30 Easy Money Role-Play Scenarios for ESL Conversation

Money role-plays are a fun and practical way to help ESL students improve their English through real-life conversations. Talking about money is something we all do—shopping, saving, budgeting, or even asking for help. These money role-play scenarios give students a chance to practice common questions, useful vocabulary, and everyday expressions related to money.

Each role-play includes two clear roles: one person has a money-related situation or problem, and the other responds, helps, or gives advice. This setup encourages students to ask questions, use key vocabulary, and respond naturally—just like in real conversations.

These money role-plays are simple, clear, and full of everyday topics your students will recognize. They’re a great way to build speaking confidence, learn common expressions, and practice real-life English in a fun and supportive way.

Try these 30 conversation role-plays in your class to boost student fluency, vocabulary, and comfort with everyday money talk!

1. Asking a Friend to Lend You Money

Person A
You don’t have enough money to pay your phone bill this month. You need to borrow $30. Call or meet your friend and ask for help. Tell them why you need the money and when you can pay them back. Be polite and honest.

Person B
Your friend wants to borrow $30. Listen to their reason. Ask questions if needed. Decide if you want to lend the money or not. If yes, tell them when you want the money back. If no, explain why kindly.

2. Returning Borrowed Money

Person A
You borrowed $20 from your friend last week. Now you have the money and want to return it. Thank your friend and give back the money. Also say sorry for the delay if you are a bit late.

Person B
Your friend is giving back the $20 you lent them. Listen and accept the money. Ask if they had any problems. Be polite and friendly. You can say “no problem” or “glad to help” if they apologize.

3. Talking About Monthly Budget

Person A
You are trying to save money and want to make a monthly budget. Talk to your friend and ask for advice. Tell them about your monthly income and expenses. Ask how they manage their money.

Person B
Your friend wants help with making a monthly budget. Listen to what they earn and spend. Give simple tips like writing down expenses or saving a little every week. Share your own experience.

4. Buying Something on Sale

Person A
You are shopping at a clothing store. You see a sign that says “50% off today.” Choose an item you like and ask the store worker about the sale. Ask how much it costs now and if all sizes are on sale.

Person B
You work at a clothing store. A customer is asking about the sale. Explain which items are on sale and how the price is changed. Help them find the right size if they ask.

5. Asking for a Discount at a Store

Person A
You want to buy a bag at a local shop, but the price is high. Ask the shopkeeper politely if there is any discount or special price. Tell them you really like it but want to spend less.

Person B
You are a shopkeeper. A customer wants a discount. Decide if you can give a lower price. If yes, offer a small discount. If not, explain kindly that the price is fixed.

6. Paying with Cash or Card

Person A
You are at a small coffee shop. You want to buy a coffee and a snack. Ask the cashier if they accept card or only cash. Tell them how you want to pay.

Person B
You are the cashier at a coffee shop. A customer wants to know how to pay. Tell them if you accept both card and cash or only one option. Help them with the payment.

7. Opening a Bank Account

Person A
You just started a job and need to open a bank account. Go to the bank and ask the staff how to open an account. Ask what documents you need and how long it takes.

Person B
You work at the bank. A customer wants to open a new account. Tell them what documents are needed (like ID or job letter). Explain the steps clearly and how long it takes.

8. Withdrawing Money from an ATM

Person A
You are using the ATM for the first time. You are not sure how to take out money. Ask a nearby person for help. Tell them how much money you want to withdraw.

Person B
You are standing near the ATM. A person is asking for help. Show them the steps simply: insert card, enter PIN, choose amount. Be friendly and helpful, but don’t ask for their PIN.

9. Talking to a Bank Teller

Person A
You go to the bank because you lost your debit card. Talk to the bank teller and explain what happened. Ask them to block your card and send a new one.

Person B
You work as a bank teller. A customer lost their debit card. Ask for their ID. Explain how you will block the card and when they can get a new one. Speak slowly and clearly.

10. Reporting a Lost Credit Card

Person A
You lost your credit card while shopping. Call the bank and tell them about it. Give your name and explain when and where you lost it. Ask them to block the card quickly.

Person B
You are a worker at the bank call center. A customer lost their credit card. Ask for their name and some details. Tell them the card will be blocked right away and a new card will be sent soon.

11. Talking About Saving Money

Person A
You want to save money but always end up spending too much. Talk to your friend and ask for ideas on how to save. Tell them about your income and what you usually spend money on. Ask for simple tips you can follow every month.

