The influence and circulation of the Cambodian riel on the international market is expected to increase following its listing on currency exchange boards in Australia. UK-based company Travelex has posted the riel at its outlets in Melbourne.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) announced that under a cooperation agreement between the NBC and Travelex, the Cambodian riel has officially been included in the list of tradable currencies at Travelex’s money exchange counters in Melbourne, Australia, as of September 1, 2025.
The official launch of the listing was attended by Ly Sideth, Assistant Governor at National Bank of Cambodia, and Adam Nezval, head of Wholesale Banknotes & Cash Operations of Travelex for Australia and New Zealand.
The introduction of the riel into Australian currency exchanges help facilitate currency exchange for Australian tourists traveling to Cambodia and for Cambodians visiting Australia. It allows for easier conversion between Cambodian riel and Australian dollars, thereby promoting tourism.
“The presence of the riel on foreign exchange boards in Australia is a clear indication that the riel is a tradable currency on the international market. It reflects growing confidence and broader international recognition of the Cambodian riel. This is the result of NBC’s continuous efforts over the past two decades to maintain the stability of the national currency,” said an NBC statement.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on September 2 that the listing shows an increase in demand and trust from foreigners in the value of the riel. It also reflects the strength of Cambodia’s economic growth and political stability.
“If a country is unstable, no one would want to use or hold its currency,” he said, noting that “The inclusion of the riel in a global financial company’s currency exchange system brings many benefits to Cambodia, especially in the tourism sector.”
“International tourists will find it more convenient when traveling to Cambodia, as they can exchange their currency for riel, and vice versa, easily. This move will contribute significantly to attracting more tourists from Australia to visit Cambodia,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, in the first seven months of 2025, 59,435 Australian tourists visited Cambodia — an increase of 6.8% compared to the same period in 2024. In the full year of 2024, there were 104,489 Australian tourists, up 19.8% from 2023.
According to the NBC, Australia is now the fourth country where Travelex has partnered with the NBC to list the Cambodian riel at international financial hubs. The other three are: Chongqing International Airport (China), Haneda International Airport (Tokyo, Japan) and Changi International Airport (Singapore).
“The NBC will continue to explore the possibility of listing the riel in currency exchange boards at other international financial centers around the world,” it said.
