Currency Converter
Live exchange rates between the world's major currencies, fetched from a public exchange-rate API.
How Live Exchange Rates Work
The rates shown here come from a public exchange-rate API (open.er-api.com), which sources mid-market rates updated multiple times per day from central banks and major liquidity providers. These are indicative rates — what banks and trading platforms quote. The rate you actually receive when exchanging money at a bank, ATM, or currency exchange will include a spread (typically 1-4%) and possibly fees.
Getting the Best Rate When Traveling
Best to worst, roughly: a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card (often within 1% of mid-market) → ATM withdrawal in local currency with a fee-free debit card → bank-to-bank wire → airport currency exchange (worst, often 5-10% spreads). Never accept "dynamic currency conversion" at a foreign card terminal — it lets the merchant set their own (worse) rate.
Why Rates Move
Currency values float against each other based on interest rate differentials, trade balances, capital flows, and market sentiment. Big moves usually follow central bank decisions, major economic data releases, or geopolitical shocks. For most personal use the day-to-day fluctuation is noise; rates move noticeably (more than 5%) on the order of months or years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How current are these rates?
The source API updates multiple times per day. The "Last Updated" timestamp shows exactly when. For mission-critical transactions (large transfers, business invoicing) always confirm with your bank.
Can I trust the result for a wire transfer?
No — your bank's rate will differ, usually by 1-4% on common pairs and more on exotic ones. The figure here is a reference point, not a quote.
What if the rate fails to load?
We fall back to a static rate table from a recent date. The result will be approximate but still in the right ballpark.