Person B
Your friend wants to save money. Listen carefully and give advice. Suggest easy ideas like cooking at home, writing down expenses, or using a savings jar. Share what you do to save money and encourage them.

12. Discussing How to Save for a Trip

Person A
You are planning to take a trip next year, but you don’t have enough money now. Talk to your friend and ask for help with planning and saving. Tell them where you want to go and how much you think the trip will cost.

Person B
Your friend wants to save money for a trip. Ask about the destination, cost, and how much they can save each month. Suggest ways to cut extra spending and put that money aside for the trip. Be supportive and friendly.

13. Shopping at a Street Market

Person A
You are at a street market and want to buy a scarf, but you think the price is too high. Politely ask the seller if they can lower the price. If possible, offer a lower price and explain that you are a student or on a budget.

Person B
You are selling scarves at a street market. A customer wants to pay less. Listen to their offer and decide if you can give a discount. If you cannot lower the price, explain why kindly. If yes, offer a better deal.

14. Paying the Bill at a Restaurant

Person A
You had dinner at a restaurant with a friend. Now the waiter brings the bill. You want to pay the full amount today. Tell your friend that it’s your treat and explain why. Be polite and cheerful.

Person B
Your friend wants to pay for the meal. Say thank you, but ask if they are sure. You can offer to pay next time. Be friendly and show appreciation for their kind offer.

15. Splitting the Bill with Friends

Person A
You had lunch with two friends, and now it’s time to pay. Suggest that each person pays for what they ordered. If you don’t have change, ask if someone can pay now and you will give them the money later.

Person B
Your friend wants to split the bill. Agree and check how much you owe. If someone doesn’t have change, offer to help and get paid back later. Be understanding and keep the conversation friendly.

16. Talking About a Big Purchase

Person A
You want to buy a new phone, but it’s expensive. Talk to your friend and ask if they think it’s a good idea. Tell them the price and why you want it. Ask if they think you should wait or buy it now.

Person B
Your friend wants to buy a new phone. Listen and give your opinion. Ask questions like “Do you really need it now?” or “Can you find a cheaper one?” Help them think clearly before making the big purchase.

17. Borrowing Money from Parents

Person A
You need money to pay for a school book. Talk to your parent and explain why you need it. Tell them how much it costs and when you can return the money. Be honest and respectful.

Person B
Your child wants to borrow money for a school book. Ask questions about the book and how much it costs. Decide if you will give the money. If yes, ask when they can pay it back. If no, explain why kindly.

18. Lending Money to a Friend

Person A
Your friend asks you for some money to buy groceries. You want to help, but you also need to be sure they will return it. Ask how much they need and when they will pay you back. Decide if you will lend the money.

Person B
You need money to buy groceries. Ask your friend for help. Explain how much you need and when you will return it. Be polite and show that you are serious about paying them back soon.

19. Talking About Online Shopping

Person A
You often shop online but sometimes spend too much. Talk to your friend and ask how they control their online shopping. Share what you bought recently and ask for advice on shopping smartly.

Person B
Your friend shops online a lot. Listen and give ideas to help them spend less. Suggest things like making a list before buying or waiting one day before clicking “buy.” Share your own tips if you shop online too.

20. Buying a Gift on a Budget

Person A
You want to buy a gift for your friend’s birthday, but you don’t have much money. Talk to another friend and ask for ideas. Tell them how much you can spend and what kind of things your friend likes.

Person B
Your friend wants help buying a birthday gift on a small budget. Ask about the friend’s interests and the budget. Suggest simple and meaningful gifts like a handmade card, baked cookies, or a small useful item. Be kind and creative.

21. Selling Something You Don’t Need

Person A
You have a bicycle that you don’t use anymore. Talk to a friend and tell them you want to sell it. Ask if they know someone who might be interested. Share the condition of the bike and how much you want for it.

Person B
Your friend wants to sell their bicycle. Listen to their reasons and ask about the price and condition. Give advice on how to sell it—like posting online or talking to neighbors. Offer to help if possible.

22. Planning a Weekly Grocery Budget

Person A
You want to spend less on groceries this week. Talk to your friend and ask for help planning your meals. Tell them how much money you have and what kind of food you usually buy.

Person B
Your friend needs help with a grocery budget. Ask how much money they want to spend and what they like to eat. Suggest simple meals and ways to save, like buying in bulk or skipping snacks.

23. Comparing Prices Before Buying

Person A
You want to buy a new backpack, but you’re not sure where to get the best price. Talk to your friend and ask if they know any stores or websites with good deals. Tell them what features you want.

