NOTES The Cambodian currency is the Riel, officially denoted by the prefix - R. The US dollar is widely used in all major centres and circulates along side the local currency. Many hotels, shops and restaurants list their prices in US dollars and seem to prefer that currency. The Thai Baht is also widely accepted. Riel notes come in denominations of 100, 200 and 500, 1000, 5000, 10000. Coins are no longer used. TRAVELERS CHEQUES Travellers cheques can be exchanged in the main cities at large banks or hotels. All major brands are accepted. CREDIT CARDS Credit cards are becoming more widely recognized. Bring your American Express, Mastercard, or Visa on your travels, but outside the main hotels, shopping centers and banks, be prepared to pay in cash. If in doubt or there is no credit card logo visible, ask first. Recently some ATMs are available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They dispense US currency at a good exchange rate.

CHANGING MONEY Banks cash travellers cheques at the daily exchange rate. This can fluctuate depending on the current economic and political situation but is currently around 3900R - US$1. (December 2008) There is a thriving unofficial money exchange system in Cambodia. The rate received from money changers may be better than the bank rate but there may be some risk involved. Gold shops may offer an exchange service. When changing travellers cheques be sure to ensure that the notes received are of good quality. Damaged notes are often unacceptable to Cambodians. Most banks are open from 8.30 to 3.30 during the week and possibly open on Saturday morning. You are not supposed to take riel into or out of the country and all foreign currency should be declared on arrival. Keep all exchange slips in case you need to submit these on departure.