Moving to Cambodia taught me harsh lessons about currency that no guidebook adequately explains. This country operates on USD for most transactions, but they're incredibly particular about bill condition — And learning this the wrong way costs time, money, and patience.

Bring clean, unmarked bills from your home bank before arrival. Cambodians reject torn, wrinkled, or written-on notes without exception. I've watched vendors turn away perfectly functional $20 bills because of minor creases or small ink marks. It's frustrating until you understand this reflects their difficulty exchanging damaged USD later.

ATMs dispense USD but inspect every bill before leaving the machine. Local bank ATMs (ABA Bank, Canadia Bank) generally provide cleaner notes than international chains. The exchange rate fluctuates around 4,100 riels per $1, and change under $1 comes back in colorful riel notes that accumulate quickly.

Smart money management: request $10 and $20 bills rather than larger denominations. Many vendors can't break $50 or $100 notes, especially at markets or food stalls. Spend accumulated riels before departure — They're nearly impossible to exchange outside Cambodia, and I'm still stuck with $30 worth from my first year here. Credit cards work at upscale restaurants and hotels, but cash remains king for authentic local experiences, from morning market shopping to late-night street food adventures.