When Virgin had entered into the deal, the dollar rate stood at 1.45 to the pound.

"The bad dollar rate is still influencing business booking for sales and conventions," he said.

Lebanese predict that the dollar rate will continue to rise.

"Plus you have the problem of the dollar rate to the euro."

For decades, Argentines used to start the day by checking the dollar rate.

Both dollar rates were the the highest since Sept. 19.

Then again, the recent dollar rates are far below the levels reached in the mid-1980's.

Still, what tourist doesn't always glance at the dollar rate when strolling past a bureau de change?

Yet, even between the time this article is written and read, dollar rates in Western Europe will change.

The official dollar rate was raised to 120,000 cordobas from 110,000.