Given the state of the United States economy, the value of currency in different countries, and the costs of goods have varied over the years. These currency exchange rates have greatly influenced the purchases of products and services. With constantly varying values in currency, people are pushed to view for the best values and cost-effective options when purchasing items. 

One of the most common ways people take advantage of currency exchange is by adjusting their spending habits for overseas shopping. When currency in a specific country declines and the consumer’s primary currency becomes strong, people are drawn to the best offer. As time continues, people are likely to be encouraged to look for the best value of goods and purchase them abroad to save money. Comparing currencies helps individuals who are struggling to make smarter financial decisions and save money. Rebecca Han, a senior at Cypress High School, said, “I really do think that it is important to recognize the difficulty in purchasing items knowing that they are cheaper at another place.”

Saving more money over long periods of time with the intention of making larger purchases in another country is a significant way people take advantage of currency exchange. This is one of the most common reasons people save money until they are overseas, because consumers can take enough time to make a decision instead of impulsively buying an item. For instance, the current exchange rate from the dollar to yen is approximately 142.40 yen, with a decrease of 8.77% in 2025. With the weak yen, Japan has been a popular place for overseas travel among many citizens. Tourists are pushing to stay longer to purchase additional items consisting of clothing, electronics, and luxury products. 

The change in currency exchange rates contributes to the spending of a consumer. With the constant fluctuations between the currency and financial decisions, people are drawn to items that are lower in numbers.