Money, money, monnnneeeey!

Language barriers, travelling differences and currency exchange rates...all things needing adjustment in a new culture. Many say that the UK language isn't different from the US (those of you haven't spent much time in the UK or spent time listening to Scots--still takes me a few times to recognise just what they are saying).

Today's lesson is a monetary one. If you are preparing for a trip to the UK and wanting to convert your American Dollars for Sterling Pounds, I suggest you do so BEFORE you've entered the country. Otherwise you will lose money on the exchange (let's be real, you're going to loose money regardless, just less of it if you do your banking at an American branch and not the airport). Right now the current exchange rate between the US and UK is $1 to the £1.61. Americans, we're getting the raw end of the deal. :(

When comparing the actual details of the money it is as follows:

~The US dollar is a bill (as seen above) v. the UK Pound is a coin (as seen above). [For the record I really dislike carrying coins...grrrrr].
~American $2 bill isn't very popular but the UK  £2 coin is. (Not pictured).
~There is no "quarter" in the UK instead there is a 20 pence (p) and a 5p coin (the 5p coin is the size of the US dime).
~Pennies are all the same (in addition, the UK does have a 2 pence).
~The UK 10p is about the size of a US quarter.

Early on I've learned to be careful when digging in my pocket for change, feeling for a coin is not going to cut it...you have to look at it as well or risk grabbing the wrong coin and feel silly at the queue (aka. the check out line).

When I find a grrrreat job, that pays lots; I'll show y'all what BIG MONEY looks like. :-P
Until then...