Free Currency Converter

Convert between major world currencies using live rates from the European Central Bank via the Frankfurter API. Rates refresh once per business day at ECB close.

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What is this calculator for?

You're planning a trip to Tokyo and the hotel is ¥18,500/night. You need to know if that's $90 or $250 or somewhere in between. Or you're buying a vintage watch from a German seller priced at €2,800 and want to know the USD cost. Or you're a freelancer being paid in EUR and want to convert to USD for monthly budgeting. The currency converter pulls live exchange rates (or recent rates) and translates amounts across the world's major currencies.

Exchange rates fluctuate constantly during trading hours. The "spot rate" is the immediate market rate at a given moment. The rate your bank or credit card uses for transactions includes a "spread" — typically 1-4% above the interbank rate. Currency exchange services (cash exchange at airports, hotel exchanges) often charge 5-15% spreads — significantly worse than card-based transactions. ATM withdrawals abroad typically use near-interbank rates plus a flat fee ($3-5 per transaction) — often the best option for cash.

This calculator uses recent exchange rates (updated periodically) and shows both the headline conversion plus the realistic "after fees" cost when using common payment methods (card, ATM, cash exchange).

How to use this calculator

Enter the amount and select source currency and target currency. The calculator shows the equivalent at recent exchange rates.

For travel planning: estimate trip expenses in your home currency. Note that actual cost depends on payment method — credit cards typically add 1-3% foreign transaction fee; some cards waive this (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, others). ATM withdrawals are usually best for cash needs.

For business planning: regular conversions for international invoicing, foreign-currency revenue, or imports/exports. Multinational businesses use hedging strategies for stability against rate fluctuations — beyond this calculator's scope but worth knowing about for any business with significant cross-currency cash flows.

Understanding your results

The calculator returns the direct conversion at recent exchange rates plus context about effective cost with typical payment methods.

Major currency reference (rates as of late 2024-25, approximate):

USD to EUR: $1 = €0.92. EUR to USD: €1 = $1.09.

USD to GBP: $1 = £0.80. GBP to USD: £1 = $1.25.

USD to JPY: $1 = ¥152. JPY to USD: ¥100 = $0.66.

USD to CAD: $1 = C$1.40. CAD to USD: C$1 = $0.71.

USD to AUD: $1 = A$1.55. AUD to USD: A$1 = $0.65.

USD to MXN: $1 = M$20. MXN to USD: M$1 = $0.050.

USD to CNY: $1 = ¥7.20. CNY to USD: ¥10 = $1.39.

USD to INR: $1 = ₹84. INR to USD: ₹100 = $1.19.

USD to BRL: $1 = R$5.80. BRL to USD: R$1 = $0.17.

USD to KRW: $1 = ₩1,390. KRW to USD: ₩1,000 = $0.72.

The forex spread reality. The interbank rate (USD/EUR around 0.92) is the wholesale rate banks trade among themselves. Your retail experience: credit cards 1-3% spread above interbank, plus possible foreign-transaction fees (often waived on travel cards). ATM withdrawals: near-interbank rate plus $3-5 flat fee per transaction + possibly $5 from your bank. Currency exchange at airports: 5-15% spread — worst option, avoid unless emergency. Banks and credit unions: 2-4% spread plus possible service fee. The cheapest option for travel: travel credit card with no foreign-transaction fee plus ATM for cash.

The cryptocurrency angle. Some travelers use crypto-to-fiat conversion to avoid bank fees. Reality: crypto conversion typically has 1-3% spread plus crypto's own volatility. Stablecoins (USDC, USDT) reduce volatility but conversion fees still apply. For most travelers, traditional debit/credit cards still beat crypto on convenience and cost; crypto wins only in specific cases (rapid international transfers, countries with banking restrictions).

A worked example

Aisha is planning a 14-day trip to Japan in spring 2025. She's budgeting expenses in USD.

Daily expenses estimated in JPY: hotel ¥15,000/night × 14 = ¥210,000. Food and drink ¥6,000/day × 14 = ¥84,000. Transportation ¥3,000/day × 14 = ¥42,000. Activities ¥5,000/day × 14 = ¥70,000. Shopping ¥30,000 total. Total: ¥436,000.

At USD/JPY 152: ¥436,000 = $2,868. Adding credit card foreign transaction fee 3%: effective $2,954.

Comparing payment methods. (a) Use Chase Sapphire Preferred (no foreign transaction fee). All hotels and restaurants on card: $2,868 direct, exchange-rate cost only. ATMs for cash needs: roughly ¥30,000 cash withdrawn over 3-4 transactions at $4 each = $16 fees + $0 fee bank-side (if her checking account waives international ATM fees). Total trip cost: ~$2,884.

