Cambodian Currency

Which currency is used in Cambodia?

The Cambodian currency is the Riel but US dollars are widely accepted and exchanged. This is in no way `black market´ or unofficial; the Cambodia Tourist Visa payment must be made in US dollars and cannot be settled in Riel.

Thai Baht are accepted at border crossings with Thailand.

Exchange rate (approx)

1 USD = 4,000 KHR ( Riel ) 

The Riel per US$ exchange rate on the streets of Siem Reap has been stable at around 4,100 - but most shops will round this down to 4,000 for ease. When receiving change from a dollar, the cents will be returned to you in Riel - if you give a 10 dollar note for a US$2.50 item, you will usually get 7 dollars and 2,000 Riel change.

Travel budgeting

Cambodia is an inexpensive place to vacation.Some example costs for day to day living:

- A large bottle of water from a supermarket - around US$0.50 to US$1.00

- A can of Angkor Beer (excellent by the way)- around US$0.50 to US$1.00

Meals are roughly:

- Breakfast from US$0.50 to US$5

- Lunch from US$2 to US$5

- Dinner from US$2 to US$10.

For more information, check out our Cambodia travel costs page.

If you are concerned about the total costs for a holiday in Cambodia you perhaps should consider one of our sample itineraries so that your costs are known up-front. All transportation, hotels, entry fees and guided tours are included and you can even ask us to add meals to the package as you prefer.

Damaged or Torn Cambodian currency

Even slightly torn US dollar bills will not be accepted by many places and banks. Reject any torn, well worn or damaged US dollar bills which you recieve in change.