Is it possible to insert un-formatted data for money data type in PostgreSQL

By default, PostgreSQL's money data type inserts values with currency code and grouping. I have observed that it always inserts values with $. 1. How can I insert locale specific values? 2. How can I insert values with my own digit grouping and decimal grouping formats? 3. How can I read unformatted data? 4. Why is PostgreSQL's money data type different than MS SQL's money data type?