The Cambodian Riel, abbreviated as KHR, has an intriguing history intertwined with Cambodia’s rich cultural tapestry. First introduced in 1953, just prior to Cambodia gaining independence from French colonial rule, the Riel was initially faced with skepticism, as many locals preferred using foreign currencies like the US Dollar, which is still widely circulated in Cambodia today. Interestingly, the origin of its name “Riel” is believed to be linked to the small fish used in traditional Cambodian cuisine, underpinning the currency’s cultural significance.

In the 1980s, during the Khmer Rouge regime’s collapse, the Riel gained prominence as Cambodia sought national reconstruction. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the government fully reinstated the Riel along with the US Dollar, creating a dual monetary system still in practice today. This unique currency cohabitation offers an insight into Cambodia’s resilience, adaptability, and the complexity of its economic history.