Money in Cambodia

The currency in Cambodia is the Riel. Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, and 50000 Riels. The 2000 and 20000 Riel notes are much newer than the others: the 2000 Riel note was introduced in 2007, and the 20000 Riel note in 2008.  

The US Dollar in circulation

However, the US Dollar is widely used; all merchants accept it and even display their prices in dollars. Likewise, they may give you change in Riels or a combination of Riels and Dollars. Since Cambodians do not use coins, Riels are often used instead of cents. To give you an idea of the exchange rate, 1 USD equals approximately 4000 Riels (as of June 2017). Therefore, 10 cents would be equivalent to 400 Riels in most establishments. However, be aware that in many tourist areas such as Siem Reap, it is common to encounter places that apply a slightly different exchange rate, i.e., 1 USD for 4100 or 4200 Riels.  

Withdrawing money

ATMs in Cambodia charge a commission on each withdrawal, generally ranging from $4 to $6 depending on the bank. This is in addition to any fees your own bank may charge! You can choose to withdraw either dollars or Riels. We recommend making withdrawals as infrequently as possible to avoid fees. ATMs usually dispense large bills, so you will need to "break" these large notes in major commercial areas, as small restaurants and shops often do not have enough change for anything beyond a $20 bill.  

Cost of living: A general idea

That being said, it’s better to use Riels in rural areas and small denominations for paying tuk-tuks. For reference, a beer at a shop typically costs around 2000 Riels, which is about 50 cents. At Cambodian "canteens" or street stalls, you can eat for under $2. Expect to pay around $5 per person at Khmer or international restaurants; $15 or more at upscale restaurants. In highly touristy areas such as Koh Rong islands or Siem Reap, prices can rise by two or three dollars. In certain border areas with Thailand, such as Poipet, Koh Rong, or Pailin, the Thai Baht is accepted. Similarly, in border provinces with Vietnam, you can pay in Dong. Be cautious with damaged or torn dollar bills. Do not accept them, as most Cambodians will refuse to accept them when you try to pay with them!