Spanish Phrase
¿Cambias monedas?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you exchange coins/money?’, this informal question is used when you want to know if someone can change your bills into the local currency or give you smaller denominations.
When to use
Use it in casual settings – at a bank teller, a hotel front desk, or a street vendor – when you’re speaking to someone you’d address with tú. In more formal situations switch to the usted form (¿Cambia monedas?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cambiasmonedas?
Cambiar (present)
Cambias is the second‑person singular (tú) present indicative of cambiar, meaning ‘you change/exchange’.
Pronoun omission
In Spanish the subject pronoun ‘tú’ is usually omitted; the verb ending tells you who is speaking.
Plural noun
Monedas is the plural of moneda (coin, currency). The –s ending marks the plural.
Inverted question marks
Spanish uses both opening (¿) and closing (?) question marks; never omit the opening one.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cambias monedas?
Do you exchange money?
Sí, cambio euros por pesos. ¿Cuántos necesitas?
Yes, I exchange euros for pesos. How many do you need?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cambio monedas?
‘Cambio’ is a noun (change) – you need the verb form ‘cambias’ for a question.
¿Cambias monedas?
If you’re speaking formally, use the usted form ‘cambia’. Using ‘cambias’ with a stranger can sound too familiar.
↔Alternatives
¿Puedes cambiarme dinero?
Can you change money for me?
¿Haces cambio de moneda?
Do you do currency exchange?
¿Me cambias unas monedas?
Could you give me some change?
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries currency exchange is done at banks, official casas de cambio, or large hotels. Street exchangers exist but can be risky, so it’s polite to ask with the informal tú only if the staff has introduced themselves that way. When you’re unsure, use the formal usted form: ¿Cambia monedas? to show respect.