Currency in Cambodia

Post by **Jim** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:28 am

A friend is doing Koh Chang and Cambodia in a couple of weeks time. He tells me he's been advised that the best way of taking currency is to take UD dollars into Cambodia. Can anyone confirm or else advise on a better alternative?
Thanks
Jim

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 2:28 am

He's been advised correctly.

Riel is the official currency but Dollars are used everywhere.

Post by **johnnyk** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:18 am

Yes, US$ are taken everywhere and most prices are in units of $1 or $2.
Some ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but don't depend on them anywhere else. Last time I was there the ATMs dispense US$.
BTW, if the purchase is less than a complete dollar e.g $4.50 the change will come back in riel. Use riel for tips.

Post by **moja** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:07 am

Take as many small denomination notes as possible, when we were there many shops could not cope with even a $10 bill not having enough change in either currency.

ATMs can be very unreliable and often have no money at all.