Currency of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Currency

Cambodian riel (KHR) is the official tender in Cambodia but the US dollar is the de facto currency. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in US dollars. Small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually done in riel.

Riel notes come in 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 riel note and the 1000 riel note are the most commonly used.

Money Changer

The best place to change money is at any of the number of money changers scattered around town. There is always a concentration around the markets. Rip-offs are rare. More common currencies (Japanese yen, euros, Aussie dollars, Brit pounds, Thai baht) usually pose no difficulties, though rates may vary slightly from changer to changer and a little bargaining is sometimes necessary.

However, the more obscure the currency is, the less likely the money changer will know the actual rate nor be willing to offer a fair rate as it may be more difficult for them to reconvert the notes later. Street money changers may will offer a better rate than the hotels regardless of what currency you're changing.