Cambodian Currency, Khmer Banknotes, Using Money in Cambodia

Cambodian Currency, Khmer Banknotes, and Using Money in Cambodia

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today I want to share about the currency and money usage in Cambodia, especially in the tourist city of Siem Reap, where I have traveled many times and have direct experience to share with all travelers.

Talking about Cambodia's currency, many might have heard of the “riel” or “Khmer riel,” which is the main currency of the country. But what you need to know before traveling is the exchange rate between Thai baht and Khmer riel is very simple: 1 Thai baht equals about 100 riel. But be careful not to miscalculate because missing a zero changes the meaning completely.

If you have been to Laos before, you might be confused by the Lao kip which is worth much less than the Thai baht, for example, 10,000 Lao kip is about 40 Thai baht. But 10,000 Khmer riel equals about 100 Thai baht. Simply put, the Khmer riel is worth almost twice as much as the Lao kip for the same number. This is an important point for tourists to understand clearly before spending or exchanging money.

Using Money in Daily Life in Siem Reap

I, mr.hotsia, have a small example from eating street food in Siem Reap. Once I ordered food priced at 60 Thai baht, but when talking with the shop owner, he offered to accept US dollars instead, which was 1.5 dollars. Calculated at the real exchange rate, that equals about 45 Thai baht, almost half the price. This shows that using US dollars in Cambodia is very convenient and cost-effective.

Another example I encountered is when paying with 0.5 dollars, or about 15 Thai baht, the shop owner would ask if I want the change in riel. If yes, he would give two 1,000 riel notes or 2,000 riel total, which equals 20 baht. This means the US dollar is trusted and widely used in Cambodia, unlike many countries where the dollar might not be accepted in small shops.

How to Exchange Money for the Best Value When Visiting Siem Reap

From my experience, mr.hotsia, I recommend travelers exchange mainly to US dollars because Cambodia mostly accepts dollars more than riel. In major tourist cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville, shops price goods in dollars but give change mainly in Khmer riel. So you hardly need to exchange riel beforehand.

However, if you travel to less central cities like Kampot, Koh Kong, or Battambang, which are far from Siem Reap, you will need to use riel mainly because shops or services there may not accept dollars or accept very little. Also, if crossing the Thai-Cambodian border in those areas, Thai baht can still be used somewhat but is not as widespread as dollars and riel in Siem Reap.

Traveling and Using Money in Siem Reap

For travelers coming to Siem Reap, I, mr.hotsia, recommend the convenient route through the Poipet border near Rong Kluea Market, Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province. Traveling from Bangkok to Poipet takes about 4 hours by bus from Ekkamai, or you can take a van from Victory Monument or Bang Na, which takes no more than 2 hours. After crossing Poipet, you can easily continue by road to Siem Reap on good and safe roads.

I have written a detailed travel guideTraveling from Poipet Border to Siem Reapwhich is very detailed. Anyone interested can study it before going.

Accommodation and Using Money in Siem Reap

When I come to Siem Reap, I usually stay atShadow Angkor guest housewhich starts at 8 USD to 20 USD per night. The service is very good, with a restaurant next to the hotel, and importantly, it is next to the canal with a beautiful view, quiet and peaceful, unlike the busy city center. You can trust their tuk-tuk contacts and boat ticket booking service to Phnom Penh.

There are also budget hotels I recommend such asReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhich is near the Capital bus station. The rooms are clean, air-conditioned, comfortable, and have free WIFI at a very reasonable price of only 10 USD. Suitable for those who want to save money but still get good standards.

Overview of Money Usage and Tips in Siem Reap

In summary, for using money in Cambodia and Siem Reap, you should prepare mainly US dollars because it is the most convenient and cost-effective. Prices are usually set in dollars, but change is given in riel, with shops having 1,000 or 2,000 riel notes to give change comfortably.

Don't forget that 10,000 riel is about 100 Thai baht. Do not confuse it with Lao kip as it will cause miscalculation and confusion easily.

More About Traveling in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

If you are interested in Siem Reap's main attraction, Angkor Wat, one of the 7 wonders of the world, I recommend visiting it yourself. Traveling from Poipet to Siem Reap is convenient, and you can rent bicycles or hire tuk-tuks to freely explore the temples.Angkor Watis only 6 kilometers from Siem Reap city center.

At night, Siem Reap has an exciting atmosphere, especially in the Pub Street area with bars, pubs, restaurants, and billiards for tourists to enjoy safely. Or if you want to experience the real local life, you can easily hire a tuk-tuk to visit local tourist zones.Nightlife in Siem Reapis another dimension of travel that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to try.

Summary

Cambodia, Siem Reap city, is a destination Thai travelers should not miss because it is easy to travel, money use is convenient, and it is full of impressive experiences including culture, history, and a simple but charming lifestyle. Knowing how to use riel, dollars, and baht correctly will make your trip smooth and most worthwhile.

For those planning to travel to Siem Reap, don't forget to study more about travel and accommodation from my articles to prepare like a pro and enjoy fully. mr.hotsia wishes everyone a fun trip and great memories to take home.