Currency Converter
Convert between world currencies
Converted Amount
Pro Tip
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Always check current rates before making international transactions!
Note
These are example rates for demonstration. For actual conversions, use real-time exchange rates from financial institutions.
Privacy & Security
Your currency information is completely private. All calculations are performed locally in your browser - no data is transmitted, stored, or tracked. Your financial details remain confidential and secure.
What is a Currency Converter?
A currency converter is an essential tool for anyone dealing with international transactions, travel, or global business, providing instant conversions between different world currencies at current exchange rates. Whether you're planning a vacation and need to budget in local currency, running a business with international clients, investing in foreign stocks, or shopping from overseas retailers, understanding currency values is crucial. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on economic conditions, interest rates, political stability, trade balances, and market sentiment, making real-time conversion critical for accurate financial planning. This calculator helps you determine how much your money is worth in any foreign currency, compare prices across countries, calculate costs for international purchases, and understand currency trends that might affect your travel or business plans. For travelers, it answers questions like 'How many euros will I get for $1,000?' or 'Is this hotel price in pounds expensive?' For businesses, it helps price products in multiple currencies, calculate international payment amounts, and assess foreign exchange impacts on profits. The converter uses mid-market exchange rates (the midpoint between buying and selling prices) to provide fair conversions, though banks and money changers typically add markups to these rates. Understanding currency conversion helps you make informed decisions about when to exchange money, how to minimize conversion fees, and how to budget accurately for international activities.
Key Features
150+ World Currencies
Convert between all major currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more
Real-Time Exchange Rates
Access current market exchange rates updated regularly throughout the day
Bi-Directional Conversion
Instantly convert from any currency to any other currency in both directions
Historical Rate Comparison
View how exchange rates have changed over time to understand trends
Multiple Currency Support
Compare one currency against several others simultaneously
Fee Impact Calculator
Estimate the effect of exchange fees and markups on your conversion
Popular Currency Pairs
Quick access to commonly converted currency pairs like USD/EUR, GBP/USD
Travel Budget Planning
Calculate total travel budget needs in destination currency
How to Use the Currency Converter
Select Source Currency
Choose the currency you're converting from - this is the currency you currently have or the price you see.
Enter Amount
Input the amount you want to convert. You can enter any value from small amounts to large sums.
Choose Target Currency
Select the currency you're converting to - this is the currency you want to receive or compare against.
View Conversion Result
See the converted amount at the current exchange rate, along with the rate itself (e.g., 1 USD = 0.85 EUR).
Check Historical Rates
Review recent exchange rate trends to understand if current rates are favorable compared to recent history.
Account for Fees
Add typical exchange fees (1-3% for banks, 0.5-1% for online services) to calculate the actual amount you'll receive.
Currency Converter Tips
- Check Rates Regularly: Monitor exchange rates for weeks before trips to understand the normal range and identify when rates are favorable for exchanging money.
- Avoid Airport Exchanges: Airport currency exchanges typically charge 5-10% markups. Exchange a small amount before departure and use ATMs at your destination for better rates.
- Pay in Local Currency: Always choose to pay in the local currency when asked, declining Dynamic Currency Conversion which adds 3-7% in unnecessary fees.
- Use No-Fee Credit Cards: Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for travel - it'll offer rates within 1% of mid-market, better than most cash exchanges.
- Calculate Total Costs: When comparing exchange options, calculate the true all-in cost including both rate markups and fees - sometimes higher fees but better rates cost less overall.
- Consider Online Services: For large amounts or extended stays, use online services like Wise or Revolut that offer rates within 0.5% of mid-market, far better than banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines exchange rates between currencies?
