Meaning
To convert currency.
Cultural Background
Due to high inflation, 'canjear dinero' often happens in 'Cuevas' (informal exchange houses) where the rate is better than the official bank rate. The 'Banco de España' allowed citizens to canjear pesetas for euros until 2021, nearly 20 years after the euro was introduced. In border towns like Tijuana, 'canjear dinero' is a daily activity for workers who earn in dollars but spend in pesos. It is common to see 'Canje de Moneda' signs in large malls (centros comerciales) which are considered safer than street exchanges.
Use 'por' for the trade
Always remember: Canjear [Lo que tienes] POR [Lo que quieres].
Passport required
In most Spanish-speaking countries, you cannot canjear dinero at a bank without your physical passport.
Meaning
To convert currency.
Use 'por' for the trade
Always remember: Canjear [Lo que tienes] POR [Lo que quieres].
Passport required
In most Spanish-speaking countries, you cannot canjear dinero at a bank without your physical passport.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'canjear'.
Mañana yo _______ mis dólares por euros en el banco.
The subject is 'yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Which sentence is correct for a formal bank transaction?
A: ¿Me cambias un dólar? B: Quisiera canjear cien dólares por pesos.
B uses the formal 'canjear' and the correct preposition 'por'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You have a gift card and want cash.
'Canjear' is used for redeeming items of value for cash.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMañana yo _______ mis dólares por euros en el banco.
The subject is 'yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
A: ¿Me cambias un dólar? B: Quisiera canjear cien dólares por pesos.
B uses the formal 'canjear' and the correct preposition 'por'.
Situation: You have a gift card and want cash.
'Canjear' is used for redeeming items of value for cash.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, you can also canjear points, vouchers, or coupons for products or services.
It sounds a bit too formal. 'Cambiar' is better for friends.
Related Phrases
cambiar divisas
synonymTo exchange foreign currency
cobrar un cheque
similarTo cash a check
tipo de cambio
builds onExchange rate
