Safe and Legal Methods to Acquire Bitcoin in Cambodia

Introduction:

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are gaining interest in Cambodia, but the regulatory environment remains cautious. The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and other regulators have imposed strict rules: any crypto trading or payment services must be licensed, and unlicensed activities are deemed illegal . Despite these restrictions, Cambodian individuals and businesses can still access Bitcoin through a few regulated local options and popular international platforms. Below, we outline the most regulated, safe, and legal methods to buy Bitcoin in Cambodia – highlighting local platforms, international exchanges (with any Khmer language support), peer-to-peer marketplaces, and the legal requirements and guidance from authorities. The focus is on safety, compliance, and user accessibility.

Local Cambodian Platforms for Buying Bitcoin

Royal Group Exchange (RGX) trading interface on a laptop. RGX is Cambodia’s first licensed digital asset exchange, operating under the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia’s sandbox.

Royal Group Exchange (RGX): The first and only licensed crypto exchange in Cambodia (as of early 2024) is RGX, launched by the local conglomerate Royal Group. RGX was approved under SERC’s FinTech Regulatory Sandbox program and began operating in January 2024 . It offers over 100 digital assets (including Bitcoin and Ethereum) for spot and futures trading . Notably, RGX is fully regulated and backed by Cambodian authorities: it received SERC’s license to operate in the sandbox, meaning it adheres to local compliance and investor protection standards . Users must complete KYC verification with a government ID and facial recognition (registration takes about two days) , ensuring compliance with anti-money-laundering rules. The platform emphasizes security – user funds are protected with measures similar to Binance’s SAFU fund, and RGX partners with Chainalysis for blockchain monitoring . The exchange’s website and app are available in Khmer and English , making it accessible to local users.

Limitations: Currently, RGX operates without direct banking integration – it is not linked to local banks or NBC’s systems . This means users cannot yet deposit or withdraw Cambodian riel (KHR) or USD fiat directly through RGX. Trading on RGX presently requires using crypto assets (e.g. stablecoins) to fund accounts, since NBC until recently banned banks from connecting to crypto exchanges . RGX has stated plans to work with regulators and banks to enable fiat on-ramps in the future . Until such fiat channels open, a Cambodian user might acquire Bitcoin on RGX by depositing a cryptocurrency (like USDT) that they obtained elsewhere, then trading it for BTC on the platform. Despite this hurdle, RGX represents the safest and most legal avenue for crypto trading in Cambodia because it is officially sanctioned. Individuals and businesses using RGX are dealing with a regulated entity, which reduces legal risk and provides better consumer protection (local data storage, customer support, and recourse under Cambodian law) .

Other Local Services: As of 2025, RGX is the pioneer. A second local exchange platform is reportedly in the SERC sandbox as well , but details are sparse – it may be an upcoming security token exchange (e.g. a project by “KS Green” or Cambo Trust Plc mentioned in MoUs) . No fully licensed Cambodian-owned broker or bank offers direct Bitcoin sales to the public yet (banks are still awaiting clear licensing rules from NBC – see Regulatory section). Bitcoin ATMs are virtually non-existent in Cambodia (none are officially known), so face-to-face OTC trades or unregistered local dealers would fall outside legal bounds and are not recommended. For now, RGX stands as the main compliant option for Cambodians seeking to invest in crypto within a regulated framework.

International Exchanges Accepting Cambodian Users

Most Cambodian crypto investors rely on global cryptocurrency exchanges. These platforms are not licensed locally, but they offer a wide range of services and are accessible online (some require VPN or mobile apps due to recent website blocks – see Regulation section). If choosing an international exchange, users should prioritize well-established, secure exchanges that accept Cambodian residents and support convenient payment methods. A few leading examples include:

Summary of Exchange Options: The table below compares key platforms:

Exchange PlatformLocal LicenseKhmer SupportKHR Deposit MethodsNotes (Safety & Features)
RGX (Royal Group)Yes – SERC SandboxYes (Khmer & Eng)Fiat: Not yet (crypto-in only); planned .Fully regulated and secure; KYC required; user funds protected by local oversight . Best legal option, but must acquire crypto elsewhere to fund initially.
BybitNo (Global only)UI in English (multilingual support; Khmer community)P2P via ABA, ACLEDA, Wing, TrueMoney, KHQR; also cards .Major global exchange with low fees and 1800+ coins. Allows local bank/wallet trades via escrow. Requires KYC for large trades. Widely used, but unlicensed in KH.
BinanceNo (Blocked in KH)Partial (Khmer community content)P2P market (bank transfers); direct card payments .World’s largest exchange, very liquid. Offers P2P for KHR. Site blocked (use app/VPN). Not regulated locally – use at own risk; beware of scams on P2P.
Other Global (OKX, etc)NoNo (English/Chinese etc)Cards, or P2P with bank transfer (if available).High-end trading features (futures, DeFi). Also blocked in crackdowns. Ensure platform reputation is strong. No local legal recourse if issues arise.

Peer-to-Peer Platforms (Binance P2P, Paxful, etc.)

Peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces allow individuals to buy/sell Bitcoin directly with each other, usually with the platform as an escrow to hold the crypto until payment is confirmed. P2P trading is popular in Cambodia as a workaround to the banking restrictions – buyers can pay in Khmer riel via bank transfer or e-wallet to a seller, and receive Bitcoin in return. However, P2P carries unique risks and legal considerations for Cambodians.

Legal Status and Safety: The Cambodian government views all unlicensed crypto trading as illegal, which includes peer-to-peer transactions . There is no explicit exemption for person-to-person sales of Bitcoin. Thus, using platforms like Binance P2P or Paxful, a Cambodian is technically breaking the regulation, even though many do so privately. The safety of P2P largely depends on user vigilance: always use the platform’s official escrow (never send money outside the platform’s process), check the reputation of counterparties, and be wary of deals that seem too good (e.g., significantly below market price offers – they could be scams). Additionally, since late 2024 the Telecom Regulator (TRC) has been blocking many crypto platform websites . While Binance’s app still works and VPNs can bypass blocks, there is a risk that authorities could increase scrutiny on P2P transactions (for instance, monitoring unusual bank transfers). So, proceed with caution: P2P can be a practical way to get Bitcoin into your wallet (especially to then fund a regulated exchange like RGX or to hold in a private wallet), but it carries both fraud risk and legal risk. Whenever possible, using the emerging regulated channels is safer for the long term.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements in Cambodia

Cryptocurrency regulations in Cambodia are evolving, but the theme is strict control and licensing. Both individuals and businesses must be aware of the current legal framework to ensure they remain compliant.

Compliance Steps for Users: If you are a Cambodian individual or business interested in Bitcoin, here are some practical steps to stay on the safe side:

  1. Use Licensed Platforms When Possible: Opt for the regulated local option (RGX) for trading and education. As more licensed exchanges or bank-backed services become available, favor those. This ensures you are operating legally and have some protection. If you do use international platforms, understand that you are doing so at your own risk – and the government could restrict access or penalize unlicensed usage in the future.
  2. Complete KYC and Keep Records: Whichever platform you use, go through the Know-Your-Customer verification. For RGX it’s mandatory (government ID, etc.), and for international exchanges it’s strongly recommended (unverified accounts may be against exchange policy and could be frozen). Keep transaction records of your crypto purchases/sales. This will help in any compliance queries and for your own tax reporting. Regulators require CASPs to enforce KYC and record-keeping, so aligning with that practice is wise even as an individual.
  3. Follow Official Guidance: Stay updated on announcements from NBC and SERC. For example, if NBC publishes a list of approved cryptocurrencies or issues further Prakas detailing licensing, that could affect what you’re allowed to do. SERC may also release guidelines for security tokens or ICOs if you are a business considering those. Heed any official warnings – e.g., if authorities warn about a specific scam or unlicensed operator, avoid it. When in doubt, consult legal counsel in Cambodia (there are law firms now covering crypto regulations) to ensure your activities (especially for businesses) are compliant.
  4. Tax Compliance: Be prepared to declare your crypto income. This includes capital gains if you sell Bitcoin at a profit, or any revenue if your business is involved in crypto. The tax rate on gains is generally 20% . No specific crypto tax form exists yet, but include it under capital gains or business income as applicable. Keeping records of your purchase cost (in USD or KHR) and sale proceeds will be important. Paying taxes not only keeps you compliant but also helps legitimize your activities if ever questioned by authorities.
  5. Security and Best Practices: Beyond legality, ensure you use best security practices – use reputable wallets (many Cambodian users prefer non-custodial wallets like Trust Wallet or hardware wallets for long-term holding), enable 2FA on exchanges, and beware of phishing or fraud. The government’s concern means local law enforcement might not help if you lose funds to hacks or scams, so personal vigilance is key.

Conclusion

In summary, acquiring Bitcoin in Cambodia requires navigating a tightly regulated space. Local options like the RGX exchange offer the most legally secure and regulated route , though they are still in early stages and may require indirect funding methods. International exchanges (Bybit, Binance, etc.) provide greater functionality and are widely used by Cambodians, but come with legal uncertainties and have recently been subjected to access blocks . Peer-to-peer platforms, such as Binance P2P and Paxful, remain a critical on-ramp for converting riel to Bitcoin, yet users must exercise extreme caution due to scam risks and the fact that these transactions are not officially sanctioned .

The legal landscape in Cambodia is evolving: the government has moved from an outright ban on unlicensed crypto activities to developing a framework for licensed, safe participation in the digital asset market . Individuals and businesses interested in Bitcoin should keep abreast of the latest regulations – including the requirement for CASP licenses and the limitations on using crypto as payment – to remain compliant. Crucially, they should prioritize safety and compliance: use platforms that implement strong security and KYC, adhere to any government guidance or warnings, and ensure all crypto dealings are transparent and accountable (for instance, paying taxes on gains and avoiding any association with illicit uses of crypto). By following these principles, Cambodian users can explore Bitcoin in a manner that is as secure and legal as possible, positioning themselves for a future where cryptocurrency might become a fully regulated part of the financial system.

Sources: