Currency Exchange Calculator
Leave blank to use the built-in reference rate
Enter an amount to convert
Select your currencies, enter an amount, and choose a fee scenario to see the full breakdown.
How to Use the Currency Exchange Calculator
Enter Your Amount
Type the amount you want to convert in the Amount field. The default is 1,000 — a convenient amount for comparing provider fees side by side.
Choose Your Currencies
Select your source currency (From) and destination currency (To) from the dropdown menus. All 30 currencies are listed with their full names. Use the swap button (double arrow) to instantly reverse the direction.
Select a Fee Scenario
Pick from five presets: No Fees (mid-market baseline), Wise, Online Bank, Traditional Bank, or Airport Kiosk. Or choose Custom to enter your provider's exact fixed fee and percentage fee. The fee inputs update automatically when you select a preset.
Review the Results
The hero figure shows exactly how much you receive after fees. Check the stacked bar to see what proportion is lost to fees, and the scenario comparison chart to instantly compare all providers. Use Export CSV to save the results or Print for a paper record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the exchange rates in this calculator live?
No. The rates in this calculator are hardcoded approximate reference values based on typical market rates at the time of writing. They are intended for planning and educational use only — to help you understand the relative impact of fees and spreads. Currency markets move continuously during trading hours, and actual rates offered by banks, brokers, and exchange bureaux will differ from these values. Always confirm the current rate with your actual provider before making a transaction, especially for large amounts. For live rates, check xe.com, Google Finance, or your bank's website.
What is the mid-market rate and why does it matter?
The mid-market rate (also called the interbank rate or spot rate) is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices that banks use when trading currencies with each other. It represents the 'true' value of a currency pair at a given moment. Most consumer-facing banks and exchange services do not offer this rate — instead, they apply a spread (a percentage markup built into the rate they quote you) plus potentially an explicit fee. Services like Wise explicitly use the mid-market rate and charge a separate transparent fee, which is why their effective rates are often better than traditional banks even after fees.
Why is the airport kiosk rate so much worse?
Airport currency exchange kiosks operate in a captive market — travellers often need cash urgently and have limited alternatives at the terminal. As a result, kiosks apply very high spreads, typically 6–12% above the mid-market rate. On a $500 exchange, that could mean losing $30–$60 compared to using an online transfer service. Additionally, many kiosks advertise 'no commission' while hiding the entire markup in an extremely unfavorable exchange rate. If possible, order foreign currency from your bank before travel, use a fee-free travel card, or withdraw from an international ATM at your destination.
How do I use a custom rate and fees?
The Custom Rate field lets you override the built-in reference rate with a specific rate quoted by your provider. Leave it blank to use the built-in approximate rate. For fees, either select a preset (Wise, Online Bank, etc.) which populates the fee fields automatically, or select Custom and type your provider's actual fixed fee (in source currency) and percentage fee. For example, if your bank charges €8 flat plus 2.5%, enter 8 in Fixed Fee and 2.5 in Fee Percentage. The calculator will show exactly how much you receive after those combined charges.
What does the round-trip analysis show?
The round-trip analysis answers: if you converted your money to the target currency and then immediately converted it back, how much would you end up with? The difference between your original amount and the round-trip result represents the true total cost of the exchange process — including both fees and any rate spread. A no-fee mid-market conversion has near-zero round-trip loss. A high-fee conversion at an airport kiosk could lose 10–15% of your money in a single round trip. This is a useful way to compare the total cost of different exchange methods, especially when some providers hide costs inside an unfavorable rate rather than showing explicit fees.
What is the best way to exchange currency for travel?
The best approach depends on the amount and urgency. For large transfers (over $1,000), specialist online services like Wise or CurrencyFair typically offer the best rates — they use the mid-market rate and charge transparent low fees. For smaller holiday cash amounts, ordering from your bank online 3–7 days before travel usually beats in-branch or airport rates. A fee-free travel debit card (such as Charles Schwab, Revolut, or Monzo) gives near-mid-market rates at ATMs abroad with minimal fees. Always avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) — when a foreign merchant or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.