Currency Converter
Live reference rates from the European Central Bank — the honest mid-market rate, before anyone adds a markup.
Convert currencies at live rates
Where these rates come from
This converter pulls European Central Bank reference rates — the daily mid-market rates published each business day around 16:00 Central European Time, used worldwide as the neutral benchmark. The "mid-market rate" is the midpoint between buy and sell prices on the global currency market: the honest number, before any bank or kiosk adds its margin.
Why your bank gives you a worse number
Nobody exchanges money for free. Banks and card networks typically add 1–3% to the mid-market rate; airport kiosks add 5–12%; and the "zero commission" booth makes its money entirely inside a padded rate. The practical defense: know the mid-market rate from a tool like this, then compare what you're actually offered. The gap is the fee, whatever the sign says.
Travel money, the short course
The cheap hierarchy, in order: a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card (network rates land within ~1% of mid-market), an ATM withdrawal abroad on a low-fee debit card, and — distantly — cash exchanged at a bank before travel. Two traps to refuse: airport kiosks, and dynamic currency conversion, the card-terminal offer to charge you in dollars instead of local currency. Always choose the local currency; the "convenient" dollar price hides a 3–8% markup. Rates shown here update each ECB business day; weekend conversions reuse Friday's rate, and for large transfers the real-time interbank rate can differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How current are these rates?
ECB reference rates publish once per business day (~16:00 CET). For everyday conversion and travel math they're excellent; for trading or large same-day transfers, use a real-time quote from your provider.
Why doesn't this match what my bank charged?
Your bank's rate includes its margin (typically 1–3%) plus any flat fees. Compare your statement rate to the mid-market rate here — the difference is what the exchange actually cost you.
What's the cheapest way to send money internationally?
Specialist transfer services typically beat banks by holding closer to mid-market with transparent fees. Compare the total received on the other end, not advertised fees — a 'free' transfer with a padded rate isn't free.
Should I pay in dollars or local currency abroad?
Local currency, always. The terminal's offer to charge in your home currency (dynamic currency conversion) uses the merchant's inflated rate — declining it is the easiest 3–8% you'll ever save.