Currency Converter
Convert currencies with real-time exchange rates
How to use Currency Converter
Convert between 45 currencies with reference exchange rates from the European Central Bank. Free online currency converter tool.
When do you need to convert currencies?
Currency conversion is needed whenever money crosses international borders — in travel, trade, investment, and digital transactions. Even small rate differences matter when large amounts are involved.
- Travel planning: Budget your trip in your home currency. €500 spending money — how much is that in Thai Baht or Japanese Yen? Check rates before you travel to know if you are getting a fair deal at the exchange counter.
- International shopping: Online stores often price in USD or EUR. Convert to your home currency to understand the real cost, including whether credit card foreign transaction fees make a difference.
- Freelancing and remote work: International clients pay in their currency. Convert invoiced amounts to your home currency for accounting, and track currency exposure over time.
- Investment: Assess returns on foreign assets in your home currency. A US stock gaining 10% while the USD falls 5% against EUR gives a European investor only ~5% real return.
- Import/export: Price goods competitively in foreign markets and calculate margins after currency conversion.
Important: Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. This tool provides reference rates from the European Central Bank — suitable for estimates and planning. For actual transactions, check your bank or currency exchange service for live rates and their fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the rate different from what my bank charges?
This tool shows the mid-market (interbank) rate — the rate banks use when trading with each other. Banks and exchange services add a margin (spread) of 1-5% on top. Some services (Wise, Revolut) offer rates much closer to the mid-market rate than traditional banks.
What is the best time to exchange currency?
Currency markets trade 24 hours on weekdays. Rates fluctuate continuously based on economic data, central bank decisions, and market sentiment. For small personal amounts, timing the market is impractical. For large business transactions, a forward contract locks in a rate for future settlement.
What is a forward exchange rate?
A forward rate is an agreed rate for currency exchange at a future date. Businesses use forward contracts to hedge against currency risk — locking in today's rate for a payment due in 3-6 months, protecting against adverse rate movements.
What does a strong vs weak currency mean?
A strong currency buys more foreign currency — good for imports and overseas travel, bad for exports (your goods become expensive for foreign buyers). A weak currency boosts exports but makes imports more expensive. Central banks and governments actively manage currency strength through interest rates and interventions.
What is the difference between spot and forward rates?
The spot rate is the current market rate for immediate exchange. The forward rate is agreed today for exchange at a future date, reflecting interest rate differences between the two currencies. For most personal and small business use, the spot rate is what matters.
FlashUtils converter vs bank vs Wise vs currency exchange
This tool shows ECB reference rates — the baseline mid-market rate, ideal for estimates. Banks add 2-5% margin plus fees. Wise (formerly TransferWise) uses mid-market rates with a transparent fee, typically the best option for international transfers. Airport currency exchanges offer the worst rates (5-10% margin). Revolut and N26 offer mid-market rates within monthly limits. For reference and planning, use this tool. For actual transactions, compare Wise, your bank, and specialist services.