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Change Region and Format in Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 2, 2022 Updated Jun 20, 2026 3 min read
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You change the region and format settings in Ubuntu Linux to adapt how your system displays dates, times, numbers, and currency to match local conventions.

These settings, collectively known as locale, tell Ubuntu how to present information based on your chosen geographical area. This is crucial for accurate interpretation and display of data.

For example, setting your locale to “en_US.UTF-8” displays dates as MM/DD/YYYY, while “en_GB.UTF-8” uses DD/MM/YYYY. This also affects currency symbols like $ or £, decimal separators (comma vs. period), and even measurement units.

You typically access these options within Ubuntu’s “Region & Language” settings, allowing you to personalize your desktop experience for your specific needs.

⚡ Quick Answer

Adjust your date, time, number, and currency display by opening Settings, clicking Region & Language, and selecting your desired region under Formats. Restart or log out for changes to take effect.

How to choose regions and formats in Ubuntu Linux

You can easily change how Ubuntu Linux shows dates, times, numbers, and money to match the way things are done in your specific region.

These settings are based on the country and region you configured in Ubuntu Linux.

Prerequisite for changing region and format in Ubuntu Linux

Before you change your region and format, make sure to read and follow these posts:

After you’ve followed those steps, let’s dive into changing your device’s region and formats.

Most of Ubuntu’s settings are in one place. You can manage everything from system configurations to creating users and updating from the System Settings panel.

To get to System Settings, open the Activities overview and start typing Settings.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview interface
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu with settings options
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click on the Region & Language tile in the Settings app to open the penal.

In the System Settings -> Region & Language settings pane, click on Formats to open the panel.

Changing region and format settings in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu linux change region and format

Under Common Formats, select the region and language that most closely matches the formats you want to use.

Selection screen for format changes in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu linux change format selection

After selecting a region, the area to the right of the list shows various examples of how dates and other values are shown.

Restart prompt after changing format in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu linux change format restart

Restart or log out and back in to apply the changes.

That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

  • Ubuntu Linux provides comprehensive support for configuring regions and formats to match the local customs and languages.
  • Users can easily change their device’s region and formats by accessing the System Settings panel according to their preferences.
  • Following selecting a region and language, it is important to restart or log out and back in to apply the changes successfully.

How do I change the region in Ubuntu?

Here. You can select a different time zone. Say that I wanted to make mine Anchorage. United States i'll click on Anchorage. United States.

How to change region in Linux?

Changing your region in Linux is simple using environment variables in the Terminal to set your preferred language and location for just your current session.

How do I change the location on Ubuntu?

And if I write here PWD. So this is now inside home and Adam. So here this is now Adam.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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