Person B
Your friend wants to buy a backpack. Ask what kind they want and how much they want to spend. Share ideas like checking online shops, waiting for sales, or comparing two or three stores before buying.

24. Talking About Wasting Money

Person A
You feel bad because you spent a lot of money on clothes you didn’t really need. Talk to your friend about it and explain why you bought them. Ask how to avoid this in the future.

Person B
Your friend regrets buying too many clothes. Listen and don’t judge. Share if you’ve had a similar experience. Give tips like making a list before shopping or waiting a day before buying something.

25. Returning a Broken Product

Person A
You bought a pair of headphones last week, but they already stopped working. Go back to the store and talk to the shop assistant. Explain what happened and ask for a refund or a new pair.

Person B
You are a shop assistant. A customer brings back broken headphones. Ask when they bought them and what the problem is. Decide if you can give a refund or replace the item. Be polite and helpful.

26. Explaining a Bank Statement

Person A
You don’t understand a few things on your bank statement. Go to the bank and ask for help. Show your statement and point out the parts that are confusing, like small charges or missing money.

Person B
You work at the bank. A customer needs help reading their statement. Look at the paper and explain each item clearly. Help them understand where their money went and answer their questions patiently.

27. Talking About a Part-Time Job

Person A
You want to get a part-time job to make some extra money. Talk to a friend about it. Ask if they know any places hiring. Tell them what kind of job you’re looking for and how many hours you can work.

Person B
Your friend is looking for a part-time job. Ask what they’re good at and when they can work. Give suggestions like restaurants, cafes, or shops. Share any job openings you’ve seen.

28. Saving for a Special Event

Person A
You want to go to a music festival next month, but tickets are expensive. Talk to your friend about how to save enough money before then. Ask for ideas and tell them how much you already have.

Person B
Your friend wants to save money for a festival. Ask how much the ticket costs and how much time they have to save. Give tips like skipping small treats or doing a few extra hours of work each week.

29. Arguing Over Money with a Roommate

Person A
You live with a roommate and think they are not paying their share of the bills. Talk to them and explain which bills are unpaid and how it affects you. Try to stay calm and find a fair solution.

Person B
Your roommate says you haven’t paid your share of the bills. Listen to them and check if there’s a mistake. If it’s true, say when you can pay. If not, explain your side. Try to fix the problem peacefully.

30. Giving Money Advice to a Friend

Person A
Your friend always runs out of money before the end of the month. Talk to them and ask if they want help. Give simple advice like tracking spending or using a monthly budget plan.

Person B
You often have trouble with money and your friend wants to help. Be open to advice. Share what you spend money on and ask questions. Try to understand how to make your money last longer.

Conclusion

Using money role-plays in your ESL classroom is a great way to help students practice conversations they will have in real life.

These scenarios encourage learners to use common expressions, ask and answer questions, and expand their vocabulary in a meaningful context.

By practicing these role-plays regularly, students become more confident speaking about money topics, which are important for daily life.

Try incorporating these simple and engaging role-plays into your lessons to make learning practical and fun.

FAQs about Money Role-play Scenarios

1. Why are role-plays useful for learning English about money?
Role-plays help students practice real-life conversations, making it easier to remember vocabulary and expressions related to money.

2. How can role-plays improve my students’ speaking skills?
Role-plays give students a chance to speak in a safe environment, practice asking questions, and respond naturally in everyday situations.

3. What level of students can use these money role-plays?
These role-plays use simple language, so they are suitable for beginner to intermediate ESL learners.

4. How do I prepare my students for role-plays?
Explain the situation clearly, introduce key vocabulary and expressions, and model one example before students practice in pairs.

5. Can role-plays help with listening skills too?
Yes, listening to their partner’s questions and answers helps students improve understanding and follow natural conversation flow.

6. How long should each role-play take?
Depending on the class level, each role-play can take 5 to 10 minutes, including preparation and practice.

7. Can I modify the role-plays for different topics?
Absolutely! You can change details to fit your students’ interests or current events.

8. What if students feel shy or nervous?
Start with simple role-plays and pair shy students with supportive partners. Encourage practice and praise their efforts.

9. Should students memorize the role-play scripts?
It’s better to learn key phrases and ideas rather than memorizing lines to keep the conversation natural.

10. How often should I use role-plays in my lessons?
Try to include role-plays regularly, at least once a week, to help students practice speaking and build confidence.