Exchanging Money
Use these phrases to ask about exchange rates, clarify commissions, and specify how you want your cash when exchanging money.
Key Phrases
¿Sabes dónde puedo cambiar dinero por aquí cerca?
casualDo you know where I can exchange money around here?
Common when asking locals or friends for directions.
¿Hay alguna casa de cambio por esta zona?
neutralIs there a currency exchange in this area?
Standard way to ask anyone on the street or hotel staff.
¿A cuánto está el cambio hoy?
casualWhat's the exchange rate today?
Very common and direct way to ask when approaching the counter.
¿Cuál es el tipo de cambio para los dólares?
neutralWhat is the exchange rate for dollars?
Clear and standard terminology.
Me gustaría saber a cómo tienen el cambio hoy, por favor.
politeI would like to know what your exchange rate is today, please.
Softer approach using the conditional 'me gustaría'.
¿El tipo de cambio que muestran es para comprar o para vender?
neutralIs the exchange rate you show for buying or for selling?
Essential to clarify which rate applies to your transaction.
¿Cobran mucha comisión por cambiar efectivo?
casualDo you charge a lot of commission for exchanging cash?
Direct and slightly informal, good for quick inquiries.
¿Me cobra alguna comisión si cambio esta cantidad?
neutralDo you charge me any commission if I exchange this amount?
Polite but standard use of formal 'usted'.
¿Podría decirme de cuánto es la comisión por esta transacción?
politeCould you tell me how much the commission is for this transaction?
Very respectful, uses the conditional 'podría' (could you).
Quiero cambiar trescientos dólares a pesos, por favor.
neutralI want to exchange three hundred dollars to pesos, please.
Direct and transactional.
Me gustaría cambiar estos euros por moneda local.
politeI would like to exchange these euros for local currency.
'Moneda local' is useful if you don't know the exact name of the currency.
¿Me puedes dar billetes pequeños, por favor?
casualCan you give me small bills, please?
Informal ('tú'), common in places where you have a rapport with the teller.
Prefiero billetes de veinte o de cincuenta, si es posible.
neutralI prefer twenties or fifties, if possible.
Clearly states your preference for specific bill sizes.
¿Sería tan amable de darme billetes de baja denominación?
politeWould you be so kind as to give me small denomination bills?
Formal phrasing, excellent for banks or official exchange offices.
¿Cuánto dinero me van a dar en total por esto?
neutralHow much money are you going to give me in total for this?
Good to confirm the final amount before handing over your money.
Creo que voy a comparar en otra casa de cambio primero.
neutralI think I am going to compare at another currency exchange first.
A polite way to decline the transaction if the rate is poor.