Currency Rates
Major exchange rate conversion
Approximate rates — not real-time
About This Calculator
Currency conversion lets you find how much a foreign currency is worth in your local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate continuously based on interest rates, inflation, economic data, and market sentiment. The rates shown are mid-market rates; banks and exchange bureaus charge a spread above this rate as their fee.
Formula
Amount in target = Amount in source × Exchange Rate
Exchange rate = units of target currency per 1 unit of source
Effective rate after spread = mid-market rate × (1 − spread%)
Example Calculation
Convert $500 USD to EUR at rate 1 USD = 0.92 EUR
- EUR = 500 × 0.92 = 460 EUR
- If bank charges 2% spread: effective rate = 0.92 × 0.98 = 0.9016
- Actual EUR received = 500 × 0.9016 = 450.80 EUR
You receive 460 EUR at mid-market; ~450 EUR after bank spread
Major Currency Pairs (approximate mid-market rates)
| From | To | Rate | Inverse |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | EUR | 0.92 | 1.09 |
| USD | GBP | 0.79 | 1.27 |
| USD | JPY | 150.5 | 0.0066 |
| EUR | GBP | 0.86 | 1.17 |
| USD | CAD | 1.36 | 0.74 |
| USD | AUD | 1.53 | 0.65 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a worse rate than the mid-market rate?
Banks, currency exchange bureaus, and credit cards add a markup (spread) of 1-5% to the mid-market rate. This is how they profit from foreign exchange. To minimize fees, use a card with no foreign transaction fees or a service like Wise that uses near-mid-market rates.
What causes exchange rates to fluctuate?
Rates change due to interest rate differentials between countries, inflation rates, trade balances, economic growth data, political stability, and central bank interventions. Major news events can cause sudden large moves.
What is the bid-ask spread?
The bid price is what the market pays for a currency; the ask price is what sellers charge. The difference (spread) is the transaction cost. Tighter spreads (major pairs like EUR/USD) mean lower costs than exotic pairs.
When is the best time to exchange currency?
Exchange rates move constantly and are unpredictable. Timing the market is difficult even for professionals. A practical strategy: exchange in your home country using a bank or travel card with low fees rather than at airport bureaus, which have the worst rates.