Currency Around the World

Travel through the many monetary systems used around the world.

About Currency Around the World

Countries and currency unions use different units of money. Some currencies float in value against one another, some are managed closely, and some countries share a currency such as the euro.

Visual learning: These pages use real Wikimedia Commons photographs of banknotes and coins. Content is general financial education, not personalized financial advice.

U.S. Banknotes — U.S. BanknotesPaper currency is one form of money used for exchange.

Dollar and Coins — Dollar and CoinsCoins and notes represent standardized units of value.

U.S. Dollar Notes — U.S. Dollar NotesModern currency includes security features and standardized denominations.

Historic U.S. Denominations — Historic U.S. DenominationsOld banknotes show how currency design and denominations change through time.

Currencies

Currencies have names, symbols, codes, and denominations.

Exchange Rates

An exchange rate tells how much one currency is worth in another.

Floating Rates

Many major currencies float in foreign-exchange markets.

Pegs

Some governments manage or peg their currency to another currency or basket.

Currency Unions

Several countries can share one currency.

Currency Symbols

Symbols help distinguish units.

Design Around the World

Banknotes display different histories and identities.

Travel

Travelers need to consider exchange rates and fees.

Currencies

The U.S. dollar uses USD, the euro EUR, Japanese yen JPY, and British pound GBP in common international codes.

Exchange Rates

Rates change with interest rates, inflation, trade, investment, expectations, policy, and global events.

Floating Rates

Supply and demand move the price continuously during trading.

Pegs

Maintaining a peg can require central-bank reserves and policy adjustments.

Currency Unions

Euro-area countries share the euro and a common central bank, while national governments still control many taxes and spending decisions.

Currency Symbols

Dollar signs, euro signs, pound signs, yen signs, and currency codes reduce confusion in prices and contracts.

Design Around the World

Architecture, wildlife, leaders, scientists, artists, languages, and national symbols are common themes.

Travel

Cards, cash exchanges, ATMs, and banks may use different rates or add fees.