Currency
March 2026
Get the Best Exchange Rates When Travelling Abroad: A Free Currency Converter Guide
Try it now:
Open the Free Currency Converter →What is the Real Exchange Rate?
Every currency has two rates: the mid-market rate (the true rate seen on financial data sites) and the retail rate your bank charges. The gap — typically 1–5% — is where providers make profit. Our converter shows the mid-market rate, refreshed every 30 minutes.
4 Steps Before Your Trip
- Find your baseline rate — Select home and destination currency, note the rate
- Calculate your travel budget — Enter your spending amount to see the converted total
- Compare deals — A 3% bank markup on £800 costs you £24
- Track rate movements — Check daily in the week before travel
Where NOT to Exchange Currency
| Location | Typical Markup | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Airport bureau de change | 5–12% | Avoid |
| High street bank | 2–4% | OK if no alternative |
| Specialist travel card (Wise/Revolut) | 0.5–1% | Best option |
Key Tips
- Always choose to pay in local currency when a card terminal offers a choice — never let the merchant convert
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise ATM flat fees
- Keep a small cash reserve even in cashless countries
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the rates?
We display live mid-market rates updated every 30 minutes — the reference rates used by financial institutions.
Which currencies are supported?
USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD, AUD, CHF, and CNY — all major traded currencies including cross-pair conversions.
Ready to try it?
Open Currency Converter →