Exchanging Money
Use these phrases to navigate currency exchange offices, ask about rates and commissions, and specify the bills you need.
Key Phrases
Posso cambiare dei soldi qui?
neutralCan I exchange some money here?
Buongiorno. Devo cambiare dei dollari in euro.
politeGood morning. I have to exchange some dollars into euros.
A direct but polite way to state what you need using 'dovere' (must/have to).
Qual è il tasso di cambio oggi?
neutralWhat is the exchange rate today?
A quanto cambiate i dollari?
casualAt what rate do you exchange dollars?
A common, direct way to ask the rate in everyday speech.
Prendete una commissione?
neutralDo you take a commission?
Ci sono spese extra?
casualAre there extra fees?
Useful for asking about any hidden costs.
Il vostro tasso è migliore di quello della banca.
neutralYour rate is better than the bank's.
Qui conviene di più.
casualIt's a better deal here.
'Conviene' is an everyday verb meaning it is a good deal or financially advantageous.
Mi può dare banconote piccole, per favore?
politeCan you give me small bills, please?
Uses the formal 'può' (can you) for polite requests to staff.
Avete pezzi da venti o da dieci?
casualDo you have twenties or tens?
'Pezzi da venti' is standard everyday language for 20-unit notes.