Currency in Cambodia is Riel - pay in Riel or US dollars. What currency to use, where to change money

Upon arrival you need dollars - US dollars to be precise. The official currency is Riel, the normal fixed exchange is 1 US$ = 4000 Riel. In all hotels, restaurants, local markets, Tuk Tuk and business alike, it is of NO importance whether you pay in local Riel or foreign US$. Even paying mixed part dollar part Riel is OK. Equally you may receive your change in Riel or dollar whatever the business has in matching amount for you.

If paying in US dollar, however make sure your bills are clean, legal and undamaged. Tears or missing corners and old worn out dollar bills may lead to rejection of your foreign currency bills.

Upon arrival already you need US dollar at the airport and for transportation. Hence it is best to come properly prepared. Bring 100 or more US$ in small and smallest bills with you. Bring dollar bills of 1, 5, 10 and 20 US$ to be prepared with always exactly matching bills for your airport visa and airport transportation, etc. Use bills of 100 only to pay large amounts such as your hotel. For all else always carry sufficient amounts in smallest matching bills with you.

You find ATM for withdrawal by major ATM cards such as Maestro, Cirrus, VISA and MasterCard. But best is to have at least for the first few days matching amounts in US$ cash with you.

It is quiet unusual to change US dollar into Riel. If you have bills 1- 20 US$ you can always pay all across Cambodia in USD. Anything, everything all - except God and Love and your way hme to God! But if for whatever reason you want to change anyway into Riel, you find in major cities small Money Changer offices along main business roads to do that money change job for you.

Love and Bliss

hans