How to Use Our Currency Converter
Enter an amount, select your source and target currencies, and get an instant conversion at indicative exchange rates. Our converter supports major world currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, CAD, AUD, INR, SGD, and AED.
Understanding Exchange Rates
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on economic conditions, interest rates, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. The rate you see on Google or financial websites is the "mid-market rate" — the midpoint between buy and sell prices. Banks and exchange services add a markup (spread) on top of this rate, which is how they make money.
Tips for Getting the Best Exchange Rate
- Avoid airport kiosks: They charge the worst rates, often 5-10% above mid-market
- Use multi-currency cards: Services like Wise or Revolut offer near mid-market rates
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion: When paying abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency, not your home currency
- Compare providers: Banks typically charge 2-5% hidden markup, while specialized services charge 0.3-1%
- Watch timing: Rates are most volatile during major economic announcements and market opens
Major Currency Pairs
The most traded currency pairs globally are EUR/USD (Euro/US Dollar), USD/JPY (US Dollar/Japanese Yen), GBP/USD (British Pound/US Dollar), and USD/CHF (US Dollar/Swiss Franc). These pairs have the tightest spreads and most liquidity, meaning you generally get better rates converting between them.
Sending Money Internationally
For large international transfers (salary payments, property purchases, relocations), the exchange rate matters significantly. A 2% bank markup on a $50,000 transfer costs you $1,000. Specialized transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars by offering rates closer to the mid-market rate.
Factors That Affect Exchange Rates
- Interest rates: Higher rates attract foreign investment, strengthening the currency
- Inflation: Lower inflation tends to strengthen a currency over time
- Trade balance: Countries that export more than they import tend to have stronger currencies
- Political stability: Uncertainty weakens currencies as investors seek safety
- Central bank policy: Quantitative easing or tightening directly impacts currency value