5.6 Currencies of Spanish-speaking Countries
Completion requirements
Spanish Language and Culture 10-3Y
5.6 Currencies of Spanish-speaking Countries
Different Kinds of Currency
So, you want to go shopping in other countries? Well, you'll need to learn about different currencies!
Currency
Almost every country has its own currency, but some countries share the same currency because of special agreements or relationships.
Many European countries use the euro.
Some countries in South America and Central America use el peso, but not all "pesos" are the same. (Have you connected Peso to Pesar? Back in colonial times, coins were gold, and based on weight.)
Did you know that some Spanish-speaking countries don't use el peso? When they gained independence from Spain, they changed to their own currency.
Exchanging Currency
When you visit different countries you need to exchange your money for their local currency. Why? Although many countries accept the US dollar, it is not accepted everywhere.
Different currencies have different values and you want to be sure that the person accepting your dollar is making the right transaction and giving you the best possible rate. Currency exchange rates vary daily and from place to place. You should check the current exchange rates and use an online calculator / currency converter to verify the transaction.
驴D贸nde puedes hacer el intercambio de moneda?
Puedes hacer el intercambio de moneda en el banco, el aeropuerto y el hotel.
Where Do They Use Each Currency?
Select the continent names below the maps to reveal the currencies used in the Spanish speaking countries.
Here are some interesting facts about the currencies used in some of the Spanish-speaking countries.
Ecuador
Ecuador's currency was the "sucre," named after Antonio Jos茅 de Sucre, a Venezuelan independence leader and Sim贸n Bol铆var's closest friend. In 2000, Ecuador made the U.S. dollar their official currency.
Paraguay
Guaran铆 is the name of the native Indians in Paraguay. It is also a language spoken in Paraguay besides Spanish.
Venezuela
"El Bol铆var" is named after the name of South America's liberator, Simon Bolivar.
Ecuador's currency was the "sucre," named after Antonio Jos茅 de Sucre, a Venezuelan independence leader and Sim贸n Bol铆var's closest friend. In 2000, Ecuador made the U.S. dollar their official currency.
Paraguay
Guaran铆 is the name of the native Indians in Paraguay. It is also a language spoken in Paraguay besides Spanish.
Venezuela
"El Bol铆var" is named after the name of South America's liberator, Simon Bolivar.
CentCosta Rica
The Costa Rican col贸n was named after the discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus, or Cristobal Col贸n in Spanish.
El Salvador
El Salvador currency was the Salvadorian col贸n also in memory of Christopher Columbus, but it was replaced by the U.S. Dollar in 2001.
Guatemala
The Quetzal is the name of a Guatemalan bird. The Mayan Indians (Guatemalan natives) used the Quetzal feathers as money, and now it's the name of Guatemala's currency.
Honduras
The lempira was named after the Lenca Indian, Lempira. He was an important native leader in Honduras.
Nicaragua
The c贸rdova was named after Francisco Hern谩ndez de C贸rdova, Nicaragua's founder.
Panam谩
The balboa was Panama's currency for many years, it was named after the Spanish explorer Vasco N煤帽ez de Balboa. Today, Panama's currency is the U.S. dollar.
The Costa Rican col贸n was named after the discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus, or Cristobal Col贸n in Spanish.
El Salvador
El Salvador currency was the Salvadorian col贸n also in memory of Christopher Columbus, but it was replaced by the U.S. Dollar in 2001.
Guatemala
The Quetzal is the name of a Guatemalan bird. The Mayan Indians (Guatemalan natives) used the Quetzal feathers as money, and now it's the name of Guatemala's currency.
Honduras
The lempira was named after the Lenca Indian, Lempira. He was an important native leader in Honduras.
Nicaragua
The c贸rdova was named after Francisco Hern谩ndez de C贸rdova, Nicaragua's founder.
Panam谩
The balboa was Panama's currency for many years, it was named after the Spanish explorer Vasco N煤帽ez de Balboa. Today, Panama's currency is the U.S. dollar.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is not a country, but in 1898 it became a territory of the United States. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico's currency is the U.S. Dollar, which Puerto Ricans call a "peso," much like some Americans call the dollar "buck."
Puerto Rico is not a country, but in 1898 it became a territory of the United States. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico's currency is the U.S. Dollar, which Puerto Ricans call a "peso," much like some Americans call the dollar "buck."
Spain
The Euro is a common currency in Europe.
The Euro is a common currency in Europe.