(b) Use standard credit card with 3% foreign transaction fee. $2,868 + $86 = $2,954. Plus ATM fees: $16 + her bank's $5/withdrawal × 4 = $36. Plus $20 lost on currency exchange at airport for emergency cash. Total: $3,010.

The difference: $126 saved using the right travel card. Plus rewards points on Sapphire (3x dining, 2x travel = $50-80 of value). Effective savings: $175-200 by choosing the right payment method.

Rate hedging consideration. If she books the trip 6 months out, what's the rate risk? USD/JPY has fluctuated 8-12% in some recent years. A $2,868 trip could cost $3,150 or $2,580 depending on rate movement. For peace of mind: pay deposits in JPY early when rates are favorable. Or use multi-currency travel money cards (Wise, Revolut) that lock in rates when you transfer money to the card. Not worth complex hedging for a single $3K trip; would matter more for $30K+ international purchases or business cash flows.

Related resources

For general unit conversions, see Unit Converter. For relocation cost-of-living comparisons across currencies, the Cost of Living Comparison. For international shipping costs, the Shipping Cost Estimator. The XE.com and OANDA sites publish real-time interbank exchange rates; Wise offers near-interbank international transfers and multi-currency accounts.

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Frequently asked questions

How often are rates updated?

The Frankfurter API mirrors the European Central Bank's daily reference rates, published once per business day around 16:00 Central European Time. Weekends and ECB holidays carry forward the prior business day's rate.

Is this really free?

Yes. The Frankfurter API is a free, open-source proxy in front of the ECB's published reference data. No API key, no rate limit, no signup. Mubboo proxies nothing — the call goes from your browser directly to Frankfurter's CDN.

What currencies are supported?

All currencies the ECB publishes against the euro — about 30, including USD, GBP, JPY, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, HKD, INR, MXN, SGD, BRL, ZAR, and the major European currencies. Cryptocurrencies are not included.

Where can I get the best exchange rate?

ATMs and travel-friendly credit cards typically beat all other options. ATMs abroad: near-interbank rate plus $3-5 flat fee. Travel credit cards (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, Amex Platinum) often waive foreign-transaction fees entirely; effectively pay only the interbank rate. Banks and credit unions: typically 2-4% spread above interbank. Airport/hotel currency exchanges: 5-15% spreads, avoid. Online services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, OFX offer near-interbank rates with small flat fees — competitive for larger amounts ($1K+) and for routine international transfers. Cash conversion in your home country before traveling: usually mediocre rate but useful for arrival-day expenses.

Why does the exchange rate keep changing?

Currencies trade on global forex markets 24/5 (closed weekends). Rates fluctuate constantly based on: interest rate differentials between countries (higher rates strengthen currency), economic data (GDP, inflation, employment), political events and stability, central bank actions, international trade flows, speculative trading. Major currencies (USD, EUR, JPY, GBP) typically move 0.5-1% daily; smaller currencies (emerging market) can move 2-5% daily or more during turbulent periods. For travel planning, rates within 5% of long-term average are 'normal'; rates more than 10% from long-term average suggest unusual circumstances and may revert. Currency markets are notoriously unpredictable in the short term.

Should I exchange currency before traveling?

Generally no, except for small amounts for arrival-day expenses. Exchanging USD to local currency before travel typically costs 3-5% in spread; ATM withdrawals abroad usually beat this. The exception: if you're traveling to a country with limited ATM infrastructure or where dollars are accepted (some Caribbean countries, some emerging markets), bringing some cash makes sense. For Japan, Europe, UK, Canada, Australia: ATMs everywhere, just withdraw on arrival. Bring $100-200 in USD as emergency backup; don't try to bring all your travel cash converted in advance.

What is a 'foreign transaction fee'?

A fee credit card issuers charge for processing transactions in foreign currency, typically 1-3% of transaction amount. Standard credit cards (those without 'travel' marketing) typically have these. Travel-focused cards (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, Amex Platinum, Citi Premier) waive the fee — saving 2-3% on all international purchases. Debit cards also vary: some have foreign-transaction fees, some don't. The choice of card matters: a $5,000 international trip on a 3% fee card costs $150 in fees; on a no-fee travel card costs $0. Travel cards typically have annual fees ($95-695) that need to be offset by frequent international use plus rewards earnings to be worth it.

How do international wire transfers work?

Banks send funds through SWIFT (international payment network) using correspondent banking. Typical cost: $30-65 sending fee + $15-25 receiving fee + 1-3% exchange rate markup. Total: $45-90+ in fees plus 2-3% on the rate spread. Transfer time: 1-5 business days. Online services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer better deals: $5-15 flat fee + near-interbank rate. For one-time transfers over $1,000, Wise typically saves $50-200 vs traditional bank wire. For recurring international payments (paying overseas contractors, sending money to family), Wise or Revolut Business saves substantial fees over time. Cryptocurrency rails offer alternative paths (USDC/USDT to local exchange) but with their own complexity.

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