Angkor Wat Travel Forum

We are in siem reap for 3 days what is the best currency to use please.

US dollars is the best. You will only need the local money for really small things.

The same, US dollars and some riel for smaller items.

Agree with the above. Local ATM's dispense USD. You get the local currency (Riel) when you pay in US at a shop etc, they give you change in Riel. Riel comes in handy when tipping or giving donations to the local landmine victims who busk around the temples. Its around 4000 riel to 1USD.

you should get hold on some riels unless you like paying more than you have to around siem reap.
i would say bring a credit card and draw some money out from an ATM.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1e4db/12431e/
Here is my report on visiting Siem Reap for the first time. I found local money was worthless. Bring Dollars or Baht. I got $40 worth of Cambodian money and traded it back for $36 2 days later.

i have been 3 times to siem reap and never used anything but riel.
they might ask for dollars first, but that is only cause they try to get a little more for what you buy, but they will always take riel if you show them that this is the only thing you have.

Agree with cachaseiro. I was just in Siem Reap last month and better to use Riel for everything. Yes USD are dispensed from ATM (which took me by surprise) and everything is quoted in USD but you can use Riel for everything. Just think about it? Why ask for USD when Riels are available and accepted everywhere.

1 USD = 4000 Riel

You can use USD if you like but its much easier having all different bill denominations in Riel than having them in USD. Pay in USD and you'll get change in Riel anyway.

GET THE LOCAL DOUGH
we had a ball but couldnt figure out where our money was going fast.
one buck tip one buck fruit one dollar water.
Bananas at the stalls behind Siem Reap markets 500 reil
water - small 2000
for one dollars worth we walk off with water orange apple bannas and no hard bargaining req'd.
I was stunned when I had a lot of trouble changing our money - to the tune of "why every body will take dollars" but we could have saved a fair bit of money using Riel
Can we start a conspiracy theory here - it almost has legs but I think the Cambodians are just a little more switched on than me.
Still loved the place and recommend it big time
Don