Exchange rates are determined by complex interactions of supply and demand in global foreign exchange markets, influenced by numerous economic and political factors. Interest rates play a major role - countries with higher interest rates attract foreign capital seeking better returns, increasing demand for that currency and raising its value. Economic strength and growth affect rates - strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and robust business activity make a currency more attractive. Inflation differentials matter significantly - countries with lower inflation see their currency appreciate as purchasing power increases relative to high-inflation countries. Trade balances influence rates - countries with trade surpluses (exports exceeding imports) see demand for their currency from foreign buyers. Political stability and economic policy certainty make currencies safer investments, while political turmoil or policy uncertainty can trigger rapid depreciation. Government and central bank policies, including quantitative easing, interest rate decisions, and currency interventions, directly impact exchange rates. Market sentiment and speculation also drive short-term fluctuations as traders react to news, economic data releases, and geopolitical events. Major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY trade in deep, liquid markets with rates updating second-by-second. For practical purposes, exchange rates reflect the market's collective assessment of a country's economic health and future prospects relative to other countries. Rates can move dramatically in response to unexpected events like elections, policy changes, or economic crises. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate potential rate movements, though predicting short-term changes is extremely difficult even for professionals.
When is the best time to exchange currency for travel?
Timing currency exchange for optimal rates involves balancing market conditions, fees, and practical considerations, though perfectly timing the market is nearly impossible. Monitor exchange rates for several weeks or months before your trip to understand the normal range and identify favorable rates - if the rate is better than the recent average, consider exchanging some money. Avoid last-minute airport exchanges which typically offer the worst rates with markups of 5-10% due to convenience pricing and captive customers. Exchange a small amount before departure for immediate needs like airport transportation and tips, then exchange larger amounts at better rates in your destination country. ATMs in your destination often provide near-market rates (within 1-2% of mid-market), making them excellent for obtaining local currency, though check your bank's foreign transaction fees first. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees offer competitive rates (usually within 1% of mid-market) for purchases, often better than cash exchanges. Weekdays typically see more favorable rates than weekends when markets are less active. Avoid exchanging during major economic announcements or political events which can cause temporary volatility. For large amounts, consider using online forex services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) which offer rates within 0.5% of mid-market, far better than traditional banks. Some travelers use a combination strategy: enough cash for initial needs, ATM withdrawals for additional cash requirements, and credit cards for most purchases. If you're traveling to a country with a weakening currency, you might wait to exchange; if their currency is strengthening, exchange earlier. Ultimately, unless you're exchanging very large sums, a few percentage points difference has minimal impact on overall travel costs, so don't stress excessively over timing.
Why is the rate I get at banks different from online converter rates?
The difference between mid-market rates shown in online converters and actual exchange rates from banks or money changers stems from how currency exchange works as a business. Currency converters typically display the mid-market rate (also called interbank rate) - the midpoint between the price at which banks and institutions buy and sell currencies among themselves. This is not available to retail customers. When you exchange money, providers make profit by offering you a less favorable rate, essentially charging a spread. Banks typically buy foreign currency from you at a low rate and sell it to you at a high rate, with the difference being their profit margin. For example, if the mid-market rate is 1.20 USD per EUR, a bank might buy euros from you at 1.15 (you get fewer dollars) and sell euros to you at 1.25 (you pay more dollars), pocketing the 10% spread. This markup varies by provider and currency - major currencies like EUR or GBP might have 2-3% spreads, while exotic currencies can have 5-10% spreads. Additionally, many providers charge explicit fees on top of worse rates. Airport exchanges and hotels typically have the worst rates (5-10% from mid-market) due to convenience and lack of competition. Credit card companies and banks charge foreign transaction fees (1-3%) on top of exchange rate spreads. Specialized online services like Wise, Revolut, or OFX offer much better rates (within 0.5-1% of mid-market) by aggregating transactions and operating with lower overhead. ATMs generally provide good rates (1-2% from mid-market) if your bank doesn't charge excessive foreign ATM fees. When comparing options, calculate the total cost including both the exchange rate difference and any fees to find the cheapest method.
Should I pay in local currency or my home currency when traveling?
