best Crypto Exchanges in Cambodia”  
  10. Wikipedia – “Legality of Cryptocurrency by Country – Cambodia”