Currency Converter

Withdrawing local currency from an ATM at your destination usually offers better exchange rates than pre-travel currency exchange at a bank or airport kiosk. Decline the ATM's dynamic currency conversion offer and choose to be charged in the local currency. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.

Germany, Japan, and many parts of Southern Europe and Latin America remain cash-heavy societies. In Germany, smaller restaurants and shops frequently do not accept cards. In Japan, while card acceptance is growing, cash is still necessary for smaller establishments, temple entries, and rural areas.

Dynamic currency conversion occurs when a merchant or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local currency. This service adds a markup of three to eight percent hidden in the exchange rate. Always choose to pay in the local currency to let your bank handle the conversion at a fairer rate.

The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies on the global market — essentially the real exchange rate without any markup. Banks and exchange services add their own margin on top. Our calculator displays reference rates close to mid-market values for planning purposes.