When given the choice to pay in local currency or your home currency (called Dynamic Currency Conversion or DCC), always choose to pay in the local currency of the country you're visiting. This seemingly counterintuitive advice is financially sound due to how DCC works. When you select to pay in your home currency, the merchant or their bank performs the currency conversion right then, using their exchange rate which invariably includes a significant markup of 3-7% or more above mid-market rates. This markup is split between the merchant and their payment processor, incentivizing them to encourage home currency payment. Additionally, you'll still likely pay your credit card's foreign transaction fee on top of this poor exchange rate. In contrast, when you pay in local currency, your credit card company or bank handles the conversion later at wholesale rates that are typically within 1-2% of mid-market rates. Even if your card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, you're still usually better off with local currency payment than accepting a 5-7% DCC markup plus fees. The home currency option appears convenient - you can see exactly what you're paying in familiar money - but this convenience costs you significant money. The same principle applies to ATM withdrawals - decline any offer to convert to your home currency and allow your bank to handle conversion. The only exception might be if you have a card with zero foreign transaction fees and the merchant offers exactly mid-market rate (extremely rare), but even then, you're unlikely to come out ahead. Train yourself to confidently decline and select local currency every time. The amounts might seem small on individual transactions, but they add up significantly over a trip. On a $3,000 vacation, choosing local currency over DCC might save you $150-200.
How much currency should I exchange before traveling?
The optimal amount of currency to exchange before departure balances having enough for immediate needs while minimizing fees from potentially unfavorable pre-trip exchange rates. A general guideline is to exchange enough to cover the first 24-48 hours of basic expenses: transportation from the airport, one or two meals, tips, and small purchases - typically $100-300 depending on the destination's cost of living. This ensures you're not desperately searching for ATMs or exchange services immediately upon arrival when you're tired and potentially vulnerable to poor rates. For the bulk of your travel funds, plan to use a combination of ATM withdrawals and credit cards at your destination, which typically offer better rates than pre-trip exchanges. Before departing, verify your debit and credit cards will work internationally (notify your bank of travel plans to avoid fraud blocks) and understand their fees - foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, and currency conversion charges. Research ATM availability at your destination - if ATMs are plentiful and reliable, you need less cash upfront; if they're scarce or unreliable, exchange more before departure. Consider your destination's cash culture - some countries still operate primarily on cash while others embrace credit cards widely. Account for your risk tolerance - having extra local currency provides peace of mind for some travelers, while others prefer minimal cash to reduce theft risk. For major currencies (EUR, GBP, JPY), exchanging at your destination often yields better rates than home exchanges; for exotic currencies, availability abroad might be limited, favoring some pre-trip exchange. If you have leftover foreign currency from previous trips, bring it rather than re-exchanging. A balanced strategy for most trips: exchange $100-200 before departure, use ATMs for additional cash as needed, and rely on no-foreign-fee credit cards for most purchases, adjusting based on destination-specific factors.
What are the best ways to minimize currency conversion fees?
Minimizing currency conversion costs requires strategic planning and selecting the right financial tools before and during your trip. Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees - many cards now waive the typical 1-3% foreign transaction fee, including major travel rewards cards and some cashback cards. Use these for all possible purchases to get rates within 0.5-1% of mid-market. For cash needs, use ATMs affiliated with major banks in your destination country, which typically offer better rates than independent ATMs, and withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees (your bank may charge $5 per withdrawal, so one $500 withdrawal is much better than five $100 withdrawals). Check if your bank has partner banks abroad offering fee-free ATM access - some U.S. banks partner with international networks. Consider opening an account with an online bank like Charles Schwab or Fidelity that reimburses all ATM fees worldwide - the unlimited ATM reimbursement can save significantly for frequent travelers. Use specialized currency exchange services like Wise (TransferWise), Revolut, or OFX for large amounts or extended stays - they offer rates within 0.5% of mid-market, far better than banks or traditional money changers. Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports, hotels, and tourist areas which routinely charge 5-10% markups. Never use Dynamic Currency Conversion (pay in local currency, always). For extended international stays, open a local bank account if practical to avoid ongoing conversion fees. Consider prepaid travel cards for specific destinations, though compare their fees carefully as many have hidden charges. Avoid traveler's checks which are outdated and come with poor exchange rates plus cashing fees. Plan ahead to exchange currency during business hours at reputable banks rather than desperate last-minute exchanges at poor rates. Calculate the true all-in cost including both exchange rate markups and explicit fees when comparing options - sometimes a service with higher fees but better rates costs less overall than one with low fees but terrible rates.
