Why this is useful
The rate quoted on the news is not the rate you get at an airport counter. This calculator lets you add the fee or margin a provider charges so you can see what actually lands in your hand.
How it is calculated
Amount received = amount × reference rate × (1 − fee %). The difference from the zero-fee figure is what the provider keeps.
Worked example
Example only: converting 500 GBP at a hypothetical 1.17 EUR rate gives 585 EUR. With a 5% margin you would receive about 556 EUR — roughly 29 EUR less.
Common mistakes
- Comparing providers only by their headline 'no commission' claim instead of the rate itself.
- Converting large sums at airport counters, where margins tend to be widest.
- Confusing the 'we buy' and 'we sell' columns on a rate board.
Questions
What fee percentage should I enter?
Use the figure your bank, card or exchange provider publishes. If you only have their rate, compare it with the reference rate here to work out the hidden margin.
Is it better to exchange money before I leave?
Often a small amount for arrival is enough; a low-fee card usually covers the rest. It depends on how widely cards are accepted at your destination.