Choosing a payment gateway in Cambodia is not as straightforward as it looks. The options available to you depend on whether you have a local Cambodian bank account or a foreign one, and that split determines almost everything else.
This guide covers seven options we recommend, four for businesses with Cambodian accounts and three for those operating with foreign entities. All of them integrate with WooCommerce.
Why This Decision Actually Matters
A checkout that does not inspire confidence loses sales. Customers who hit an unfamiliar payment interface, get redirected to an unclear page, or cannot use their preferred payment method will often abandon rather than continue.
When evaluating any gateway, a few things are worth paying attention to: whether it supports KHR and USD transactions, what the transaction and chargeback fees actually are, whether checkout happens on your site or redirects to a third party, and how the WooCommerce integration is maintained.
Quick Comparison
| Gateway | Checkout | Currencies | Setup Fees | Transaction Fees | WooCommerce Plugin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABA Bank PayWay | On-site | USD, KHR | None | 3.6% – 3.8% | Yes |
| Acleda eCommerce | On-site | USD, KHR | None | 3.5% – 4.0% (est.) | Yes |
| Cathay United Bank | On-site | USD, KHR | Contact bank | Higher than ABA/Acleda | Contact bank |
| Skrill | Off-site | USD, EUR, GBP, KHR | None | Varies | Yes |
| PayPal | Off-site | 25+ currencies | None | 2.9% + fixed fee | Yes |
| Stripe | On-site | USD, EUR, AUD, others | None | 2.9% + 30¢ | Yes |
| Authorize.Net | On-site | USD, CAD, GBP, others | $25/month | 2.9% + 30¢ | Yes |
Gateways for Cambodian Bank Accounts
1. ABA Bank PayWay
ABA PayWay is the most common choice for local businesses, and for good reason. Setup is free, transaction fees run 3.6% to 3.8%, and checkout stays on your site. It accepts Visa, Mastercard, and local debit cards. The WooCommerce plugin is actively maintained and the mobile management app is genuinely useful.
If you are a Cambodian business launching your first online store, start here.
2. Acleda Bank
One of Cambodia’s largest banks, Acleda offers a solid eCommerce gateway with on-site checkout and support for major credit and debit cards. Registration requires company documents and in-person verification, so factor in the setup time. Fee estimates run 3.5% to 4.0%, though confirm directly with the bank as these can vary by account type.
3. Cathay United Bank
The first bank to offer an online gateway in Cambodia, which counts for something historically but does not automatically make it the best choice now. Fees are higher than ABA and Acleda, so it tends to suit established businesses with higher transaction volumes where the relationship with the bank brings other benefits. Worth a conversation if you already bank with them.
4. Skrill
Skrill is a global eWallet solution that transfers to Cambodian bank accounts via SWIFT. Checkout redirects off-site, which some customers find less reassuring than staying on your page. That said, Skrill is internationally recognised and works well for smaller eCommerce businesses with a mixed local and international customer base.
Gateways for Foreign Bank Accounts
1. PayPal
PayPal is the most trusted name in online payments globally, which matters for international customers who would rather see a PayPal button than an unfamiliar local gateway. The limitation in Cambodia is that you cannot withdraw directly to a Cambodian bank account. Many local businesses with international clients still offer it as an option alongside a local gateway for exactly this reason.
2. Stripe
Developer-friendly, well-documented, and genuinely good at handling subscriptions and recurring billing. Stripe is not yet available in Cambodia for locally registered entities, but if you operate through a foreign company, it is one of the stronger options available. Supports Apple Pay and on-site checkout.
3. Authorize.Net
A long-standing US-based gateway with strong fraud protection tools. Requires a merchant account in a supported country. The $25 monthly fee makes more sense at higher transaction volumes. If you are building a serious eCommerce operation through a foreign entity and need advanced fraud controls, it is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I accept payments in Khmer Riel? Yes. ABA Bank PayWay and Acleda both support KHR transactions alongside USD.
Which gateway works best with WooCommerce in Cambodia? ABA Bank PayWay has the most straightforward WooCommerce integration for locally registered businesses. The plugin is actively maintained and the setup process is well-documented.
Can I use PayPal in Cambodia? You can receive payments, but you cannot withdraw directly to a Cambodian bank account. Many businesses offer it as a secondary option for international customers and use a local gateway for domestic transactions.
Which gateway has the lowest fees? ABA PayWay generally offers the most competitive rates for local businesses. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before committing, as rates can change.
Making the Choice
For most Cambodia-based businesses launching a WooCommerce store, ABA Bank PayWay covers everything you need. If you have international customers who prefer PayPal, add it as a secondary option. If you are operating through a foreign entity, Stripe is the cleaner technical choice.
The gateway is one piece of a working online store. If you want help with the full setup, including WooCommerce development, payment gateway integration, and SEO, get in touch with us. We have done this enough times to help you avoid the common mistakes.
Digital Creative Alliances builds WooCommerce stores for businesses across Cambodia. See our work or request a free proposal.
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