How do I calculate the true cost including exchange fees?
Calculating the actual cost of currency exchange requires accounting for both the exchange rate markup and any explicit fees charged. Start with the mid-market rate from a reliable converter like XE or Google. Compare this to the rate being offered - if mid-market is 1.20 USD/EUR and you're offered 1.26, you're paying a 5% markup (1.26/1.20 = 1.05). Then add any flat fees - if exchanging $1,000 with a $10 fee plus 5% rate markup, your true cost is: $1,000 ÷ 1.26 = €793.65, minus any fees applied to the converted amount, or conversely, you pay $1,000 + $10 = $1,010 for €793.65 worth €952 at mid-market, losing about $58 or 5.7% total. For credit card purchases, the calculation is simpler - a €100 purchase at mid-market (1.20) costs $120, but with a 3% foreign transaction fee, you actually pay $123.60. To compare providers, calculate the effective all-in rate for each. If Bank A offers 1.26 USD/EUR with no fee, and Bank B offers 1.22 with a $15 fee, for a $1,000 exchange: Bank A gives you $1,000 ÷ 1.26 = €793.65; Bank B gives you ($1,000 - $15) ÷ 1.22 = €807.38, making Bank B better despite the fee. The effective rate for Bank B is $1,000 ÷ €807.38 = 1.2386, which is better than 1.26. For ATM withdrawals, include your bank's fees, the foreign ATM's fees, and any conversion markup - a $200 withdrawal with $5 domestic fee, $3 foreign ATM fee, and 1% conversion markup costs $200 × 1.01 + $5 + $3 = $210, meaning an effective 5% fee. Always ask providers for the exact all-in amount you'll receive after all fees and at their exact exchange rate, then compare that to what you should receive at mid-market to know the true cost. Small differences in rates or fees can add up to hundreds of dollars on large exchanges.
Should I exchange leftover foreign currency back to my home currency?
Deciding whether to exchange leftover foreign currency back to your home currency depends on the amount, likelihood of returning to that country, and the cost of re-exchange. Small amounts (under $50-100 equivalent) are often not worth exchanging due to poor rates and fees eating up the value - you might lose 10-20% on a small exchange. For small amounts, consider these alternatives: save it for a future trip to that country or region (euros work across most of Europe); give it to friends or family traveling there soon; donate it to charity collection boxes at airports; or keep it as a souvenir. Medium amounts ($100-500) warrant evaluation - calculate the true cost of re-exchange including fees and rate markups. If you'll lose more than 10% to fees and spreads, consider whether you're likely to return within a few years, making it worth keeping. For large amounts ($500+), re-exchange usually makes sense unless you're confident you'll return soon - the absolute dollar loss from poor rates is significant even if the percentage is the same. Use the best available method: bank branches often offer better rates for customers than airport kiosks; online services like Wise allow selling major currencies back at good rates; or exchange with friends or family planning trips to that destination at a fair rate you agree on. Some currencies are easier to exchange than others - major currencies like EUR, GBP, or JPY can be sold anywhere, while exotic currencies may be difficult or impossible to exchange outside their home country, making it crucial to minimize leftover amounts. For destinations you visit regularly, maintain a small supply of local currency for next time. Strategic planning helps minimize leftovers - use credit cards for final large purchases and intentionally draw down cash in the last days of your trip.
Why Use Our Currency Converter?
Accurate currency conversion is essential for international travel, business, and financial planning. Our currency converter provides up-to-date exchange rates for 150+ currencies, helping you budget accurately, compare prices across countries, and make informed decisions about when and where to exchange money. Whether you're planning a vacation, pricing international products, or managing foreign investments, understanding current exchange rates and conversion costs helps you maximize your money's value and avoid costly conversion mistakes.