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 US$1.00 =
~4000 Riel
Cambodian riel (R) is the official tender in Cambodia
but the US dollar is the de facto currency and the most useful for
the average visitor to Cambodia. Most hotels and restaurants, shops,
taxis, buses and airlines set their prices in US dollars. Even the
visa prices and departure taxes are set in
US dollars. Small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually done
in Cambodian riel. Change of less than $1 is given in riel. Always
carry some small riel for motorcycle taxis (motodups), snacks and other small purchases.
There is no coinage in Cambodia, only currency notes. Cambodian riel notes come in 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 riel note
and the 1000 riel note are the most useful and common.
Banks There are banks in all provincial
capitals in the country, including
Phnom Penh,
Siem Reap,
Sihanoukville,
Kampot and
Battambang. Banks offer the usual banking services
- cash advances on
credits cards (most accept
Visa card,) international currency
exchange, telegraphic transfers, cash travelers checks and
ANZ Royal Banks, Canadia and SBC Banks offer ATMs with
international access. Most banks are open from 8:00 to 15:00 or
16:00PM, Monday through Friday. Some are open Saturday mornings
until 11:30. ATMs are available 24 hours.
For bank listings and contact details
see the individual city listings:
Siem Reap Banks
Phnom Penh Banks
Sihanoukville Banks
Money Changers Money changers offer a slightly better rate that the banks. They
are plentiful and tend to cluster around the
traditional markets and there is usually a section within the market
dedicated to moneychangers and gold sellers.
When accepting
US dollars in change, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note,
especially a $20, $50 or $100 note, renders it all but useless in
Cambodia. Banks, moneychangers and other businesses will not accept
it.
Credit Cards In the major tourist
towns, credit cards are accepted at most upscale hotels, shops and
restaurants, some mid-range place and a growing number of other
businesses. Credit cards are general not accepted at any businesses
outside of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and the casinos in
Poipet. Visa, MasterCard
(MC) and
JCB cards are the most widely
accepted credit cards in Cambodia. AMEX
is coming into wider use, as well as the new
ANZ Bluespot card. Diners
Club (DC) is accepted at
very few place.
Most businesses charge a 2%-4% fee to accept credit cards.
ATMs There are now ATMs with
international access in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and
Battambang. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank ATMs both
accept Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard
systems. SBC Bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard.
All ATMs dispenses US dollars. There For locations see the ATM icons on the
city maps.
Travelers Checks Travelers checks
are accepted at most banks, major hotels and restaurants and some
money changers. AMEX in US dollars are the most widely accepted
travelers checks.
Cash Transfers 'Instant' cash
transfers can be done through MoneyGram or Western Union. Ordinary
telegraphic transfers are available at all major banks.
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