Ouvrir un compte bancaire au Cambodge ?

This video discusses the reasons and process for opening a bank account in Cambodia, focusing on the benefits for individuals and businesses, particularly those dealing with US dollars and US LLCs. The presenter shares their personal experience visiting several major Cambodian banks in Siem Reap. The primary interest in opening a Cambodian bank account is for diversification, creating an account outside of one's home country, especially outside the European Union. For French tax residents, it's important to note that while opening an account abroad is permitted, it must be declared in France. Non-residents are generally not required to declare foreign accounts in France but may need to do so in their country of fiscal residence. Cambodia is highlighted as a country with minimal Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and fund origin controls, making it a more straightforward process compared to many other jurisdictions. The presenter notes that exchanging money or opening accounts involves very little scrutiny or requests for identification. A significant advantage is the ability to hold accounts in US dollars, alongside the Cambodian Riel. Both currencies are widely used, with prices often displayed in USD. Cambodian banks naturally offer accounts in USD, which is beneficial for those who conduct business in dollars, such as individuals with US LLCs who receive payments or distribute profits in USD. This allows for direct profit distribution into a Cambodian USD account without currency exchange fees. The presenter inquired about profit distributions from US LLCs to Cambodian personal accounts and was informed that there were no justification requests or issues. The video contrasts this with alternatives for US LLC holders. Singaporean bank accounts are mentioned as a common alternative but are difficult to open without significant initial capital, typically $300,000 to $400,000. Other options like Dubai and Georgia are also considered, but the focus remains on countries outside the EU. Thailand is specifically ruled out due to restrictions on opening bank accounts with a tourist visa (EDTV) and the fact that foreign income transfers to Thailand are taxable, even with territorial tax systems. For those unable to secure robust bank accounts, the presenter notes the common practice of using less stable platforms like Wise or Revolut for profit distributions, subsequently transferring funds to investment accounts like Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab. This often leads to an inability to hold significant cash reserves in traditional bank accounts. Opening a physical account in a US bank like Bank of America is also presented as an option but requires being physically present and can be complex. The presenter then details their experience visiting three major banks in Siem Reap: Canadia Bank, ABA Bank, and ACLEDA Bank. Their own situation for opening an account was that of a French tourist with a standard 30-day e-visa. **Canadia Bank** was the most promising. It's described as one of the oldest and largest commercial banks, known for international transfers, corporate services, and competitive exchange rates, making it suitable for investments, savings, and business transactions. The opening requirements were minimal: the e-visa and passport. English is widely spoken by bank staff, which is a significant advantage. The account opening process was nearly complete, with minimal fees: a $5 annual inactivity fee for the optional Visa card and a $10 annual fee for dormant accounts, described as "peanuts." Crucially, Swift transfers are authorized and function perfectly. However, a stumbling block arose when the bank required a Cambodian phone number. While the presenter had one, they were informed that using a foreign SIM card or number was not possible, and that the account could not be remotely reactivated if they lost their Cambodian SIM or changed phones. This dependency on a local phone number was a significant deterrent, especially compared to Singaporean banks where any number can be used for OTP verification. Maintaining a Cambodian SIM card, even with minimal top-ups, was seen as an unnecessary hassle. **ACLEDA Bank**, the largest local bank by branch network, also has a strong mobile app. However, to open an account, they required the e-visa, passport, a Cambodian phone number, and, importantly, a rental agreement. The presenter confirmed that even a one-month rental agreement would suffice, implying a minor additional cost. Remote account opening is theoretically possible but likely difficult in practice. **ABA Bank** is presented as a leader in digital banking. Their opening requirements were stricter: either a six-month visa or a six-month rental agreement. Obtaining a six-month visa would involve arriving with an ordinary visa and extending it, or obtaining a business visa. The presenter did not pursue this option further due to the more stringent requirements compared to Canadia Bank. The video concludes by mentioning that there are many other banks in Cambodia and that the presenter visited around fifteen to twenty. Other notable institutions include a European bank (BR Bank) and Just Royal Bank, both of which are accustomed to international clients. The presenter reiterates that Cambodia offers a viable option for opening a bank account, especially for those with US LLCs, and that the main drawback encountered was the requirement for a local Cambodian phone number, which prevents it from fully competing with higher-tier international banking options like those in Singapore.