Kalkulo

Currency converter

Convert an amount between GBP, EUR, USD, CHF, JPY and CAD at an indicative mid-market rate. UK cards add a 2.75-2.99% non-sterling fee.

Result
127.06 USD
100 GBP (indicative rates)

About this tool

Why use this tool

The currency converter gives an instant estimate of an amount in another currency. It's essential for holidays, cross-border shopping, sending money abroad, freelance invoicing in foreign currencies or comparing UK salaries with overseas offers. The Bank of England publishes daily reference rates, but the rates applied by high-street banks and cards typically add a 2.75–2.99 % non-sterling transaction fee.

How it works

The tool applies an indicative rate between two currencies: converted amount = amount × rate. Real rates move continuously on the interbank FX market. The mid-market rate (Reuters or Bloomberg reference) sits between the bid/ask spread and is what money-transfer services quote as their "real" rate.

Real example

£1,000 to US dollars at GBP/USD 1.27 = $1,270 mid-market. Using a standard debit card overseas after a 2.99 % non-sterling fee and a worse rate you'd receive closer to $1,225 — a hidden cost of £35. Using Wise or Revolut at the mid-market rate you'd typically get within £5 of the theoretical figure.

Practical tips

Use a fee-free travel card (Chase UK, Starling, Monzo Plus, Revolut, Wise) for overseas spending. Withdraw cash from a bank-branded ATM abroad — avoid Euronet/Travelex machines that charge £5+ per withdrawal. Refuse "Dynamic Currency Conversion" at POS abroad — always choose local currency. For large transfers (overseas property, university fees) use an FCA-authorised money-transfer provider — savings vs high-street banks can reach 3–4 %. Keep an eye on the Financial Ombudsman Service if a provider treats you unfairly. HMRC requires reporting foreign income above £2,000 (Self Assessment).

Disclaimer

Rates shown are indicative and not contractual. Actual rates depend on your provider and timing. For firm quotes, contact an FCA-authorised payments firm or your bank. This tool is not regulated financial advice or a money-transmission service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the mid-market rate and why does my bank not offer it?⌄
The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices on the global currency market, and it is the rate quoted by Google and financial news sites. High street banks add a margin of typically 2-4% and may also charge a fixed transfer fee. Specialists such as Wise or Revolut come far closer to the mid-market rate, which is why they are popular for travel and international transfers.
What are the cheapest ways to spend money abroad from the UK?⌄
A specialist travel card or a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, such as those from Chase, Barclaycard Rewards or Halifax Clarity, offers the best value. Standard debit cards often add a 2.75-2.99% non-sterling transaction fee plus a cash withdrawal charge. Always choose to pay in the local currency rather than pounds when the card machine asks.
Should I buy euros or dollars before I travel?⌄
Buying a small amount of currency before you leave is sensible for immediate expenses, but ordering online for home delivery or branch collection is far cheaper than buying at the airport. Airport bureaux typically offer rates 5-10% worse than online providers. For the bulk of your spending, a fee-free card usually beats carrying cash.
What has driven sterling exchange rates in recent years?⌄
The pound is influenced by Bank of England base rate decisions, UK inflation and growth data, government fiscal announcements, and political events. Sterling fell sharply after the 2016 EU referendum and again during the 2022 mini-budget, and has been sensitive to interest rate expectations since. Because these factors change daily, rates shown by any converter are indicative only.
How do international transfers from a UK bank work?⌄
A SWIFT transfer from a high street bank typically costs £10-25 plus an exchange rate margin, and can take one to four working days. SEPA payments in euros are usually cheaper and faster. Money transfer specialists generally offer better rates and same-day delivery for major currency corridors, which matters most on larger amounts.

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