Whether you’re traveling abroad, shopping internationally, or transferring money across borders, knowing the current exchange rate saves you money. Our Currency Converter supports 15 major world currencies with accurate, user-adjustable rates.
Currency Converter
Convert between currencies using current or custom exchange rates.
How the Currency Converter Works
Currency conversion uses a simple ratio based on exchange rates:
Converted Amount = (Amount ÷ Rate of Source Currency) × Rate of Target Currency
For example, to convert $100 USD to EUR: (100 ÷ 1.0) × 0.92 = €92.00
All rates are relative to the US Dollar (USD = 1). You can adjust rates manually if you have a better rate from your bank or provider.
Worked Example — Planning a Trip
Scenario
Grace is travelling from London to Nairobi. She has a travel budget of £2,000 and wants to know how much that is in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Inputs
- Amount: 2,000
- From: GBP (British Pound)
- To: KES (Kenyan Shilling)
Calculation Walkthrough (using mid-market rate)
The reference rate is: 1 GBP ≈ 165 KES
- Multiply: 2,000 × 165 = KSh 330,000
Result (Mid-Market Rate)
- Converted Amount: KSh 330,000
But — What You Actually Get Matters
The rate displayed in the converter is the mid-market rate (the rate banks use between themselves). The rate you actually receive depends on your provider.
If the exchange desk offers: 1 GBP = 155 KES (about 6% markup):
- Actual amount: 2,000 × 155 = KSh 310,000
- Lost to markup: KSh 20,000
Practical Advice
- Compare at least two providers before converting large amounts. Options include your bank, airport exchange bureaux, and online services.
- Avoid airport currency exchanges — they typically offer the worst rates (up to 10% above the mid-market rate).
- For travel, consider a multi-currency travel card. Load money at a good rate before your trip, avoiding last-minute exchanges.
- For large conversions (over £1,000), a difference of even 1% matters. On £2,000, 1% is £20 saved.
💡 Next Decision
If you are travelling soon: Check the mid-market rate using this converter, then compare it to what your bank or an online service offers. If the difference is more than 2–3%, switch providers.
If you are sending money internationally: Use the converter to check the mid-market rate, then compare with money transfer services before sending. The difference can be significant — often 3–6% of the amount sent.
If you run an online business: Use the converter regularly to track exchange rate trends and time your conversions when the rate is favourable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are exchange rates updated?
Rates are provided as reference values and should be verified with your financial institution for critical transactions.
Why do bank rates differ from market rates?
Banks and money transfer services add a markup (spread) to the mid-market rate. Always compare the final cost, not just the exchange rate.
Pro Tips
- Avoid airport currency exchanges — they typically offer the worst rates
- Use a multi-currency account for better rates on international transfers
- For large transfers, compare rates across Wise, Revolut, and traditional banks