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Money Words from Around the World

  • Writer: Smartmonies
    Smartmonies
  • Oct 29
  • 2 min read

Money might look different wherever you go — coins, notes, cards, even digital numbers on a phone — but every country has its own special words for it. Learning them helps us see how connected the world really is!



money financial literacy

United Kingdom

  • Money: Pound sterling (£)

  • Bank: Bank

  • Fun fact: The UK’s £ symbol comes from the Latin word libra, meaning “balance” or “scales.”


France

  • Money: Euro (€)

  • Bank: Banque

  • Fun fact: Before the Euro, France used the franc. You can still find old coins at antique markets!


Germany

  • Money: Euro (€)

  • Bank: Bank (pronounced bahnk)

  • Fun fact: German ATMs are often called Geldautomat — literally, “money machine”!


United States

  • Money: Dollar ($)

  • Bank: Bank

  • Fun fact: Americans sometimes say bucks instead of dollars — like, “It costs ten bucks.”


Japan

  • Money: Yen (¥)

  • Bank: Ginkō (銀行)

  • Fun fact: Japan’s smallest coin, 1 yen, is so light it can float on water!


Spain

  • Money: Euro (€)

  • Bank: Banco

  • Fun fact: Spanish notes feature bridges and arches to show Europe’s unity and history.


 India

  • Money: Rupee (₹)

  • Bank: Bank (but often written in Hindi as बैंक)

  • Fun fact: Many Indian notes have 15 languages printed on them!


 Serbia

  • Money: Dinar (динар, RSD)

  • Bank: Banka (банка)

  • Fun fact: The dinar is one of the world’s oldest currencies still in use — first used over 1,000 years ago!


Did You Know?

Over 180 currencies are used in the world today.Some countries share a currency (like the Euro), while others have their own (like the Pound or Yen).But all currencies share one purpose — helping people exchange goods and services fairly.


Try This at Home

1️⃣ Ask your family which countries they’ve visited or come from — what’s the local word for money or bank?

2️⃣ Draw or print out different coins and notes to make a Money from Around the World display.

3️⃣ Look at how symbols like £, $, and € appear on price tags or online — can you spot them this week?


Learning about money words helps us see that finance is a universal language.


Wherever you go, being money-smart means understanding value, saving, and making thoughtful choices.


Ready to Level Up Your Child's Financial Skills?

📘 Book a Smartmonies lesson today and help your child begin building essential financial skills for life.

🎁 Use code SMARTSAVER and get £10 off your first session!




 
 
 

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