TravelBeginner
Exchanging money in English (beginner)
Beginner English for exchanging money. Key line: “Hi, can I exchange some money here?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, can I exchange some money here?
Them
Sure. What currency do you need?
Lin
Euros, please. Only small bills, please.
Them
No problem. Any coins, or just bills?
Lin
Just bills. My pockets already jingle enough.
Them
Got it. The rate is good today.
Lin
Great. I'd like two hundred euros, please.
Them
Here you go—quiet pockets at last.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask
✓ Can I exchange some money here?Ask if this service is available
Ask first. It sounds natural.
Currency
✓ What currency do you need?Staff asks which money you want
currency = type of money
Bills
✓ Only small bills, please.Ask for smaller paper money
bills = paper money here
Amount
✓ I'd like two hundred euros, please.Say the amount you want
Say the amount clearly
Quick answers
Ask: what to say in English
Say “Can I exchange some money here?” — ask if this service is available. Ask first. It sounds natural.
Currency: what to say in English
Say “What currency do you need?” — staff asks which money you want. currency = type of money.
Bills: what to say in English
Say “Only small bills, please.” — ask for smaller paper money. bills = paper money here.
Amount: what to say in English
Say “I'd like two hundred euros, please.” — say the amount you want. Say the amount clearly.