Global Currency Symbols Quick Reference Guide: US Dollar Symbol, New Taiwan Dollar Symbol, and Shortcut Key Input Methods for Various Countries

As someone who frequently engages in international transactions or forex investments, it is crucial to master the correct way to write and input major currency symbols such as the US dollar sign ($) and the New Taiwan dollar sign (NT$). These seemingly simple symbols are actually key languages in global financial trading, directly affecting accurate communication and smooth transactions.

Why Learn to Distinguish Between NT$ and $ Symbols?

Although the NT$ symbol and the $ symbol look similar, they represent completely different currencies in international transactions. In the forex market, precise use of these symbols helps traders quickly identify currency pairs, track price fluctuations, and avoid trading errors caused by symbol confusion.

Currency symbols serve the core purpose of quickly recognizing and differentiating currencies from different countries or regions. For example, seeing the euro symbol (€) or the Japanese yen symbol (¥), investors can instantly determine whether they are dealing with EUR/USD or JPY pairs. Compared to the full English phrase “40 US Dollars,” the concise “$40” is easier to read and record, greatly improving trading efficiency.

List of Common Currency Symbols by Country

Below is a comparison of major global currencies, including the US dollar, NT$, and other mainstream currencies:

As shown, the US dollar sign ($) is used in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries, while NT$ is unique to Taiwan. Clear distinction between these symbols is necessary in international trading.

Keyboard Shortcuts: How to Type the US Dollar and Other Currency Symbols

Want quick ways to input common currency symbols like $ and NT$? Here are shortcut methods for Mac and Windows:

Windows Shortcuts

Mac Shortcuts

Regardless of OS, the easiest way to type the dollar sign ($) is pressing “Shift+4.” For NT$, you typically input “NT” followed by the dollar sign, or select it from your input method’s symbol menu.

Common Confusions: NT$, RMB, and Other Similar Currency Symbols

In practice, many similar symbols are often confused. Pay special attention to these common pitfalls:

The ￥ Symbol’s Dual Usage

The ￥ symbol represents different currencies in different countries. In Japan, it stands for Yen (JPY); in China, it indicates Renminbi (RMB). To clarify, international transactions often specify “CNY￥100” for “100 RMB” or “JPY￥100” for “100 Yen.”

The $ Symbol in Over 30 Countries

The $ symbol is used as a currency sign in over 30 countries, which can cause confusion. Common examples include:

In international business, using NT$ instead of just $ helps prevent misunderstandings about the currency’s value.

฿ Symbol’s Dual Identity

The ฿ symbol traditionally represents the Thai Baht. However, in cryptocurrency contexts, it is widely used to denote Bitcoin. Traders should interpret this symbol based on the environment to understand its exact meaning.

What Do Currency Pair Symbols Mean in Forex Trading?

In the forex market, currency pair symbols indicate the exchange rate between two different currencies. For example, EUR/USD represents the euro against the US dollar; GBP/JPY indicates the British pound against the Japanese yen.

USD/GBP, for instance, shows how many GBP one USD can buy—the first currency (USD) is the base currency, and the second (GBP) is the quote or counter currency. Traders buy or sell one currency to exchange for the other, seeking profit from price movements.

Mastering these symbols and their representations is essential for effective trading and risk management in the global forex market. Whether it’s simple input of the dollar sign or complex international settlements, accurate currency notation is a fundamental skill for professional traders.