Exchanging Money
These phrases will help you navigate currency exchange offices to ask about rates, avoid hidden fees, and request the exact cash you need.
Key Phrases
What's the exchange rate for dollars to euros today?
neutralThe most common and direct way to ask.
Could you tell me the current exchange rate?
politeA slightly softer way to ask when approaching the counter.
Do you charge a fee for this?
casualA quick, direct question about extra costs.
Is there any commission on exchanging money here?
neutralUse this to check if they take a percentage of the money.
I need to change three hundred dollars into euros.
neutralA clear, factual way to state what you want to do.
I'd like to exchange three hundred dollars, please.
politeA standard and polite way to start the transaction.
Can I get some smaller bills, please?
casualUS English — useful when you need money for small purchases.
Can I get some smaller notes, please?
casualUK English — the British equivalent of 'bills'.
Could you give me some twenties and tens?
neutralSpecify exactly how you want the money divided.
How much will I get exactly after the fee?
neutralGood to ask if the math is confusing.
Could you tell me the final amount I will receive?
politeA clear way to confirm the exact cash you will get.
I think I saw a better rate down the street.
casualA gentle way to point out a difference in prices.
Is that your best rate? Another place offered a bit more.
neutralA direct way to see if they will match a competitor's rate.
That sounds good. Let's go ahead.
casualAn informal way to accept the rate and proceed.
That works for me. Here is the money.
neutralA clear way to agree to the terms and start the exchange.
Can I get a receipt for this?
neutralImportant for keeping a record of the transaction.