Wikivoyage:Currency
There are many different currencies in the world. In order to ensure consistency, certain style codes should be observed.
As in other numerical expressions, use " " for the space between the number and its unit(s), to avoid a line break.
If you write "100 baht " it will always display as the pair: 100 baht, making sure that the numeral is never separated from its associated unit by wrapping to the next line like: 100
baht.
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Currency symbols [edit]
Prices should be listed with the currency symbol that travellers will encounter, specifically the local formatting, but with the currency symbol preceding the amount (except for the currencies noted below). Travellers should be able to assume that symbols used for multiple currencies (like $ or £) apply to the local currency. Do not use currency codes like "USD", "EUR", or "GBP" if the symbol is established.
- $100 in Detroit, not US$100, 100 USD or 100 dollars
- $100 in Vancouver, not CAD$100, 100 CAD or 100 dollars
- ¥100 in Tokyo, not JPY 100, 100 yen or 100円
- £100 in London, not 100 GBP, UK£100 or 100 pounds
- €100 in Paris, not EUR 100, 100 EUR or 100 euros
- ¥100 in Beijing, not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元
- ₹100 in Delhi, not 100 Rs, 100 INR or 100 rupees
- ₱100 in Cebu, not PHP 100, 100 PHP or 100 pesos
- ₪100 in Jerusalem, not NIS 100, 100 NIS, or 100 shekels
- ₩100 in Seoul, not KRW 100, 100 KRW, or 100 won
- RM100 in Kuala Lumpur, not Ringgit 100, 100 RM, MYR 100 or RM 100 (with a space before the amount)
Some currencies have widely used abbreviations that are used like symbols in front, with a space but without a period:
- Rp 100 in Indonesia, not Rupiah 100, 100 IDR or 100 rupiah
If the currency name is short enough to be spelled out in full and/or lacks a commonly recognized symbol/abbreviation, it should come after the amount.
Some countries do have a commonly recognized symbol/abbreviation that, (after discussion), we have decided not to use:
- 100 baht in Bangkok (rather than ฿100)
In countries where different currencies with similar names might be confused, currency codes might be commonly used in an international context and tourist businesses. In that case, they could also be used on Wikivoyage.
If the country uses multiple currencies, including foreign ones, use the shortest unambiguous form for each. For US dollars, this is US$. For euros, it's €.
Price ranges [edit]
Write price ranges using a single currency symbol and a single hyphen with no spaces.
- Dinner $10-20
- Double room ¥5000-8000
Decimal [edit]
Use a "." (period/full stop) to mark decimals, and use a "," (comma) to separate each group of a thousand.
- Right: $100,000,000.00
- Wrong: $1000000000,00
- Wrong: $1000000000.00
- Wrong: $100 000 000.00
Number words [edit]
A billion is a thousand million (US style), not a million million (old British style).
Consistency [edit]
When talking about the cost of an item in a country, stick to that country's currency. Do not switch between currencies. Doing so causes confusion and frustration. If you only know the price in dollars or euros, go to a currency conversion site and convert the number. Round off to nearest whole unit.
Wrong:
You can purchase a gift for ₹100. A taxi ride costs $10.
Right:
You can purchase a gift for ₹100. A taxi ride costs ₹450.
Exceptions [edit]
In some countries such as Cambodia and much of Africa, the local currency is so weak or unstable that any larger prices (like, say, hotel rooms) are quoted and paid for in a foreign currency. If this is the case, follow local convention and list those prices in the foreign currency.
In some countries such as Myanmar, foreign nationals pay a US$ price for some things (hotels, air and train tickets, entrance fees), but in local currency for other things (food, shopping, buses, pickups, taxis). In this case, it is best to list the price in the currency that the foreign traveller will use even if it means switching currencies in the body of the page.
If something falls on an international boundary (for instance, "1000 Islands Bridge, toll, C$2.50 or US$2.50/car") it is necessary to indicate which currency (or currencies) the vendor is using. If a seat on the next Tunnel Bus to leave Detroit is C$4.00, say so.
Even when the vast majority of expenses will be paid in local currency, if the inflation rate is high enough where information will become outdated in only two or less years, use the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars. This should be consistent for all articles pertaining to the country.
