Tourist Info

Money

Currency

Cambodia has a dual currency; their own currency is the Cambodian riel and their second, widely accepted, currency is the US dollar.

The riel (KHR or ៛) comes in notes of the following denominations: 50៛, 100៛, 500៛, 1,000៛, 2,000៛, 5,000៛, 10.000៛, 20,000៛, 50,000៛ and 100.000៛.

There are no riel coins in circulation.

The exchange rate to the US dollar is around 4000៛.

In 1993, the UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) injected a large quantity of US dollars into the local economy. Until this date, the US dollar is still the favoured currency. US dollar coins are not accepted in Cambodia; the Cambodian riel notes function as small change and are used for smaller purchases.

Don’t expect shop venders to have change of anything more than a US$5 note, but do expect small change in riel.

Damaged US dollar notes

Ripped, torn, faded or stained US dollar notes are not accepted in Cambodia. People inspect notes carefully and may reject these tainted note(s). Check the change you are given carefully as even notes with a tiny tear are unlikely to be accepted.

People are more critical if the note is of a larger denomination.

Banking

The economy in Cambodia is very much cash driven.

There is usually a bank in every modest sized town; the main tourist locations will have several banks.

There are no banks at the border towns, so make sure you bring along some US dollars.

Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from about 8:00am until about 16:00pm. Some banks are closed for lunch time, some are open on Saturday mornings. Banks are closed during important festivals and holidays.

ATMs

ATMs are available in all cities, usually dispensing US dollars, sometimes you have the option to withdraw in riel.

Changing money

All banks offer money changing services, but you will get better rates at the money changers in or around markets. These are usually grouped near the gold sellers, and are easily spotted: look for the small glass cabinets with stacks of money in it. Main currencies (US dollar, Euro, British pound, Thai baht) should not pose a problem anywhere.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Cambodia. Upscale hotels, restaurants and shops in major tourist towns (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville) will accept credit cards. Expect to pay around 4% fee when paying by credit card. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards, and some places will accept American Express and Diners Club.

Most banks offer cash advances on credit cards.

Tipping

Even though tipping is not traditionally expected in Cambodia, Khmers are wonderful people who love to please and will be delighted to see a reward for their efforts.

Keep in mind that the average wages for waiters, cleaners and other service staff in Cambodia remain low, and a small tip will go a long way.

Here at Rikitikitavi we save up all received tips and share them amongst our Khmer staff twice a year – just before the two major holidays in this country. The staff love it, as they are able to buy a decent present for their parents.

Bargaining

If an item or service has a price tag, you are not expected to bargain.

Otherwise, go ahead and give it a try. Bargaining is about reaching a price that is satisfactory for both parties, not about making the seller lose money. Remember that it is a game and it is important to ‘save face’ in Cambodia. There is no need to get angry or argue. Be friendly, smile and perhaps have a little chinwag and a dose of humor.

If you believe the asked price is not right for you, say thank you and you might be able to find a similar item elsewhere for a better price. Try not to get too carried away in the process, ask yourself if the amount you are haggling over is worth the time and effort.

Do not refuse a purchase if the seller has accepted your price. It is polite to hand over money with the right hand supported just below the wrist by the left hand.