Where do the exchange rates come from?
The converter uses rates from the European Central Bank (ECB), updated daily on business days at around 4 PM CET. ECB publishes mid-market reference rates against the euro, which we cross-rate to other currencies. These are reference rates, not transaction rates, so banks and exchanges will differ slightly when you actually convert money.
Why is the rate different from what my bank offers?
Banks and exchange providers add a margin (sometimes 2 to 4 percent) and may charge a fee on top. The ECB reference rate is the wholesale mid-market rate; nobody trades at exactly this rate. Use the converter to check whether your bank's offer is competitive, then look at services like Wise or Revolut that offer near-mid-market rates.
How often are the rates updated?
The ECB publishes new rates each weekday afternoon. The converter refreshes daily, so weekend rates reflect Friday's close. During major market events, real-time rates can move several percent before the ECB next publishes, so for large or time-sensitive transfers always check a live rate provider.
Which currencies are supported?
The converter supports more than 30 of the world's most traded currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, CAD, AUD, INR, CNY, SGD, HKD, AED, ZAR, BRL, MXN, and the Nordic currencies. Some less-traded or restricted currencies (like Argentine peso black-market rates) are not included because the official ECB rate diverges sharply from reality.
Can I use this for cryptocurrency?
No. The ECB does not publish reference rates for crypto, and crypto prices move too fast for daily updates. For Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets, use a dedicated crypto exchange or aggregator that pulls live data from order books. Treat traditional and crypto conversions as separate domains.
How accurate is the conversion for travel budgeting?
Very useful as a planning tool. For actual spending, expect to lose 1 to 4 percent versus the reference rate depending on whether you use ATMs, credit cards, or cash exchanges. Add a 3 to 5 percent buffer to your budget if you want to be safe. Avoid airport currency desks; their margins are often 8 to 10 percent.