Cambodia has issued new 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel banknotes, adding redesigned high-value notes to the country's currency circulation alongside existing banknotes.
The Royal Government of Cambodia issued the two new denominations through separate sub-decrees on September 25, 2026, according to the Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).
The new notes will circulate alongside the existing 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel banknotes from the date of the announcement.
Both sub-decrees were signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The new banknotes also introduce updated visual designs, accessibility features and security technology, according to separate official announcements from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).
New 50,000-Riel Banknote
The new 50,000-riel banknote, equivalent to approximately US$12.50, measures:
- 155 mm long
- 72 mm wide
- Dominant colours: dark yellow and brown
The front of the note features a portrait of Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk (Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh) together with a seven-headed naga statue.
The reverse side features Bakong Temple in the Roluos temple complex and an image of a young elephant, based on a stone carving at Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province.
The design therefore combines Cambodia's modern currency with imagery drawn from the country's historical and cultural heritage.
New 100,000-Riel Banknote
The new 100,000-riel banknote, equivalent to roughly US$25, is the higher of the two denominations.
It measures:
- 170 mm long
- 75 mm wide
- Dominant colours: green and grey
The front features portraits of Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, accompanied by a nine-headed naga statue.
The reverse features images of:
- Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
- Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk
- His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni
- A standing Garuda King displaying his power
The Garuda image is modelled after a stone carving at Preah Khan Temple in Siem Reap province.
Accessibility and Security Features
Beyond their visual redesign, both new banknotes incorporate features intended to improve accessibility and security.
According to the NBC, the notes include special symbols for visually impaired persons, allowing people with visual disabilities to distinguish the denominations.
Both banknotes also feature a 10-mm hologram incorporating advanced technology and high-level security standards.
The combination of tactile or visual accessibility elements and security technology is designed to support the identification and protection of the currency in circulation.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | 50,000-Riel Note | 100,000-Riel Note |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate value | US$12.50 | US$25 |
| Length | 155 mm | 170 mm |
| Width | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Dominant colours | Dark yellow and brown | Green and grey |
| Front design | King Norodom Sihanouk and seven-headed naga | King Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and nine-headed naga |
| Reverse design | Bakong Temple and young elephant from Koh Ker imagery | Former King Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, King Norodom Sihamoni and Garuda King |
| Accessibility | Special symbols for visually impaired persons | Special symbols for visually impaired persons |
| Security | 10-mm hologram | 10-mm hologram |
| Circulation | Alongside existing notes | Alongside existing notes |
What the New Notes Mean for Cambodia's Currency System?
The introduction of the two banknotes does not replace the existing denominations.
Instead, the new notes will circulate alongside existing banknotes, meaning businesses, consumers and financial institutions will encounter both versions in everyday transactions.
For businesses, the practical impact will include recognizing the new designs, checking security features and updating cash-handling procedures where necessary.
Retailers, banks, hotels, restaurants and other cash-intensive businesses may need to ensure that employees can distinguish the new notes from existing versions, particularly during the initial period of circulation.
The new notes also reinforce the role of Cambodia's national currency as a representation of the country's cultural and historical identity.
The designs incorporate major Cambodian heritage symbols and archaeological sites, linking everyday financial transactions with national cultural imagery.
Cambodia's Currency Combines Heritage and Modern Security
The two new banknotes illustrate how Cambodia's currency serves several functions at the same time.
They are financial instruments used in daily transactions, but their designs also communicate elements of Cambodian history, monarchy, architecture and cultural heritage.
The 50,000-riel note highlights Bakong and Koh Ker imagery, while the 100,000-riel note incorporates imagery associated with Preah Khan and members of the Cambodian royal family.
At the same time, the NBC has incorporated modern security technology through the 10-mm hologram and accessibility features for visually impaired users.
This combination of heritage design and security technology reflects the multiple roles played by modern banknotes.
Angkor Times Analysis
The introduction of new 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel banknotes is primarily a currency and financial-system development, but it also has practical implications for Cambodia's business community.
Because the new notes will circulate alongside existing versions, businesses should expect a transition period in which different designs of the same denominations are used simultaneously.
For cash-intensive businesses, the main operational consideration is recognition.
Employees who handle cash should be familiar with the new visual characteristics, denomination markings, accessibility symbols and security features. This is particularly relevant for businesses operating in tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation, where staff regularly handle cash from a wide range of customers.
The cultural design is also significant.
Cambodia is using images of historical monuments, royal figures, naga sculptures, elephants and Garuda imagery to connect the country's currency with its national heritage.
For international visitors, these banknotes can also function as small representations of Cambodia's cultural identity.
The source, however, does not provide information on the total number of new notes to be issued, their production cost, expected circulation volume, monetary-policy objectives or the economic impact of the issuance. Those issues therefore cannot be determined from the announcement alone.
For now, the clearest change for the public is straightforward: new versions of the 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel denominations are entering circulation while existing notes remain valid for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new banknotes has Cambodia issued?
Cambodia has issued new 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel banknotes.
When do the new banknotes enter circulation?
The new notes will circulate alongside existing banknotes from September 25, 2026, the date of the announcement.
Will the old 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel notes still be used?
Yes. The new banknotes will circulate alongside existing banknotes, according to the sub-decrees.
How much are the new banknotes worth in US dollars?
The new 50,000-riel note is approximately US$12.50, while the 100,000-riel note is approximately US$25, based on the values stated in the AKP report.
What colour is the new 50,000-riel note?
The dominant colours are dark yellow and brown.
What colour is the new 100,000-riel note?
The dominant colours are green and grey.
What landmarks appear on the new 50,000-riel note?
The reverse features Bakong Temple in the Roluos temple complex and a young elephant modelled after a stone carving at Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province.
What landmark appears on the new 100,000-riel note?
The reverse features a standing Garuda King modelled after a stone carving at Preah Khan Temple in Siem Reap province, together with images of members of the Cambodian royal family.
Do the new notes include security features?
Yes. According to the National Bank of Cambodia, both notes feature a 10-mm hologram incorporating advanced technology and high-level security standards.
Do the new notes include accessibility features?
Yes. Both denominations include special symbols for visually impaired persons.