Cambodia Money
US$1.00
= ~4100 Riel
Cambodian riel (R) 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. Always carry some small riel for
motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.
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.
Credit cards and travelers checks 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. The most commonly accepted
credit card is Visa Card. MasterCard and JCB are
growing in popularity. A few places accept AMEX. Most businesses
charge a 2%-4% fee to accept credit cards.
AMEX in US dollars are the most widely
accepted travelers checks. ‘Instant’ cash transfers can be done through
MoneyGram or Western Union.
There are banks in all of the larger
provincial capitals, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville,
Kampot and Battambang. Banks offer cash advances on credits cards (most
accept Visa card), change money, effect telegraphic transfers, cash
travelers checks and ANZ Royal Banks have ATMs with international
access.
ANZ Royal Bank ATMs with
international access are available at several locations in Phnom Penh,
Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. ATMs should be available in Sihanoukville
in the near future. Accepting Maestro, Cirrus, Visa Plus, Visa
and MasterCard. Dispenses US dollars.
Money changers offer a slightly better rate that the banks. They tend to
cluster around the traditional markets. There is usually a section of a
traditional market dedicated to moneychangers and gold sellers.
Cambodia currency exchange rate in Jan 2007
100 Riel = US$0.02
500 Riel = US$0.12
1000 Riel= US$0.25
5000 Riel = US$1.23
10.000 Riel = US$2.45
20.000 Riel = US$4.91
30.000 Riel = US$7.36
50.000 Riel = US$12.27
100.000 Riel = US$24.53
150.000 Riel = US$36.80
200.000 Riel = US$49.07
300.000 Riel = US$73.60
400.000 Riel = US$98.13
500.000 Riel = US$112.67
1.000.000 Riel = US$245.33
Source: http://coinmill.com/KHR_USD.html
