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February 22, 2004Dollars, Riels and Baht
The capital city of Cambodia is definitely one of the most beautiful cities I've seen on my trip here in Asia. There is a huge French influence, with wide boulevards, large grassy parks, balconies on almost every single apartment building. Not only that but they have some of the most fantastic baguettes and coffee I've ever tasted. The currency of Cambodia is the Riel, but everyone uses US dollars as well as Thai baht. Most people use US dollars, using the Riel as change. For example, I'll buy a book that costs say, $1.50 USD. If I hand them $2 USD, I'll get back my change in Riel, in this case, 2000 Riel (it's 4000 Riel to $1 USD). Or I can chose to hand them $1 USD and 2000 Riel. So everyone pretty much uses US dollars, while using the Riel for anything less than $1 USD. It's slightly confusing when you first get here, but eventually you get the hang of it. Comments
Wow, Angkor Wat sounded incredible... I have to say I don't know anything at all about the history. Hmm.....time to plan a side trip..?! :) Posted by: kelly on February 22, 2004 03:37 AMThe currency thing sounds really cool. It's like they've melded three currencies into one common currency. The only tricky thing is that outside the country you could no longer exchange one for the other. What will you do if you end up with a bunch of Riel? Or is the exchange rate fairly constant? Posted by: Sirius on February 23, 2004 12:35 AMThe exchange rate is fairly constant, about 4000 riels to the dollar. If I end up with a bunch of riel, I'll save it for John's tip when I go to his shows :). Posted by: ravensong on February 25, 2004 07:43 AM |
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