The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency of Cambodia, a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. 

Known for its rich history and stunning temples, like the famous Angkor Wat, Cambodia has a unique culture and economy. 

The Riel plays a vital role in everyday life, allowing people to buy food, clothing, and other essential goods. 

Both locals and visitors need to understand how the Riel works, including its value and how to use it in daily transactions.

What is Cambodian Riel (KHR)

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency of Cambodia. It was first introduced in 1953 and has undergone several changes throughout its history. 

The Riel is used alongside the US Dollar, which is also commonly accepted in the country.

One Riel is divided into 100 sen. The currency comes in both coins and banknotes, with banknotes being the most widely used. 

The current banknotes include denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Riel. 

The Riel’s value has fluctuated over the years, and as of now, it is worth about 0.00024 US dollars. The symbol for the Riel is “៛” or “KHR.”

• Symbol: ៛ (This is the symbol for the Riel)
• Code: KHR

History of the Cambodian Riel

The Cambodian Riel was introduced in 1953 as a direct replacement for the piastre de commerce, which was the currency used in French Indochina. 

This change came after Cambodia gained independence. However, when the Khmer Rouge took power in 1975, they stopped using the Riel. 

Although a new series of banknotes was printed in 1975, they were never put into circulation. 

During the Khmer Rouge regime, money was completely abolished, leaving Cambodia without an official currency until 1980.

In 1980, after the fall of Pol Pot’s regime, Cambodia resumed issuing the Riel, establishing its value at four Riel for every $1. 

Since then, the values of the Riel and the US Dollar have changed significantly. Currently, the Riel is valued at about one twenty-four-thousandth of a dollar.

Exchange Rate with the US Dollar

The Cambodian Riel is often used alongside the US Dollar (USD). Many businesses in Cambodia accept both currencies. The US Dollar is widely used for larger transactions, while the Riel is often used for smaller purchases.

• 1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR

This means that if you exchange 1 US Dollar, you will receive approximately 4,000 Cambodian Riel. The exchange rate can change slightly depending on the market, so it’s always good to check before exchanging money.

Banknotes of the Cambodian Riel

The Riel has several banknotes in different colors and sizes. Here are the most common ones:

• 1,000 KHR: This banknote is blue and features the image of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. The size is about 140 x 70 mm.
• 2,000 KHR: The $2 note is green and displays a picture of a farmer with rice fields. It measures around 140 x 70 mm.
• 5,000 KHR: This note is purple and features a portrait of King Norodom Sihanouk. It is about 150 x 75 mm.
• 10,000 KHR: The $10 note is yellow and shows a picture of the Royal Palace. Its size is around 150 x 75 mm.
• 20,000 KHR: This banknote is orange and has a picture of the Angkor Wat temple. It measures about 160 x 75 mm.
• 50,000 KHR: This is a red banknote that features an image of a traditional Khmer dancer. It measures around 160 x 75 mm.
• 100,000 KHR: The largest denomination, this note is green and shows a portrait of King Norodom Sihamoni. The size is about 170 x 75 mm.

Coins of the Cambodian Riel

The Cambodian Riel includes coins, but people use them less commonly than banknotes. The coins are 50, 100, 200, and 500.

Manufacturers usually make these coins from metal, and they come in different sizes and weights.

While the Riel coins exist, many people in Cambodia prefer to use the US Dollar for everyday transactions.

Conclusion

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is more than just money; it represents the economy and culture of Cambodia. 

With its colorful banknotes and coins, the Riel is essential for everyday activities and helps support local businesses. 

Knowing the Riel will not only make your experience in Cambodia smoother but also help you appreciate the country’s unique culture and traditions. 

You may be a traveler or a resident, but knowing about the Riel is key to navigating life in Cambodia.