KHRCambodian RielCambodian Riel (KHR)
The Cambodian riel is Cambodia's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Cambodia is the monetary and supervisory authority and the sole issuer of the Khmer riel. KHR is the ISO code used to distinguish the riel in payment records and exchange-rate systems, and the currency is divided into 100 sen in the reference metadata. Cambodia is also a highly dollarized economy: the National Bank explains that payment instruments are used in both U.S. dollars and Khmer riel, with dollar transactions historically larger in volume. That makes the distinction between official currency and commonly used currency especially important on a currency profile.
- ISO code
- KHR
- Symbol
- ៛
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Cambodian Riel operates under the reviewed managed monetary framework in a highly dollarized payment environment arrangement.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
KHR at a glance
Currency profile
How KHR works
The Cambodian riel is Cambodia's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Cambodia is the monetary and supervisory authority and the sole issuer of the Khmer riel. KHR is the ISO code used to distinguish the riel in payment records and exchange-rate systems, and the currency is divided into 100 sen in the reference metadata. Cambodia is also a highly dollarized economy: the National Bank explains that payment instruments are used in both U.S. dollars and Khmer riel, with dollar transactions historically larger in volume. That makes the distinction between official currency and commonly used currency especially important on a currency profile.
National Bank of Cambodia administers KHR within a managed monetary framework in a highly dollarized payment environment system.
- The Khmer riel was reintroduced in 1980.
- The reviewed cash profile records KHR 500, KHR 1,000, KHR 2,000, KHR 5,000, KHR 10,000, KHR 20,000, KHR 50,000, KHR 100,000 for banknotes and KHR 50, KHR 100, KHR 200, KHR 500 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The riel was reintroduced in 1980, and the National Bank continues to present it as central to Cambodia's monetary and financial development. Its public materials list daily official exchange rates and emphasize the riel's role in domestic payment systems, while also explaining why the U.S. dollar is commonly used. This is not a reason to treat KHR as a dollar substitute: the riel remains the national currency, and the two units have different issuers, codes and rate behavior. For travel or accounting, a dated KHR conversion helps compare values, but the amount received from a bank, money changer or merchant may differ because of fees, spreads and the handling of small notes. Cambodia's payment environment can show both the riel and US dollar in everyday contexts, especially where prices or settlement practices use more than one unit. That does not remove the riel's role as Cambodia's national currency or the National Bank's issuance responsibility. This dual-currency usage is a practical feature of Cambodia's payment environment, not a change to the riel's legal status. KHR gives rate tables and software a precise local identifier.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Cambodian Riel operates under the reviewed managed monetary framework in a highly dollarized payment environment arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for KHR
First riel introduced
Cambodia introduced the riel as a national currency after the piastre system.
National Bank of CambodiaCurrency circulation halted
Money and formal currency circulation were abolished during the Khmer Rouge period.
National Bank of CambodiaRiel reintroduced
Cambodia restored the riel and rebuilt a national monetary system.
National Bank of Cambodia
Usage and economy
How KHR is used
- KHR is used for everyday prices, wages and small-value settlement throughout Cambodia.
- Riel-dollar comparisons are common because both currencies appear in Cambodia's highly dollarized payment environment.
Banknotes and coins
KHR currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed KHR banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for KHR.
One Cambodian Riel unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Sen as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
KHR questions
Is KHR Cambodia's official currency?
Yes. The National Bank of Cambodia identifies the Khmer riel as the national currency and is its sole issuer.
Why is the U.S. dollar also common in Cambodia?
The National Bank describes Cambodia as highly dollarized, with payment instruments used in both USD and KHR. Common use of USD does not make it the national currency.
When was the riel reintroduced?
The National Bank's public materials distinguish the reintroduction of the Khmer riel in 1980.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.