Currency symbols can be surprisingly confusing, especially when you’re new to a country or managing finances across borders. Whether you’re sending money to family back home, paying for streaming subscriptions in another currency, or shopping online, those little signs suddenly become a big deal.
At Remitly, we know it’s tricky to manage multiple currencies when you’re starting in a new country. So we’ve put together this guide to help you get comfortable with the world’s most common currency symbols, including how to spot them and tips for managing them.
Understanding Canada’s currency symbol
You’ll see the dollar sign ($) everywhere in Canada on price tags, bills, and receipts. It’s so common that it almost fades into the background until you notice it popping up in other countries, too.
The Canadian dollar and how it’s written
In Canada, the “$” stands for Canadian dollars (CAD), the national currency. On official documents, bank apps, or international websites, you might also see CAD, which simply clarifies that it’s Canadian currency.
Most local stores assume prices are in Canadian dollars. But when you’re shopping online or sending money abroad, that same symbol can mean something different, like US dollars (USD) or Australian dollars (AUD). The difference might not look huge, but it can add up quickly once exchange rates come into play.
How to spot mix-ups before they happen
That tiny symbol carries a lot of weight. If you send $100 to someone in another country, but the platform reads it as USD instead of CAD, your recipient could get more than expected and your balance will shrink faster than planned.
A few quick checks can save you the headache later. Look for CAD or USD next to prices, or for small icons like a country flag in your banking or transfer app. In Canada, receipts and bills almost always just use the dollar sign, while international websites tend to specify the currency. If something looks off, check the site’s region or settings before you pay. It’s a simple habit that keeps your money on track.
Major international currency symbols you’ll bump into
If you’ve just landed in Canada, you’ll hear new languages, try new foods, and you’ll see new currency symbols too. Whether you’re sending money back home or ordering something online, these little signs can look like a secret code at first.
The euro (€): your travel buddy across Europe
Planning a trip to Paris or ordering sneakers from a Berlin-based brand? You’ll see the € pop up all over the place. It’s the euro, the official currency in most European countries. Prices might show up as €25 or “25 EUR,” which both mean the same thing. If you’re comparing prices, don’t forget that exchange rates can make those euros feel slightly pricier in Canadian dollars.
The British pound (£): small symbol, big reputation
That fancy curly £ stands for the British pound sterling, the world’s oldest and often one of the strongest currencies. You’ll spot it when browsing UK websites or ordering those British snacks you secretly miss. Just remember, if a price says £20, it’s pounds, not dollars. Your wallet will thank you for double-checking before checkout.
The Japanese yen (¥): the look-alike
The ¥ stands for Japan’s yen, but it’s also used for China’s yuan (CNY). Same symbol, totally different value. When sending money or shopping on Asian sites, peek at the three-letter code beside the price (JPY for yen, CNY for yuan). It’ll save you from an “oops” moment later.
The Indian rupee (₹): beautifully blended
For many Canadians with family in India, the ₹ symbol feels instantly familiar. It represents the Indian rupee, and is one of the most visually striking currency symbols out there, a creative mix of Indian and Western lettering. You’ll see it on remittance apps, Indian news sites, and digital payments.
Other symbols that might pop up
In your day-to-day life in Canada, you’ll use Canadian dollars for the majority of the time. However, you may come across other currency signs too, like ₱ for the Philippine peso, ₦ for the Nigerian naira, or ₩ for the South Korean won. You probably won’t see these at your local grocery store, but they’re common on remittance platforms, international stores, and global news feeds.
Where do currency symbols come from?
Ever wonder who decided that money needed its own secret symbols? Turns out, each one has a pretty cool backstory.
The $ likely came from the Spanish “peso” traders in the 1700s, scribbled “Ps,” which eventually morphed into the single S with a line through it. The £ goes way back to “libra,” Latin for “pound” or “balance,” which feels fitting for something tied to trade and value.
Jump to the 1990s, when Europe wanted something fresh, and enter the €, designed to represent unity and stability across the continent. And the ₹ represents India’s creative blend of the Hindi “र” and the Roman “R,” symbolizing a mix of old and new.
Even Canada’s dollar has roots in reinvention. When we swapped the British pound for the dollar in 1858, it wasn’t just a currency change; it was a statement of identity. Next time you spot one of those tiny symbols, remember: they’re more than just marks on money. They’re history, culture, and some design genius rolled into one.
Currency symbols for money transfers and banking
Once you start sending or receiving money across borders, those little symbols suddenly matter a lot.
How banks and transfer apps show currency symbols
If you’ve ever seen things like CAD, USD, or EUR next to prices or balances, that’s your money wearing a name tag. Those are called currency codes, three-letter abbreviations that tell you exactly which currency you’re dealing with.
They’re used because not every “$” means the same thing. A $10 lunch in Toronto is very different from a $10 burger in New York. That’s why services like Remitly show both the symbol and the code on every screen so you know exactly what’s leaving your wallet.
How to make sense of exchange rates
Have you ever seen something like CAD/USD = 0.73 and felt confused? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It means one Canadian dollar is worth seventy-three US cents. Flip it around (USD/CAD = 1.36) and it tells you that one US dollar equals about $1.36 Canadian.
