Currency Converter
Convert between major world currencies. Rates are approximate and based on GBP as the base currency (March 2025). Always check your bank or a live source for actual rates before making financial decisions.
Convert currency
Enter an amount, select your source and target currencies, then click Convert.
Related: Inflation Calculator
How the Currency Converter works
This converter uses fixed indicative rates with GBP as the base currency to convert between 17 major world currencies. Enter an amount, select the currency you are converting from and the currency you want to convert to, and the result is displayed instantly. The inverse rate (how much of the source currency equals one unit of the target) is also shown for reference.
All conversions are routed through GBP: the amount is first converted to pounds at the from-currency's rate, then converted to the target currency. This approach allows any currency pair to be calculated from a single set of base rates. Because the rates are fixed approximations, this tool is best suited for quick estimates and travel budgeting rather than live financial transactions.
Exchange rates change constantly due to economic events, central bank decisions, and market sentiment. The rates used here are approximate figures and will not match what you receive from a bank, bureau de change, or payment provider, all of which add a spread or fee on top of the mid-market rate. Always check a live source such as XE.com or your bank's published rate before making any significant currency transaction.
Frequently asked questions
How are exchange rates determined?
Exchange rates are determined by supply and demand in the global foreign exchange (forex) market, which is the largest financial market in the world. Factors that influence rates include interest rate decisions by central banks (such as the Bank of England), inflation, economic growth data, trade balances, political events, and market sentiment. The pound sterling's value against other currencies shifts constantly during trading hours as these factors change.
What is the spread on currency exchange?
The spread is the difference between the rate at which a provider buys currency from you and the rate at which they sell it to you. This gap is how banks, bureaux de change, and online services make their profit on currency transactions. The spread is often not shown explicitly — you simply see a less favourable rate than the mid-market (interbank) rate. A narrow spread means a better deal for the customer.
Where is the best place to exchange currency in the UK?
Online specialist currency providers such as Wise, Revolut, and Caxton typically offer the closest rates to the mid-market rate and are generally better value than high street banks or airport bureaux de change. Airport and hotel exchange desks usually charge the highest margins and should be avoided if possible. Ordering currency online in advance of travel and collecting it from a local branch or using a travel-specific debit card are usually the most cost-effective options.
How do I avoid bad exchange rates when travelling?
To avoid poor exchange rates when travelling abroad, use a specialist travel card or bank account (such as Starling, Monzo, or Revolut) that charges no foreign transaction fees and applies the mid-market rate. Avoid using dynamic currency conversion (DCC) — always pay in the local currency, not pounds, when given the choice abroad. Plan ahead and avoid exchanging cash at airports or tourist-area bureaux de change where margins are typically highest.