Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Cambodian riel comes in notes of the following denominations: 100r, 200r, 500r, 1000r, 2000r,
5000r, 10,000r, 20,000r, 50,000r and 100,000r.
We give prices in the currency quoted to the average punter. This is usually US dollars or riel, but in the
west it is sometimes baht. While this may seem inconsistent, this is the way it's done in Cambodia and the
sooner you get used to thinking comparatively in riel, dollars or baht, the easier your travels will be.
ATMs
There are now credit card-compatible ATMs (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Cirrus) in most major cities. There
are also ATMs at the Cham Yeam, Poipet and Bavet borders if arriving by land from Thailand or Vietnam.
Machines dispense US dollars or riel. Large withdrawals of up to US$2000 are possible, providing your ac-
count can handle it. Stay alert when using ATMs late at night. ANZ Royal Bank has the most extensive net-
work, including ATMs at petrol stations and popular hotels, restaurants and shops, closely followed by Ca-
nadia Bank. Acleda Bank has the widest network of branches in the country, including all provincial capit-
als, making remote travel that much easier to plan. Most ATM withdrawals incur a charge of US$3 to US$5,
but Canadia Bank offers free withdrawals.
Bargaining
It is important to haggle over purchases made in local markets in Cambodia, otherwise the stallholder may
'shave your head' (local vernacular for 'rip you off'). Bargaining is the rule in markets, when arranging
share taxis and pick-ups, and in some guesthouses. The Khmers are not ruthless hagglers, so a persuasive
smile and a little friendly quibbling is usually enough to get a fair price. Try to remember that the aim is not
to get the lowest possible price, but a price that is acceptable to both you and the seller. Remember that in
many cases a few hundred riel is more important to a Cambodian with a family to support than to a traveller
on an extended vacation.
Cash
The US dollar remains king in Cambodia. Armed with enough cash, you won't need to visit a bank at all as
it is possible to change small amounts of dollars for riel at hotels, restaurants and markets. It's always handy
to have about US$10 worth of riel kicking around, as it is good for
motos
,
remork-motos
and markets. Pay
for something cheap in US dollars and the change comes in riel.
The only other currency that can be useful is Thai baht, mainly in the west of the country. Prices in towns
such as Krong Koh Kong, Poipet and Sisophon are often quoted in baht, and even in Battambang it is com-
mon.
In the interests of making life as simple as possible when travelling overland, organise a supply of US
dollars before arriving in Cambodia. Cash in other major currencies can be changed at banks or markets in
Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. However, most banks tend to offer a poor rate for any non-dollar transaction so
it can be better to use moneychangers, which are found in and around every major market.
