Evolution of the present day riel:
Two series of riel were issued in Cambodia, prior to the present Cambodian currency, riel. The first series of Cambodian currency was issued between 1953- 1975 May. The second series was issued in 1980, April.Riel-series 1:
Period: 1953 to 1975.
Institut d'Emission des Etats du Cambodge and Du Laos Et Du Vietnam(Cambodian branch) issued currency notes in 1953. These currency notes were in dual denominations, riel as well as piastre. Formerly, riel was divided into 100 centimes. In the year 1959, centimes changed into sen. Cambodia currency consisting of piastre and riel circulated simultaneously in the initial stages of the first series.Riel-series 2:
Period: in 1980.
After the invasion of Vietnam in the year 1978, Cambodia currency consisting of riel was re incorporated in 1980. It was divided into 100 sen or 100 kak.History of Cambodia currency:
Tical:
Until 1875, tical was the official currency of Cambodia. Tical consisted of 64 att, 8 fuang, 4 salong and 32 pe. Tical currency, made of silver was in the form of a coin, which weighed approximately 15 grams. Franc replaced tical soon after.Franc:
Cambodia currency consisted of franc between 1875-1885. Franc in Cambodia was similar to the franc in France. It was divided into 100 centimes. Franc was replaced by piastre. The period between 1975-1980, no monetary system existed in Cambodia.Denominations of banknotes:
Banknotes of the following denominations are available.100 riel, 200 riel, 500 riel, 1000riel, 2000riel, 5000riel, 10,000riel, 20,000 riel, 100,000riel.
Banknotes, which are seldom used include:
50 riel, 20,000riel, 50,000riel, 100,000riel.In rural Cambodia, riel is used for almost all purposes. USD is more commonly used in urban Cambodia and tourist destinations. Thai baht is also used in few areas like Battambang, Pailin and the Thai border.
