Question 1

Which rates does the currency converter use?

Accepted Answer

The converter uses the euro reference rates of the European Central Bank (ECB). They are published every working day at around 4 pm CET for about 30 currencies. Our server loads them directly from the ECB every few hours. The calculator always shows which day the rate comes from.

Question 2

Why does my bank give me a worse rate?

Accepted Answer

The ECB reference rate is an information rate at which nobody actually exchanges money. Banks, card issuers and exchange offices set their own rates and earn from the difference, often plus fixed fees. Use the “markup” field in the calculator to see what you really get from your provider.

Question 3

How do I calculate a cross rate, for example US dollars to złoty?

Accepted Answer

The ECB publishes all rates against the euro. For a cross rate, divide the euro rate of the target currency by the euro rate of the source currency. Example: 1 euro = 4.3823 złoty and 1 euro = 1.1367 US dollars. Then 1 US dollar = 4.3823 ÷ 1.1367 ≈ 3.8553 złoty. The calculator does this automatically for every pair.

Question 4

How up to date are the rates?

Accepted Answer

The ECB sets its reference rates once per working day. Market rates keep moving during the day, but the reference rate stays the same until the next publication. At weekends and on ECB holidays the last published rate applies. For a holiday or an invoice this precision is entirely sufficient.

Question 5

Should I pay in euros or in the local currency abroad?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, in the local currency. If a card terminal or cash machine offers to charge you in euros right away, the operator uses its own rate, often with a hefty markup. If you choose the local currency, your own bank converts, which is usually cheaper. If in doubt, compare the amount shown with our calculator.

Question 6

How high is a typical exchange rate markup?

Accepted Answer

It varies a lot. Many cards charge around 1 to 2% of the amount for payments in a foreign currency. Exchange offices at airports and stations are often much higher. When converting directly at the terminal or cash machine, markups from 3% to more than 10% are not unusual. The exact figures are in your provider's price list.

Question 7

Are my inputs sent anywhere?

Accepted Answer

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser. Your browser only asks our own server for the current rates, without sending the amount or currencies. Our server fetches the rates from the ECB. There is no connection to third parties, no tracking and no advertising.

Question 8

Why are some currencies missing, such as the Bulgarian lev or the rouble?

Accepted Answer

The converter shows exactly the currencies for which the ECB publishes reference rates. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, so the lev is history. The ECB suspended the rouble rate in March 2022. For currencies outside the ECB list the calculator does not use any other source.

Guide: Currency Converter

Converting Currency: How to Work With Exchange Rates and Spot Expensive Markups

Converting Euros to Złoty: Rate, Cash and Card Payments in Poland

Euros to Swiss Francs: What to Know Before Changing Money for Switzerland

Exchange Rate Markups on Cards and Cash: What Foreign Currency Really Costs

The ECB Reference Rate Explained: How It Is Set and What It Is For

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