Mental Currency Conversion for Travellers
Quick Answer: Common Travel Currency Pairs
| Pair | Approximate Multiplier | Quick Example |
|---|---|---|
| USD to EUR | × 0.93 | $100 ≈ 93 euros |
| USD to GBP | × 0.79 | $100 ≈ 79 pounds |
| USD to INR | × 83 | $10 ≈ 830 INR |
| USD to PKR | × 280 | $10 ≈ 2,800 PKR |
| USD to AED | × 3.67 | $10 ≈ 36.7 AED (pegged) |
| GBP to EUR | × 1.17 | £100 ≈ 117 euros |
| EUR to GBP | × 0.86 | 100 euros ≈ 86 pounds |
Note: Exchange rates change daily. Use these for rough estimation only. For exact rates, check a live source before spending.
Currency conversion while travelling does not require a calculator app every time. A few simple mental maths rules let you estimate prices quickly enough to avoid being overcharged and make sensible spending decisions. Use the Percentage Calculator on CalConvs for calculating exchange rate fees and markups.
Understanding the Exchange Spread
The actual rate you receive at a currency exchange desk will include a spread or commission. Airport exchanges often have the widest spreads. ATMs with foreign cards often give near-interbank rates with a fixed fee. Using the local currency at ATMs usually gives better rates than accepting dynamic currency conversion.
Mental Maths Shortcuts: USD Travel Pairs
| Pair | Multiplier | Quick Trick |
|---|---|---|
| USD to EUR | × 0.93 | Subtract 7 cents per dollar |
| USD to GBP | × 0.79 | Subtract 20% |
| USD to CAD | × 1.36 | Add 36% |
| USD to AUD | × 1.52 | Add 50% then subtract a little |
| USD to JPY | × 150 | $10 = about 1,500 yen |
| USD to INR | × 83 | $10 = about 830 INR |
| USD to PKR | × 280 | $10 = about 2,800 PKR |
| USD to AED | × 3.67 | Nearly fixed. $10 = about 36.7 AED |
| USD to SAR | × 3.75 | Nearly fixed. $10 = about 37.5 SAR |
GBP and EUR Travel Pairs
| Pair | Multiplier | Example |
|---|---|---|
| GBP to EUR | × 1.17 | £100 = about 117 euros |
| GBP to USD | × 1.27 | £100 = about 127 USD |
| GBP to INR | × 106 | £10 = about 1,060 INR |
| GBP to PKR | × 355 | £10 = about 3,550 PKR |
| EUR to GBP | × 0.86 | 100 euros = about 86 pounds |
| EUR to USD | × 1.08 | 100 euros = about 108 USD |
| EUR to INR | × 90 | 10 euros = about 900 INR |
Common Traveller Mistakes With Currency
- Accepting dynamic currency conversion at card terminals abroad. Always pay in the local currency and let your home bank do the conversion. DCC rates are typically 3 to 5% worse.
- Using airport exchange desks for large amounts. Rates are typically 10 to 15% worse than mid-market.
- Not accounting for ATM fees. A small withdrawal amplifies the fee impact.
- Confusing similar-looking currencies. Australian dollars and Singapore dollars both use $. They are not the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quickly convert dollars to pounds in my head?
Multiply the dollar amount by 0.79 for a rough estimate. For example, $50 is roughly 50 × 0.79 = £39.50.
Is it better to exchange currency before or after travel?
Generally, using an ATM in the destination country gives the best exchange rate because banks use near-interbank rates. Ordering currency from your home bank in advance is usually better than airport exchange desks but worse than local ATMs. Avoid exchanging at hotels.
How do I calculate a percentage fee on a currency exchange?
Use the Percentage Calculator on CalConvs. If you are exchanging $500 and the commission is 2.5%: fee = 500 × 0.025 = $12.50. You receive the remaining $487.50 worth of foreign currency at the quoted rate.
Related Tools
- Percentage Calculator: calculate exchange fees and markups
- All Math Tools: 46 tools on CalConvs