Dollars vs. Riels

Even after a summer here in Cambodia, I am still awed about how US dollars is primarily used here and riel (Cambodian currency) is used as change for most of the time. So think of it like this, you used your dollars to buy stuff and if it is a fraction of a dollar or "change", we get it back in riel. Currently, it is about 4300 riel to a $1. In the provinces, I noticed that the exchange rate is about 4300 riel to the dollar, but in Phnom Penh, it is different. It is most likely because of the tourism in Phnom Penh, that the exchange rate is brought down to $1 = 4000 riel. It makes it a lot easier for everyone, since 1000 riel is 25 cents. Well, since US dollars are used here, it becomes very strict about the condition of US bills. If there is any super tiny, micro rip in the bill, it is deemed as unusable. This has happen to me with a couple dollars bills, a five and a twenty. One of my friends had a super micro rip in her $100 dollar bill and that bill became "unusable". Another things that makes US bills very unattractive is its age. If it is old an not the new style/updated version of the bill like the 5, 10 and 20, they become "unusable" and no one will take it. Even if you tape a bill back, in my case, I got a dollar bill from someone and it was tape in the corner, even tuk tuk drivers will not accept this at all. It gets quite annoying when that is the only change that you have and you must try to salvage for the tiny riel that you have to pay for your rides. Well, the riel comes 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, and I think 50000, but I do not think I have ever seen this. The 100 riels are probably the most worthless ones because they equal to about maybe 3 cents and no one uses them. I find pennies a lot more useful because at least they are small and you can put them in a jar, but the 100 riel are a paper bill. There is a picture on top of the 100 riels that I have collected. Guess how much? I will tell you at the end.
But, it is still mind blowing about how there are 2 currencies that are used together. I still am shocked when I go to the grocery store, like Lucky and I give a $5 and then 2200 riel. Just really surprised still. I guess the riel is a very weak currency and it just cannot work without people either making wallets that are the size of a coat or carrying a bucket of riel to purchase a bed. The riel exchange rate has been like this for the past couple years because of the government,but I hope that one day the riel can be strong again, but I do not think that will happen.
Weather update, it is pouring outside and I really like it. It is nice to be on the top floor and hear the rain hit the roof and plus there is a nice view from the balcony. This morning, I said something about the weather on the east and west coast and Rot was like, again, you love the weather and I do.
Oh yes, have you made your guesses, it is about 50 cents, 2200 riel. Awesome.