Understanding “currency exchange” is an important and practical topic for you, an ESL learner, because it helps you handle money while traveling, shopping online, or sending money to family abroad. Whether you're asking about exchange rates at the airport or transferring funds internationally, this topic comes up more often than you might expect. Mastering today’s vocabulary will give you the tools to communicate clearly in real-life situations involving foreign money. Let’s jump right in!

5 Vocabulary Words

1. Currency (Noun): The system of money used in a particular country.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. The official currency in Japan is the yen.

     2. I exchanged my dollars for local currency at the airport.

     3. Each country usually has its own currency and symbol.

2. Exchange rate (Noun): The value of one currency compared to another.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. The exchange rate today is 1 dollar to 0.90 euros.

     2. I always check the exchange rate before I travel.

     3. The exchange rate can change from day to day.

3. Convert (Verb): To change something into a different form or system (such as money).

   • Example Sentences:

     1. I need to convert my U.S. dollars into Korean won.

     2. She used an app to convert the prices while shopping online.

     3. Where can I convert currency near the train station?

4. Fee (Noun): A charge or cost that you pay for a service.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. The bank charges a fee for currency exchange.

     2. I paid a small fee to convert my money at the counter.

     3. Some places have higher fees than others.

5. Foreign (Adjective): Related to another country or something not from your own country.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. He travels a lot and often carries foreign currency.

     2. I bought a gift using a foreign website.

     3. Some banks offer better rates for foreign transactions.

When I arrived in Mexico, I had to exchange my currency at the airport. I checked the exchange rate first to make sure I got a good deal. The bank helped me convert my dollars into pesos quickly, although there was a small fee for the service. Now I carry both local and foreign money, just in case I need it while traveling.