Well, prior to the 20th century, in most of the world one wouldn't have needed currency changers or border checks. Passports were uncommon and most currencies w

Well, prior to the 20th century, in most of the world one wouldn't have needed currency changers or border checks. Passports were uncommon and most currencies were in gold or silver coinage of standardized weights. As the tensions around the world grew, passports and enforced borders became more common in the run up to WWI.