Currency Converter
Convert between 35+ world currencies using reference exchange rates. Instant results, works offline.
1 USD = 0.9200 EUR
Reference rates only, not for financial transactions
How Currency Exchange Rates Work
Exchange rates tell you how much of one currency you get for another. When you see "1 GBP = 1.27 USD", it means one British pound buys 1.27 US dollars. Rates move constantly based on supply and demand — influenced by interest rates, inflation, political events, and global trade.
The rate you see on Google or this calculator is the mid-market rate — the midpoint between what buyers and sellers are offering. It's the fairest rate. But banks and currency exchanges add a markup (called a spread) of 2-5%, which is their profit. That's why the rate at the airport bureau is always worse than what you see online.
This converter uses reference rates for quick comparisons and planning. For actual transactions, always check your bank or card provider's live rate and fees.
Major Currency Pairs and What Moves Them
| Currency Pair | Common Name | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | "Cable" | Bank of England rate, UK GDP, trade balance |
| EUR/USD | "Fibre" | ECB policy, Eurozone growth, US Fed decisions |
| GBP/EUR | — | UK-EU trade, interest rate differential |
| USD/JPY | "Gopher" | Bank of Japan policy, US Treasury yields |
| AUD/USD | "Aussie" | Commodity prices, China trade, RBA rate |
| USD/CHF | "Swissie" | Safe-haven flows, SNB policy, global risk |
What this means for you: If you're planning a holiday to the US, watch the GBP/USD rate. A move from 1.25 to 1.30 saves you £40 on every £1,000 converted. Setting a rate alert on your banking app helps you exchange when rates are favourable.
Getting the Best Exchange Rate
| Method | Typical Markup | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wise / Revolut transfer | 0.3-0.7% | Sending money abroad, online purchases |
| Starling / Monzo card abroad | 0% (Mastercard rate) | Holiday spending, no fees up to limits |
| High street bank transfer | 2-4% | Convenience if you don't want a new account |
| Post Office / Travelex | 3-5% | Cash for places that don't take cards |
| Airport bureau de change | 5-10% | Last resort — avoid if possible |
| Hotel exchange desk | 4-8% | Emergency cash only |
What this means for you: On a £2,000 holiday spend, the difference between a fee-free card (0%) and an airport bureau (7%) is £140. Get a Monzo or Starling card before your trip — they're free and take minutes to set up.
Common Currency Conversion Tips
Always pay in local currency
When a card machine asks "pay in GBP or local currency?", always choose local currency. Paying in GBP triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion — a hidden 3-6% markup by the merchant.
Don't exchange at the airport
Airport exchange rates are the worst you'll find anywhere. Order currency online in advance, withdraw from an ATM abroad, or use a fee-free card.
Watch for rate alerts
Apps like Wise and XE let you set alerts for when a rate hits your target. If you're planning a big purchase, timing can save you hundreds.
Understand the mid-market rate
Google "GBP to EUR" to see the mid-market rate. Any rate you're offered should be within 1-2% of this. If the gap is bigger, you're overpaying.
What Is Dynamic Currency Conversion?
When you pay by card abroad, the terminal sometimes asks: "Pay in GBP or local currency?" This is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It sounds convenient — you see the amount in pounds. But the merchant (or their payment processor) sets the exchange rate, adding a 3-6% markup that you can't see.
Always decline DCC and pay in the local currency. Your bank or card will convert at a better rate. Even high-street banks with a 2% fee beat DCC rates. With a Monzo, Starling, or Wise card, you pay at the interbank rate with zero markup — the best deal available.
Related Tools
Travel Budget Calculator
Plan your full trip budget
Tip Calculator
Calculate tips in foreign currencies
Expense Split Calculator
Split group costs evenly
Inflation Calculator
See how purchasing power changes
Percentage Calculator
Quick percentage calculations
Salary Calculator
Convert salary between time periods
How to use this tool
Enter the amount you want to convert
Select the source and target currencies
View the converted amount with the latest exchange rate
Common uses
- Converting prices while shopping internationally
- Calculating travel budgets in foreign currencies
- Comparing freelance rates across countries
- Verifying invoice amounts in different currencies
- Checking exchange rates before transferring money abroad
Share this tool