Currency of Cambodia

The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 notes. However, in the major towns and cities, US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination notes, as change may be difficult. As expected, most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills. Due to the economic problems in the region, the currency has slipped from 2500 Riels to about 3700-3900 per one US dollar at the last calculation. This makes Cambodia an even better value for money tourist destination than before. Popular local and international currencies can be exchanged openly and freely. Major credit cards are only accepted in a few places so traveler cheques or cash are recommended. In Cambodia, ATM machines are not too many. As such, it is always safer to have enough cash in hand. Otherwise, you can get cash out of your credit cards. Travelers may cash advances from their credit card at some shops, but the latter will charge high handling fees. You can exchange traveler cheques at any bank in Cambodia although you will have to pay about 2% to 4% extra for conversion into USD.

As an advice, you should carry USD cash (with $20 and $100 notes) in addition to traveler cheques and credit card. Do not exchange all of your cash into the local currency at one time, but gradually. It is very difficult to exchange back to foreign currency.