Contributor
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459 reviews
678 helpful votes Hi there, You definately wont have a problem with US dollars in Cambodia, just make sure you have small denominations, we took lots of ones, fives, tens and some twenties. (There are lots of ATM'S now and they give out US dollars.
Have a look at the link below for my Phnom Penh and Siem Reap pages, lots of info there re money, where the atms are, what to see and do, prices etc
Cathy
No need to change your money into local currency, as almost all prices are given in US$. the currency is interchangable, and they go by 4000 riel = 1 $,
so, if something is 3.5$ and you pay with a 5, you'll get 1$ and 2000 riel back. Even if prices are in $, you can pay in riel, they just might not be as happy! Its handy to keep a few riel around for tips etc.
the most useful notes are 1,5 and 10's. Make sure they are new, not creased or damaged as they wont accept them!
Thanks very much for the advice - I'll make sure to have lots of smaller bills on me.
MoogaBDN, when are you going to Siem Reap?
US currency is always welcome - but be sure to use dollar bills that are in NEAR PERFECT SHAPE!! For whatever reason - Cambodains (and Thai's & Viet's) simply DO NOT WANT torn or worn currency. Also, get some Riel for "little expenses". Many times you might find something on the street to buy, or even a short moto ride that shoud cost you 2000 Riel (about .50 cents), and the motos are not likely to offer you change. I am not saying you should be a penny-pincher, just remember that you are in a country whose annual per-capita income is approx $1 per day. Worse that can happen is that you have a few extra Reil in your pocket at the end of the trip. Negotiate for items, it is customary - just always remember to smile.
"T'lai day?" means "how expensive?, and "T'lai nah" means TOO expensive. There are a few places in the Angkor Temples area where you can leave money for the Monks, but I chose to ingnore the beggars near the temples and instead bought water, sarongs and kramas from the local children. Some of them are very delightful, and some of them are savy, if rude, business people.
You will be approached by beggars, and women on the streets carrying small children. If and how much you decide to give them is up to you, but I found it easier to keep a few thousand Riel in 1 pocket, and my US dollars in my wallet safely zipped somewhere else. Do not be surprised if people standing near you blatantly STARE into your wallet or purse, they are usually just curious to see all the "suff" that tourists carry around. A simple way to help the children begging is to give them the leftovers from all your meals - it's a win-win situation. Email me if you have more questions, I love Siem Reap and will be living there soon.
Remember "Ah-gkoon" means thank you :)
KhMike
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