Currency Conversion Cost Calculator
Buying foreign shares means converting currency twice. This shows the mid-market result and what the markup actually takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the rate I get differ from the one in the news?
Published rates are mid-market: the midpoint between what buyers and sellers accept. Banks and brokers quote you a slightly worse rate and keep the difference. That spread is the markup, and it rarely appears as a line-item fee.
How large is a typical markup?
Retail banks commonly take 1.5% to 3% on smaller amounts. Low-cost brokers and specialist transfer services charge roughly 0.2% to 0.6%. On a $10,000 conversion that difference is well over $100.
Why does converting back cost twice?
Each conversion is charged separately. Moving money out and back at a 1.5% markup leaves you about 3% down before any investment return, which is why frequent currency round-trips quietly erode returns.
Are the rates here live?
No. They are fixed indicative rates so the arithmetic stays stable and comparable. Use them to size the cost of a markup, then check a live quote before you actually transact.
Worked Examples
Buying US shares from Europe
Converting EUR 10,000 to USD at a 2% bank markup costs roughly EUR 200 before you own a single share. Doing the same through a broker charging 0.35% costs about EUR 35 - the saving alone exceeds many annual platform fees.
The round-trip trap
A trader who converts to USD, holds for a month, then converts back pays the markup twice. At 1.5% each way that is a 3% hurdle: the position must gain 3% just to break even on currency handling.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
Rates shown are fixed indicative values for illustration, not live quotes, and exclude fixed transfer fees. Verify pricing with your provider before transacting.