Understanding Exchange Rates

You're trying to figure out what things really cost and compare exchange rates.

You
¿Cuál es el tipo de cambio hoy?
kwahl ehs ehl TEE-poh deh KAHM-bee-oh oy
What's the exchange rate today?
'Tipo de cambio' is the standard term for exchange rate throughout Latin America.
Staff
Compramos a diecisiete y vendemos a dieciocho.
kohm-PRAH-mohs ah dee-eh-see-see-EH-teh ee behn-DEH-mohs ah dee-eh-see-OH-choh
We buy at seventeen and sell at eighteen.
Exchange houses have two rates: 'compra' (buy — what they pay you) and 'venta' (sell — what they charge you). You want the 'compra' rate to be as high as possible.
You
¿Cuánto es en dólares? Esto cuesta quinientos pesos.
KWAHN-toh ehs ehn DOH-lah-rehs? EHS-toh KWEHS-tah keen-ee-EHN-tohs PEH-sohs
How much is that in dollars? This costs five hundred pesos.
Staff
Son como veintinueve dólares. Pero cobramos una comisión.
sohn KOH-moh beyn-tee-NWEH-beh DOH-lah-rehs. PEH-roh koh-BRAH-mohs OO-nah koh-mee-see-OHN
It's about twenty-nine dollars. But we charge a commission.
'La comisión' is a fee or commission — always ask if there is one before exchanging money.
You
Es mejor cambiar en el aeropuerto o aquí en la ciudad?
ehs meh-HOHR kahm-bee-AHR ehn ehl ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh oh ah-KEE ehn lah see-oo-DAHD
Is it better to exchange at the airport or here in the city?
Airport exchange rates are almost always worse. Change only a small amount at the airport and find a better rate in the city.