Cambodia currency

Cambodia had Riel as their main currency but after the Khmer Rouge regime ended and UN Peacekeeping forces took over the administration in 1992-93, it brought US dollars into circulation and by the time they left, dollars became a part of Cambodia's economy.
The conversion rate is 4000 R to a dollar with minor fluctuations. The small notes are mainly used as change since no coins exist there. Riel is named after a small fish which is used in making prahoc, the strong flavor it imparts to a Cambodian dish.

Having lived there for five blissful years, I thought of posting pictures of those currency notes in my post.

100 Riel:

old note, but still in circulation.

Front view: Naag, Independence monument on one side, black stone statue on the other side

Rear view: students in front of school

new note in circulation in commemoration of the late King Father Nordorm Sihanouk

front view: seven headed naag, Buddha and a young former and revered King Father Nordorm Sihanouk

rear view: Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Kheo), Buddha image on the side

500 Riel:
equivalent to 12.5 cents
old note but still in circulation

front view: Angkor Wat

rear view: Kizuna bridge over Mekong river (Kampong Cham)

 front view: present King of Cambodia, King Nordom Sihamoni

back view: Nak Loeung Bridge over Mekong in Phnom Penh ( Cambodia-Japan friendship bridge)

 

1000 Riel:
equivalent to 25 cents

 Front view: Southern gate at Bayon in Angkor

Rear side: Kampong Som harbor ( Sihanoukville)

 After the demise of King Father, Nordorm Sihanouk very limited number of notes to honor him came into circulation.

Front: Naga head, Royal Arms of Cambodia,  late King Nordorm Sihanouk

Rear side: Royal Palace, swan shaped float carrying King Sihanouk's body

I am also pasting few pictures of float with his casket. The public gathered in large numbers wearing the mourning dress code of white and black.

people waiting at Independence Monument

the procession arrives

swan shaped float carrying the casket

the casket

 head monk

public paying homage with folded hands

monks accompanying the casket

The Royal Palace was lighted for a month. Though no one could enter inside the palace, people thronged in huge numbers from across the country to pay homage to their beloved King.

 Royal Palace at night

public lighting incense sticks

The air around the palace became very smoky with the large numer of incense sticks burning.

2000 Riel:
equivalent to 50 cents

Front: Preah Vihear

This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was at some time a disputed region between Thailand and Cambodia. It was under UN protection but was given custody to Cambodia in 2013.

rear view: Angkor Wat in the distance, farmers working in rice fields

5000 Riel:
equivalent to $1.25

Front: King Father Norodom Sihanouk

Back: Bridge in Siem Reap ( Kampong Kdei)

10000 Riel:
equivalent to $2.50

King Father Norodom Sihanouk

Rear view: Royal Palace at Phnom Penh and the famous boat race during the water festival

20000 Riel:
equivalent to $5

Front: Present King Norodom Sihamoni

Back: Aerial view of Angkor Wat, Bayon temple in Angkor Thom on the side

50000 Riel:
equivalent to $12.50

Front: King Norodom Sihanouk

 Back: Korker ruins, elephant sculpture

100000 Riel:
equivalent to $25

Front: King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath, I forgot to take the rear view

the new note:

Front: Naga head, Royal Arms of Cambodia, King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath

Back: King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath blessing King Norodom Sihanouk, a stone statue of Garuda

Cambodia is fast erasing its bitter memories and marching towards a bright future.