Money and shopping matters
Cambodian Currency
US dollars are as commonly used as the Cambodian Riel and even Thai Baht is acceptable in many places. Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.
Riel notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations, but the distinctive red 500 Riel note is the most commonly used. Currently the exchange rate is 4000 Riel = 1 USD, please recheck via http://xe.com.
Credit cards
Credit Cards in the major tourist towns, credit cards are accepted at most upscale hotels, shops and restaurants, some mid-range place and a growing number of other businesses. Credit cards are general not accepted at any businesses outside of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and the casinos in Poipet. Visa, MasterCard (MC) and JCB cards are the most widely accepted credit cards in Cambodia. AMEX is coming into wider use, as well as the new ANZ Bluespot card. Diners Club (DC) is accepted at very few places. Most businesses charge a 2%-4% fee to accept credit cards. It is always best to carry cash (US Dollars if necessary) in small denominations.
ATMs
There are now ATMs with international access in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Battambang. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank ATMs both accept Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard systems. SBC Bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard. All ATMs dispenses US dollars.
Traveler Check
Travelers checks are accepted at most banks, major hotels and restaurants and some money changers. AMEX in US dollars is the most widely accepted travellers checks with surcharge so you should ask them for more detail.
Cash Transfers
'Instant' cash transfers can be done through MoneyGram or Western Union. Ordinary telegraphic transfers are available at all major banks.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1500. Some banks are open on Saturdays 0800-1130.
Bank listings and contact details
ABA - Advanced Bank of Asia Ltd
Phnom Penh, N° 148, Sihanouk (St. 274)
Tel: +855-23 225 333, 855-23 222 995-6
Fax: +855-23 216 333
Email: info@ababank.com
Website: http://www.ababank.com.kh
ACLEDA Bank Plc.
Phnom Penh, N° 32, National Road No 1, Group 3, Doeum Ampil Village, Sangkat Chbar Ampeou I, Khan Meanchey
Tel: +855-23-720 633 , 855-23-997 277
Fax: +855-23-720 414
Email: mch@acledabank.com.kh
Website: http://www.aledabank.com.kh
ACLEDA Bank Plc.
Siem Reap, N° 1-3, Sivatha Street, Mondul 2 Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap District
Tel: +855-63-963 660
Fax: +855--63-963 280
Email: srp@acledabank.com.kh
Website: http://www.acledabank.com.kh
ACLEDA Bank Plc.
Sihanoukville, National Road Nº 4, Group 10, Boeung Veng Village, Sangkat Veal Rinh, Khan Prey Nob, Sihanoukville
Tel: +855-34-393 294
Fax: +855-34-393 294
Email: preynob_acleda@camshin.com.kh
ACLEDA Bank Plc.
Sihanoukville, Nº 616, Group 22, Trapeang Village, Srae Ambel Commune, Srae Ambel District, Koh Kong Province
Tel: +855-35-940 727 / (855)-12-681 672
Fax: +855-34-399 001
Email: sreambel_acleda@camshin.com.kh
American Dream Financial lnc
Phnom Penh, N° 254B, Street 430
Tel: +855-23 224 952
Fax: +855-23 224 953
Email: p_jeanmarc@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.adreamfi nance.com
AMK - Angkor Microfinance (Kampuchea)
Phnom Penh, Sihanouk (St. 274), corner Street Sothearos, room 191, block F, Phnom Penh Center
Tel: +855-23 993 062 / 023 224 763
Fax: +855-23 221 650
Email: info@amkcambodia.com
Website: http://www.amkcambodia.com
AMK - Angkor Microfinance (Kampuchea)
Siem Reap, N° 106, Group 5, Veal Village, Kork Chak Commune, Siem Reap District
Tel: +855-63 761 152
Email: info@amkcambodia.com
Website: http://www.amkcambodia.com
Amret Co Ltd
Phnom Penh, N° 35BA, Tchecoslovaquie (St. 169), Veal Vong, 7 Makara (Phnom Penh)
Tel: +855-23 880 942 , 855-23 991 342
Fax: +855-23 881 342
Email: info@amret.com.kh
Website: http://www.amret.com.kh
Amret Co Ltd
Siem Reap, Kampong Kdei I Village, Kampong Kdei Commune, Chi Kraeng District (Siem Reap)
Tel: +855-63 395 869
Email: sp@amret.com.kh
Website: http://www.amret.com.kh
Anco Specialized Bank
Phnom Penh, N° 20, Street 217, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara
Tel: +855-23 993 133
Fax: +855-23 993 133
Website: http://www.ancoholdings.com
ANZ Royal Bank (Cambodia) Ltd
Phnom Penh, N° 20, Kramuon Sar (St. 114), corner Street 67
Tel: +855-23 726 900
Asian Development Bank
Phnom Penh, N° 29, Suramarit Blvd (St. 268)
Tel: +855-23 215 805 / 023 215 806 / 023 216 417
Fax: +855-23 215 807
Email: adbcarm@adb.org
Website: http://www.adb.org/www.adb.org/carm
CAISB - Cambodia Agriculture Industrial Specialized Bank
Phnom Penh, N° 83-87, Norodom, Sangkat Phsar Thmey III, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-23 218 667 , 855-23 217 750
Fax: +855-23 217 751
Email: kien@online.com.kh
Cambodia Asia Bank
Siem Reap, CAB Bank Siemreap Airport Office Siemreap-Angkor International Airport.
Tel: +855-63 963 166
Fax: +855-63 963 165
Email: cab@cab.com.kh
Website: http://www.cab.com.kh
Currency restriction
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency may be exported up to the limit declared at customs on arrival.
Currency exchange
US Dollars are widely exchangeable and can often be used as payment in their own right. Thai Baht can be easily exchanged close to the Thai border, but other currencies are generally only recognized at banks.
Shopping
Visitors to Cambodia have a tendency to leave with bulkier luggage than on arrival; the country's markets are heavy with potential souvenirs, ranging from silks, textiles and statues to carvings, silver-work and Buddhist artworks. Unique to Cambodia is the omnipresent karma (a unisex checked scarf usually made of cotton), while silk can be bought either by the length, or in the form of scarves and other garments. Jewellery, ceramics, clothing are widespread in city markets as Phnom Penh Central Market, Siemreap Central Market or other markets in Sihanoukville are a starting point - go prepared to haggle.