The riel is the currency of Cambodia. There have been two distinct riel, the first issued between 1953 and May 1975. Between 1975 and 1980, the country had no monetary system. A second currency, also named "riel", has been issued since April 1, 1980. However, this currency has never gained public acceptance, with most Cambodians preferring gold or foreign currency. The UN peacekeeping operation of 1993 injected a large quantity of U.S. dollars into the local economy. As a result, the dollar has become the country's common currency. Riel notes are used for fractional dollar amounts as U.S. coins are not in circulation.
Obverse: Sculpture of naga serpent; Independence from France, now Victory Monument; Lion statue
Reverse: Students in front of school
Watermark: Khmer text
Thanks to a trader from Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand.