The trick is simple: the first currency in the pair is the one being measured. Once you get that, exchange rates stop looking like math homework and start making sense.
Common mix-ups to avoid
Even experienced travellers get caught by this one, the sneaky $ symbol. An online store might show prices in US dollars but only display the dollar sign, with no warning label attached. Suddenly, your “$40” sweater costs a lot more on your credit card bill.
The same thing happens on travel sites or booking apps that switch between currencies without telling you. Always look for CAD, USD, or another code before hitting “confirm.”
Digital and mobile currency symbol recognition
Whether you’re checking your balance, online shopping, or sending money home, currency symbols are everywhere.
How currency symbols show up on your devices
Your phone and laptop do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to displaying currency symbols. Most of the time, they’ll automatically switch to your local currency, like $ for CAD, when you’re browsing from Canada. But travel a bit, or even switch websites, and suddenly you’re seeing €, £, or ¥ instead.
Most apps and browsers detect your region and adjust automatically. Still, when you’re on international websites or using global apps, it’s worth double-checking.
Typing currency symbols
You’ll have to type your currency symbols differently depending on your device. These are the typical shortcuts for a Canadian keyboard:
Mac:
- € on a US keyboard: Option + 2
- £ on a US keyboard: Option + 3
Windows:
- € on a US keyboard: Alt + 0128 (numeric keypad)
- £ on a US keyboard: Alt + 0163 (numeric keypad)
Phones:
- Tap and hold the $ sign and select your chosen currency symbol from the pop-up menu
What about cryptocurrency symbols?
By now, you’ve probably seen those mysterious letters and logos floating around on social media or finance apps: ₿, Ξ, and a handful of others that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Those are cryptocurrency symbols, and they’re slowly making their way into everyday conversations about money.
The rise of digital money symbols
Just like traditional currencies have their own symbols, cryptocurrencies do too. ₿ stands for Bitcoin, the first established digital currency, while Ξ represents Ethereum. There are many others, but these are the ones you’ll see most often, especially if you scroll through financial news or hang out in tech circles.
Why crypto looks different from regular currency
Unlike dollars or rupees, cryptocurrencies aren’t issued by any government, which is why their symbols feel a bit more rebellious. They were designed to look modern, digital, and independent.
That said, not every app or store accepts crypto, and the values can change very quickly. So while it’s fun to recognize the symbols, most newcomers stick with traditional currencies for everyday transfers and payments.
Tips for everyday use
Now that you’re basically fluent in currency symbols, it helps to know how this all plays out in real life, from your grocery receipts to your next online shopping spree.
Reading bills and receipts without second-guessing
In Canada, prices are almost always in CAD, shown simply as $, but online or on international receipts, you might spot USD, EUR, or something new.
A quick scan for the currency code near the total can save you a mini heart attack when your credit card bill arrives. If something looks off, ask or double-check before you pay. It’s totally normal, and your future self will thank you.
Online shopping and subscriptions
Canadian sites like Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca show prices in CAD by default. But venture into US or global sites, and that $ might not mean what you think.
Before you hit “checkout,” look for hints like a little flag, the word “CAD” or “USD,” or even a region in the corner of the page. If you’re using an international app, your phone might automatically convert the prices, but it’s always smart to confirm.
Travel and spending abroad
When you’re travelling, you’ll come across lots of currency symbols. If withdrawing cash, always select “local currency” when the card machine asks, “Pay in local currency or your home currency?” You’ll usually get a better exchange rate, and your bank will do the conversion for you.
Navigating currency symbols
Currency symbols might seem like tiny details, but understanding them makes life smoother, especially when your finances cross borders. With tools like Remitly, you don’t have to guess.
Every transfer clearly shows both the currency symbol and the three-letter code, so you always know where your money is going. Your phone might make money digital, but a little human attention keeps it smart.
FAQs
How do I read currency symbols in Canada?
In Canada, the dollar sign ($) generally refers to Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. When you see CAD next to a number, it confirms the amount is in Canadian currency.
What’s the difference between CAD and USD?
Both use the $ symbol, but CAD stands for Canadian dollars and USD for US dollars. Their values differ depending on exchange rates, so it’s always best to check.
Why do some prices include CAD and others don’t?
Local businesses in Canada usually assume prices are in CAD and don’t include the code. International websites, however, often specify CAD or USD to prevent confusion.
Are currency symbols always written before the number?
In Canada and most English-speaking countries, yes, you’ll see $20. In many European nations, like France or Spain, the symbol appears after the amount 20€.
How can I type different currency symbols?
On Windows, hold Alt while typing the code (0128 for € and 0163 for £).
On a Mac, use Option + 2 for €, and Option + 3 for £.
On phones, hold down the $ key to reveal more symbols.
What are the most useful currency symbols to know in Canada?
The most common are $ (Canadian dollar), € (Euro), £ (British pound), ₹ (Indian rupee), ¥ (Japanese yen), and ₱ (Philippine peso).