Lo Just a heads up about dollar bills in Cambodia. The US$ is the main currency, not Cambodia’s own riel. Immigration accepts US$, not their own riel, if you buy a tourism visa on arrival. And always check your change for FAKE bills. Spot the difference between these US$10 notes…

A legit and a fake US$10 note

Look closely at the bottom note. It has “Copy”. Otherwise, it’s a perfect replica. Some bars and shops will hand them out as change, but they are way too smart to take them back. These phony bills are mainly used as “gifts” at Buddha shrines. I would’ve thought that Buddha, being the financially savvy bloke that he is, would spot the difference. But anyway…  I discovered the source, at the local’s market in Sihanoukville. I wonder if the US Treasury is missing a few imprint machines.

Replica US$ bills for sale at the Sihanoukville locals’ market

Also, watch out for the old, worn US$ bills. They are legal tender, handed out as change, but locals won’t accept them.

An old, worn but legit US$5. Local traders won’t accept it.

And then there’s the US$2 bill!

The US$2 bill

Nah, it’s perfectly legit. But we don’t often see them, so I certainly checked it closely. The history of the US$2 bill is interesting, and well worth reading when you have a spare minute…