When planning a trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Russian Market ( https://russianmarket.cc/ ) is one of the must-visit destinations for tourists. Renowned for its wide array of handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs, clothes, and local street food, this bustling market offers an authentic shopping experience. However, one practical question often arises before visiting: Does Russian Market accept cash and credit cards?

1. Cash is Still the Primary Payment Method Although Cambodia’s financial system is gradually modernizing, cash remains the dominant payment method in Russian Market, especially since most vendors are independent and operate on a small scale. They typically prefer cash payments in either Cambodian Riel (KHR) or US Dollars (USD). In fact, US dollars are widely accepted throughout Phnom Penh, so it is convenient for tourists to carry small denominations such as $1, $5, or $10 for easy transactions.

Moreover, cash gives you more flexibility in bargaining, which is a common practice at the market. Vendors are more likely to offer discounts when you pay with cash.

1. Limited Credit Card Acceptance Unlike shopping malls or chain stores, most stalls in Russian Market do not accept credit cards, as they lack the point-of-sale (POS) machines. A small number of larger or more established stores might accept Visa or MasterCard, but they often charge a 2–3% processing fee. In addition, the internet connection inside the market can be unstable, which may result in delayed or failed transactions.

2. Mobile and E-Wallet Payments While Cambodia is gradually adopting digital payment platforms like ABA Pay, Wing, and TrueMoney, these are still not widely used within the Russian Market. Chinese platforms such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are also rarely accepted. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely solely on digital wallets while shopping here.

3. Tips for Shoppers Bring small change: Small USD bills ($1, $5) are useful for buying snacks and inexpensive items.

Watch out for scams: Always count your change on the spot, and avoid accepting torn or damaged bills.

Ask before buying: If you plan to use a card, ask the vendor beforehand to avoid surprises at checkout.

Use nearby ATMs if needed: There are ATMs around Russian Market, but check for fees and withdrawal limits depending on your bank and card type.

In conclusion, cash is king at Russian Market, and credit card acceptance is very limited. If you plan to shop or enjoy local food at the market, it’s best to come prepared with enough cash. Doing so will ensure a smooth shopping experience and allow you to fully enjoy the fun of bargaining and the lively market atmosphere.