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Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Cambodian Riel · ៛ · Official currency of Cambodia

History

The Cambodian riel (៛) was reintroduced after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1980. A notable feature today is widespread 'dollarization,' with the US dollar circulating alongside the riel in everyday transactions.

Banknote Denominations

Nine denominations circulate: ៛100, ៛500, ៛1,000, ៛2,000, ៛5,000, ៛10,000, ៛20,000, ៛50,000, and ៛100,000, used mainly for small change.

Traveler Tips

The US dollar effectively circulates alongside the riel, and most hotel and restaurant prices are quoted in dollars, with riel typically handed back only as small change. Since change from a dollar payment often comes back in riel, it's convenient to spend down any riel notes you accumulate at markets or on tuk-tuk fares. ATMs mostly dispense dollars, so you'll need a separate money changer if you specifically want riel.

Issuing authority
National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)
Introduced
Founded 1954
Sub-unit
1 riel = 100 sen (effectively unused today)

You can view the real banknote designs on the National Bank of Cambodia's official page.

See Cambodian Riel banknotes at today's exchange rate →