Currency Converter
Convert amounts instantly between 200+ global currencies using live, daily exchange rates sourced from 84 central banks. View 30-day historical trends and compare your amount across multiple currencies at once.
How do currency exchange rates work?
An exchange rate tells you how much one currency is worth in terms of another. For example, an exchange rate of 1.25 for GBP to USD means that 1 British Pound buys 1.25 US Dollars.
The rates shown in this calculator are mid-market rates. This is the true, unbiased rate without any hidden fees or markups. It represents the midpoint between the prices at which large banks are willing to buy and sell currencies in the global market.
The cost of exchanging money
When you exchange money for a holiday or make an international bank transfer, you will rarely get the mid-market rate. Providers make money by adding a spread or margin to the rate.
- Credit cards: Often use the Visa or Mastercard base rate but may add a 1% to 3% "foreign transaction fee".
- Travel money kiosks: Typically offer the worst rates, sometimes adding a margin of 5% to 10% on top of the real rate.
- High street banks: Usually apply a hidden margin of 3% to 5% on international transfers.
Use this calculator as a benchmark to see how much your provider is really charging you.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are the exchange rates?
The exchange rates are updated daily and sourced from 84 central banks globally via the European Central Bank (ECB) data. While highly accurate for reference, these are 'mid-market' rates. Banks and currency exchanges typically apply a margin or fee on top of this rate when you buy or sell currency.
How often are the rates updated?
Rates are updated once per working day, usually around 16:00 CET, reflecting the official reference rates published by central banks.
What is a mid-market rate?
The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies. It is the 'real' exchange rate used by banks trading with each other, before any consumer markups are added.
Why does my bank give me a different rate?
Banks, credit cards, and travel money providers make a profit by offering you an exchange rate that is worse than the real mid-market rate shown here. They may also charge a flat foreign transaction fee on top.