Which exchange rate does this converter use?
We use the euro foreign exchange reference rates of the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB publishes them every working day at around 16:00 Central European Time for about thirty currencies, based on market rates at that moment. They are mid-market rates: exactly halfway between the buying and selling price. Governments, accountants and the media use them as a neutral benchmark. We update the rates daily and show the rate date with every result. At weekends and on holidays, the most recent working-day rate remains in use.
How currency conversion works
All ECB rates are quoted as "1 euro = X units of foreign currency". To convert between two other currencies, the calculation goes through the euro:
amount in B = amount in A × (rate of B ÷ rate of A)
Example: suppose 1 euro buys 1.12 US dollars and 0.85 British pounds. Then €100 is $112. To convert $250 to pounds: 250 × 0.85 ÷ 1.12 ≈ £189.73. The inverse rate is simply 1 ÷ rate: at 1.12, one dollar is worth about €0.893.
Why your bank gives a different rate
A reference rate is not a transaction rate. When you actually exchange money or pay by card abroad, you almost always get a slightly worse rate:
- Debit and credit cards: many banks add a foreign transaction fee of around 1% to 3%; some travel cards charge nothing.
- Airport and station exchange desks: the spread can be 5% to 10% once "commission-free" margins are included.
- International bank transfers: banks often hide a margin of 1% to 4% in the rate, plus fixed fees.
- Dynamic currency conversion: when a card terminal or ATM abroad offers to charge you in your home currency, always choose the local currency. The "convenient" option typically costs 3% to 7% extra.
Knowing the fair mid-market rate helps you spot those margins. Work out the percentage difference with the percentage change calculator.
Common currencies
| Currency | Code | Where |
|---|---|---|
| US dollar | USD | United States, and widely used in international trade |
| Euro | EUR | 21 EU countries, including Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands |
| British pound | GBP | United Kingdom |
| Canadian dollar | CAD | Canada |
| Australian dollar | AUD | Australia |
| Japanese yen | JPY | Japan |
| Swiss franc | CHF | Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
| Indian rupee | INR | India |
The ECB does not publish rates for every currency. For currencies such as the Argentine peso, the UAE dirham or the Egyptian pound, this converter is not available.
Travel money tips
- Carry a small amount of cash and withdraw local currency from bank-owned ATMs rather than independent machines with high fees.
- Check your card’s foreign transaction fee before you travel; a no-fee card can save a lot on longer trips.
- For larger amounts, like car rentals or hotel deposits, a 3% margin quickly adds up to tens of dollars.
- Moving money internationally? Compare the total cost: transfer fee plus the margin in the rate.
Read more
Want quick examples? Our blog explains how much 100 euros is in dollars with a conversion table, and which exchange rate you get when you pay by card abroad, including how to avoid dynamic currency conversion.
Frequently asked questions
How often are the rates updated?
Every working day. The ECB publishes around 16:00 CET and we update after that. The date of the rate is shown in the result and in the “Source” box.
Is this the rate my bank will give me?
No. This is the ECB mid-market rate. Banks, card providers and exchange desks add a margin, so you usually receive 1% to 5% less foreign currency.
How much is 100 dollars in euros?
It depends on the day’s rate. At 1 euro = 1.12 dollars, $100 is about €89.29. The converter above uses the latest ECB rate.
Can I convert between two non-euro currencies?
Yes. Choose any two currencies, for example USD to GBP; the converter calculates the cross rate via the euro.
Why does the rate not change at the weekend?
The ECB does not publish rates at weekends or on TARGET holidays, so the last published rate applies.
Can I use these rates for accounting?
Many businesses use ECB reference rates to convert invoices. Check with your accountant which rate and date you need to use.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Results are estimates for information only.