What does "a cambio de" mean?

The phrase "a cambio de" translates to "in exchange for" or "in return for." It is used when one thing is given, done, or agreed upon as a trade for another — in both literal transactions and figurative situations such as favours, conditions, or negotiations.

Examples

1.
¿Qué quieres a cambio de tu ayuda?
What do you want in exchange for your help? (presente de indicativo)
2.
De niño, siempre pedía algo a cambio de hacer las tareas del hogar.
As a child, I always asked for something in exchange for doing household chores. (imperfecto de indicativo)
3.
Le di mi bicicleta a cambio de su teléfono.
I gave him my bicycle in exchange for his phone. (pretérito)
4.
Te daré el coche a cambio de que me ayudes con la mudanza.
I will give you the car in exchange for helping me with the move. (futuro)
5.
Haría cualquier cosa a cambio de un poco de paz.
I would do anything in exchange for a little peace. (potencial simple)
6.
No quiero que pidas nada a cambio de tu ayuda.
I don't want you to ask for anything in return for your help. (presente de subjuntivo)
7.
Me pidió que trabajara los fines de semana a cambio de un aumento.
He asked me to work weekends in exchange for a raise. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
8.
¿Has pedido algo a cambio de todo tu esfuerzo?
Have you asked for anything in exchange for all your effort? (perfecto de indicativo)
9.
Cuando llegué, ya habían firmado el acuerdo a cambio de una gran suma.
When I arrived, they had already signed the agreement in exchange for a large sum. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
10.
Apenas hubieron cedido las tierras a cambio de paz, estalló el conflicto.
As soon as they had surrendered the land in exchange for peace, the conflict broke out. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
11.
Para el viernes, ya habremos entregado el informe a cambio de la prórroga.
By Friday, we will have submitted the report in exchange for the extension. (futuro perfecto)
12.
Habría firmado el contrato a cambio de mejores condiciones, pero no aceptaron.
I would have signed the contract in exchange for better conditions, but they didn't agree. (potencial compuesto)
13.
No creo que haya pedido nada a cambio de su ayuda.
I don't think he has asked for anything in return for his help. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
14.
Si hubiera sabido lo que pedían a cambio de ese favor, nunca lo habría aceptado.
If I had known what they asked in exchange for that favour, I would never have accepted. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
15.
¡Pide algo a cambio de tu esfuerzo!
Ask for something in exchange for your effort! (imperativo)