You land at Phnom Penh International Airport, head to the nearest ATM, and it spits out a crisp $100 bill. You might think, "Wait, did I fly to the wrong country?" Nope. You’re just in the middle of one of the world's most fascinating financial balancing acts. If you’re asking what is Cambodia’s currency, the official answer is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). But the real-world answer? It’s complicated.
Honestly, Cambodia is basically a dual-currency economy. You’ll see prices in US Dollars, pay in Riel, or—more often than not—hand over a twenty-dollar bill and get a handful of both back. It feels like a math test every time you buy a coffee.
The Riel Truth: What Is Cambodia’s Currency?
The Cambodian Riel is the local money, and it’s been through a lot. After being completely abolished during the Khmer Rouge era in the 70s, it was reintroduced in 1980. These days, it’s a colorful, plastic-y (polymer) and paper hybrid currency that doesn’t use coins at all.
As of January 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 4,025 to 4,030 Riel per 1 US Dollar.
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Most people in the streets just round it off to 4,000 to 1 for simplicity. If a bottle of water is $0.50, you pay 2,000 Riel. Simple. But if you’re at a high-end supermarket like Lucky or Aeon Mall, they’ll use the official rate, and you might find yourself counting out individual 100-Riel notes to settle a $12.43 bill.
Why the US Dollar is everywhere (and why that's changing)
For decades, the Dollar was king here. It provided stability when the local economy was rebuilding. But lately, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has been pushing hard for "de-dollarization." They want people to love the Riel.
You’ll notice this most with small bills. In 2020, the central bank started phasing out small USD notes ($1, $2, and $5). If you try to pay with a five-dollar bill in a rural market now, you might get a polite shake of the head. They want Riel for anything under ten bucks.
Pro tip: Keep your US Dollars pristine. I’m serious. If a $20 bill has a tiny 2mm tear or a smudge of ink, most vendors will reject it. It’s a weird quirk of the local banking system. They don’t want "damaged" foreign currency because the banks charge them a fee to swap it. The Riel, on the other hand? You can practically use a Riel note that’s been through a blender and taped back together. It’s always accepted.
The Bakong Revolution: QR Codes are King
If you really want to look like you know what you're doing, you need to talk about Bakong. This is Cambodia’s blockchain-based payment system. It’s kind of a big deal.
Basically, everyone from the fancy rooftop bar to the lady selling grilled bananas on the street has a KHQR code. You scan it with your banking app, and boom—payment done. It works for both Riel and Dollars. The NBC has even linked this up with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, so if you’re traveling through Southeast Asia in 2026, you can often pay with your home QR app.
Cash Strategy for Your Trip
Don't just bring a stack of Benjamins and hope for the best. You need a mix.
- Large Purchases: Hotels, tours, and fancy dinners are usually quoted in USD. Use your "perfect" $20 or $50 bills here.
- Small Stuff: Tuk-tuks, street food, and tips. Use Riel.
- The ATM Trap: Most ATMs dispense USD by default. If you withdraw $100, you’ll get a $100 bill. Good luck breaking that at a noodle stand. Try to find a bank like ACLEDA or Canadia Bank where you can choose to withdraw Riel instead.
Understanding the Notes
Since there are no coins, you’re going to end up with a fat wallet. The most common notes you’ll handle are:
- 100 & 500 Riel: Basically "pocket change." Used for very small items or as part of your change from a Dollar transaction.
- 1,000 & 2,000 Riel: The bread and butter of the market. $0.25 and $0.50 roughly.
- 5,000 & 10,000 Riel: The "big" small bills. $1.25 and $2.50.
- 50,000 Riel: Around $12.50. This is the highest you’ll usually see in daily life.
The 30,000 Riel note exists too, issued to celebrate the King's birthday, but it’s a bit of a collector’s item. Don't be surprised if you never see one.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Cambodian Money
To avoid the "tourist tax" and exchange rate headaches, follow these rules. First, always carry a small stash of Riel (about 40,000 to 80,000) for those moments when a vendor doesn't have change for a $10 bill. Second, when you receive USD as change, inspect it immediately. If there is a tear, hand it back and ask for a cleaner bill or Riel instead. Third, download the "Bakong Tourists" app if you're staying for more than a few days; it lets you top up at local agents and pay via QR code just like the locals do, which often gets you a better "internal" exchange rate than cash.
Lastly, don't sweat the small change. If you lose 100 Riel in a transaction, you've lost about two cents. It's not worth the argument. Enjoy the temples, eat the amok, and embrace the chaos of the two-currency world.
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Check your US dollar bills for any ink marks or stamps before you leave home; even a small "teller stamp" from a US bank can cause a rejection at a Cambodian pharmacy or restaurant.