Cambodian Money in Cambodia? Riel or US dollars to travel
Cambodia money for the traveler - what currency to carry in Cambodia
Two forms of currency are commonly used for cambodian money. The currency is the Riel but US dollars are widely accepted and exchanged. This is in no way unofficial or 'black-market'; the Cambodia visa payment on entry to the country and airport taxes are (must be) paid in dollars.
Credit card use
Visa or Mastercard are accepted in many hotels and the larger souvenir shops but in few restaurants. You should carry enough Cambodia money (in fairly small denominations) to cover your immediate costs. Note also that American Express is not as widely accepted.
Travel budgetting
It is an inexpensive place to vacation. Some example costs for day to day living: A roll of film costs from US$4 to 5, large bottle of spring water US$2, Angkor beer (excellent beer by the way) costs US$2.20 for a can and US$2.70 for a large bottle. Meals are roughly; Breakfast from US$0.5 to 2, lunch from US$2 to 5 and dinner from US$2.5 to 7.
Banks and ATMs
Hours of operation are generally from 8am until 3pm weekdays.
ATMs now operate in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh distributing $US
Most banks will exchange travellers cheques of most major currencies for withdrawal in US$. Generally commission is charged at 2%.
Credit card cash withdrawals also incur a 2% charge.
Printable details for Banking-SiemReap and for Banking-PhnomPenh
Travel advice
Do carry plenty of US$1 notes: Most daily transactions are conducted in cash and you should carry plenty of US$1 bills with you. A surprising number of things cost US$1; 2 flutes for US$1, 10 bracelet for US$1, 10 post cards for US$1 etc.
Do not carry more that US$10,000 into or out of the country
Exchange rates
Check your exchange rate for Cambodia money (US Dollars) through this real time currency exchange rate converter.
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