Ever thought you might change your dollars for drugs, blood, or garbage?

In the most recent issue of COLORS Magazine , writers, photographers, and graphic designers take a look at the way people around the world exchange money for goods and how they exchange goods for money.

If you’re short on time, check out the articles about Colombian cocaine (used to pay for a doctor’s visit), Iraqis’ blood (sold in exchange for cash), community-based currencies (”dollars” developed for use in certain communities, including Ithaca, New York), and garbage (exchanged by residents of Curitiba, Brazil, for food and cash).

All of the articles are available online in English and Spanish.

Artist: Solovei Photo: Antonia Shultz.

Talk to us! What’s the craziest money experience you’ve had abroad? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.

Julie Schwietert

One of Matador's most prolific contributors, Julie Schwietert Collazo is a writer, editor, researcher, and translator who lives in New York and Mexico City.