Everything You Need to Know About Cambodian Riel

The Cambodian riel is the official currency of Cambodia, and it's used alongside the US dollar in many everyday transactions.

The riel is subdivided into 100 subunits called "samlump", but you'll rarely see these used in everyday life.

You can exchange your money for riel at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels, but be aware that the exchange rates might not always be favorable.

The Cambodian riel has a rich history that spans over six decades. The first riel was introduced in 1953, following Cambodia's independence from France, and was initially dual-denominated with the piastre, with the riel being at par with the piastre.

The riel was subdivided into 100 centimes, but this changed in 1959 to 100 sen. The first riel banknotes were also denominated in piastres. Here are some notable issues of the first riel:

The second riel was re-established as Cambodia's national currency in 1980, initially at a value of 4 riels = 1 U.S. dollar.

The Cambodian riel has a rich history that spans over six decades. The first riel was introduced in 1953, following Cambodia's independence from France.

The riel was initially dual-denominated with the piastre, with the riel being at par with the piastre. This arrangement was similar to the other branches of the Institut d'Émission des États du Cambodge, du Laos et du Viet-nam.

The first riel banknotes were denominated in piastres, and the riel was subdivided into 100 centimes, later changed to 100 sen in 1959. The first riel banknotes were issued in 1955-56, with denominations of 1 riel, 5 riels, 10 riels, and 50 riels.

Here are the first five issues of the first riel banknotes:

The second riel was introduced in 1980, initially at a value of 4 riels = 1 U.S. dollar. It was subdivided into 10 kaks or 100 sens.

The Khmer Rouge, a regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1980 and briefly from 1993 to 1999, had a unique approach to currency.

They printed banknotes, but money was abolished after they took control of the country.

The Khmer Rouge printed a series of banknotes in 1975, including denominations such as 0.1 riel, 0.5 riels, 1 riel, 5 riels, 10 riels, 50 riels, and 100 riels.

Here are the specific denominations of the 1975 issue:

In 1993, the Khmer Rouge printed a series of coloured banknotes for limited use on territories controlled by them, with denominations such as 5 riels, 10 riels, 20 riels, 50 riels, and 100 riels.

Here are the specific denominations of the 1993 regional issue:

You can easily exchange US dollars for riel at banks, ATMs, and currency exchange booths across Cambodia.

In major cities, ATMs dispense both US dollars and riel, so you'll have no trouble accessing cash.

If you're arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport, currency exchange services are readily available.

Most ATMs charge a small fee for withdrawals, so it's a good idea to check with your bank about international fees before your trip.

The Cambodian riel has a complex history, with two distinct periods of use. The first riel was introduced in 1953, replacing the French Indochinese piastre, and was used until 1975.

The second riel was reintroduced in 1980, following a period of using the Vietnamese đồng. The exchange rate was set at 1 riel = 3 đồng = 0.25 U.S. dollar = 1 kg rice.

In terms of denominations, the current riel coins are made of steel and have a range of values, including 50, 100, 200, and 500 riels.

Banknotes are the primary form of currency in Cambodia, with most of the economy based on bills rather than coins.

Cambodians have lost the habit of using coins due to years of civil war and the abolishment of money during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The modern Cambodian economy can no longer support coins as currency, making banknotes the preferred choice.

Coins are still in circulation, but they are rarely used in everyday transactions.

The use of banknotes has become a norm in Cambodia, with people relying on bills for most of their financial dealings.

The Cambodian riel has a fascinating history when it comes to coins. The first coins were 5 sen pieces, minted in 1979 and made of aluminum, but they're no longer in circulation.

In 1994, new denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500 riels were introduced, but these coins are rarely found in circulation. This is because the Khmer Rouge attempted to implement a money-less society, which led to the abolition of the riel.

The current coins of the Cambodian riel are made of steel, with the 50, 100, and 200 riel coins having plain/smooth edges. The 500 riel coin, on the other hand, is bi-metallic with a steel center and a brass ring, featuring a segmented edge.

Here's a breakdown of the current coins:

The riel is used for virtually all purchases in rural areas, and it's a good idea to have some on hand for everyday transactions.

You can use riel for smaller purchases like street food, snacks, tuk-tuk rides, and temple entry fees. In fact, small, rural towns primarily use riel, so it's a good idea to have smaller riel notes on hand for these situations.

In areas near the Thai border, the Thai baht is also accepted, but in major cities and tourist areas, the US dollar is widely used.

Cambodians usually don't use coins. The modern Cambodian economy is primarily based on banknotes, with coins rarely used.

Coins were once prized for their artistry and craftsmanship, but people lost the habit of using them after years of civil war and the abolishment of money during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The economy could no longer support coins as currency, and people adapted to using banknotes instead.

When traveling to Cambodia, it's essential to have some local currency, the riel, on hand for small purchases. You'll need it for things like street food and snacks.

Street food and snacks are a big part of Cambodian culture, and you'll find vendors on almost every corner. For a few riel, you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Tuk-tuk rides are another common expense where you'll need riel. Be prepared to pay a few dollars or riel for the ride, depending on the distance.

Local markets and small shops are also great places to practice your haggling skills. You can find everything from souvenirs to household items, and often, the prices are negotiable.

Temple entry fees are usually small, but you'll need riel to pay them. Don't be surprised if you're asked to pay in riel, even if USD is accepted.

Here are some examples of small purchases you can make with riel: