International Currencies in Relation to the U.S. Dollar

Every nation across the world uses some form of currency in trade for goods or services. These currencies vary indefinitely, from paper money to precious metals and even livestock. In the following, three international currencies will be compared to the U.S. Dollar Bill, not only through their respective exchange rates, but also through their symbolic images, histories, and the varying top locations tourists access to spend each currency.

To better understand the currencies of foreign countries, we must first be able to understand our own currency, taking into consideration the U.S. Dollar. In the United States, the dollar is the smallest bill printed. Many things come to mind when one thinks of the dollar. Take, for example, the value menu, the collect phone call, or, most recently, the iTunes download. However, when looking deeper into the surface of the dollar bill, some may be shocked to find that there is indeed history within its images.

The most prominent symbol on the one dollar bill is the easily recognizable face of George Washington, our nation's first president. When one flips the bill over to the backside, two circles are found. These two circles together make up the Great Seal of the United States. Benjamin Franklin and a group of colleagues came up with this seal, which took them an entire four years to make. In the left hand circle, several important symbols are found. First, a pyramid with it's front face well lit and it's western side in the dark. This symbolized the country's new beginning and, along with the pyramid's being uncapped, signified the country's long journey to being finished. At the top of the pyramid in the capstone is an "all-seeing eye," the ancient symbol for divinity. (United States One Dollar Bill) This can be attributed to Benjamin Franklin as well, in his belief that through the power of many, man could do anything.

In the case of the Brazilian Real, Brazil's native currency, historic figures are no longer allowed to be engraved on the bills. In past years, the bills were created with artwork of historic members of Brazilian society and political leaders. However, high inflation caused the bills to quickly diminish in value, and what was originally meant to pay homage to a person turned into a mockery. In recent times, the bills have been recreated with images of Brazilian animals. The feminine character on one side of all bills is a representation of the Republic. (Brazilian Currency)

In the world market today, one U.S. dollar is equal to 1.751 Brazilian Real. (Currency Converter) One major destination tourists visit to spend their Reais in Brazil is Rio de Janiero. Many people from across the world travel to Rio de Janiero annually for its beautiful beaches, rainforests, festivals, and culture. Personally, I would love to visit Rio de Janiero. It is truly one of the most unique settings in the world with a variety of things to do and see.

Next, the Bolivian Boliviano replaced the Bolivian peso in 1990. (What is the Bolivian Boliviano?) The Boliviano feautures Hormando Vaca Diez, a very controversial President in Bolivia as well as a historical scene in La Paz. Both are used to uphold the countries unique heritage, both politically and geographically.

In the world market today, one U.S. dollar is equal to 7.64 Bolivian Boliviano. (Currency Converter) One major destination tourists visit to spend their Bolivianos in Bolivia is La Paz. La Paz, Bolivia is the city with the highest altitude in the world and is also Brazil's capital city. La Paz is known for its ancient ruins and also for its spectacular displays of ancient rituals. Personally, I do not have an interest in visiting La Paz for vacation. I do not speak any of their pre-Incan languages, Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, and would rather travel to a city where there is more to go out and