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📊 Current GBP Exchange Rates

Approximate mid-market rates as of January 2025. Rates fluctuate constantly - check with your provider for live rates.

Currency £1 GBP = Inverse
🇪🇺 EUR - Euro€1.19£0.84
🇺🇸 USD - US Dollar$1.27£0.79
🇦🇺 AUD - Australian DollarA$1.96£0.51
🇨🇦 CAD - Canadian DollarC$1.76£0.57
🇨🇭 CHF - Swiss FrancCHF 1.12£0.89
🇯🇵 JPY - Japanese Yen¥195£0.0051
🇸🇪 SEK - Swedish Kronakr 13.52£0.074
🇳🇴 NOK - Norwegian Kronekr 14.05£0.071
🇩🇰 DKK - Danish Kronekr 8.88£0.11
🇵🇱 PLN - Polish Zlotyzł 5.08£0.20
🇨🇿 CZK - Czech KorunaKč 29.7£0.034
🇭🇺 HUF - Hungarian ForintFt 476£0.0021
🇹🇷 TRY - Turkish Lira₺43.5£0.023
🇦🇪 AED - UAE Dirhamد.إ 4.66£0.21

Last updated: January 2025. Rates are indicative mid-market rates.

🏦 UK Exchange Rate Providers Comparison

Compare typical margins from UK currency exchange providers for £1,000 GBP to EUR.

Provider Type Typical Margin You Get (€) Cost vs Mid-Market
Mid-market rate 0% €1,190 £0
🥇 Wise / Revolut 0.5-1% €1,184 £5-£10
🥈 Monzo / Starling card 0-0.5% €1,188 £0-£5
Banks (account holders) 1-3% €1,166 £15-£30
Post Office (pre-order) 3-4% €1,154 £30-£40
Supermarket bureaux 4-6% €1,130 £50-£65
⚠️ High street bureaux 5-7% €1,118 £60-£80
❌ Airport bureaux 8-12% €1,071 £100-£125

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • Best for spending abroad: Monzo, Starling, or Chase debit cards (free spending at mid-market rates)
  • Best for cash: Pre-order online from Wise, Revolut, or Post Office
  • Best for large transfers: Wise Business, OFX, or TorFX (0.3-0.7% for £10k+)
  • Avoid: Airport bureaux, hotel exchange, dynamic currency conversion

✈️ Travel Budget Calculator

Plan your travel money for popular UK holiday destinations.

Understanding UK Currency Exchange 2025

Current Exchange Rates (January 2025)

Exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on economic conditions. As of January 2025, approximate mid-market rates are:

  • £1 GBP = €1.19 EUR (Pound to Euro)
  • £1 GBP = $1.27 USD (Pound to US Dollar)
  • £1 GBP = A$1.96 AUD (Pound to Australian Dollar)
  • £1 GBP = ¥195 JPY (Pound to Japanese Yen)

Why Exchange Rate Margins Matter

The "mid-market rate" you see on Google or financial news is not what you'll actually get. Every currency provider adds a margin:

  • Airport bureaux: 8-12% margin - a £500 exchange loses you £40-£60
  • High street bureaux: 5-7% margin - loses you £25-£35
  • Post Office online: 3-4% margin - loses you £15-£20
  • Wise/Revolut: 0.5-1% margin - loses you £2.50-£5
  • Fee-free cards (Monzo): 0-0.5% margin - near mid-market rates

Best Ways to Get Foreign Currency in the UK

1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Best for Travel): Monzo, Starling, and Chase offer fee-free spending abroad at near mid-market rates. For a €100 purchase in Spain, you pay approximately £84 versus £87-£92 with traditional bank cards. These are the best option for most UK travellers.

2. Online Currency Services: Wise and Revolut offer the best rates for ordering physical currency. Order 2-3 days before travel for home delivery (£5-£7) or airport collection. For £500, you'll save £15-£25 versus high street bureaux.

3. Post Office Currency: Competitive when pre-ordered online (3-4% margin). Walk-in rates are worse (5-6%). Good option if you prefer a high street provider. Minimum £250 for collection, £400 for delivery.

4. Avoid Airport Exchange: The worst rates available. Only use for emergency small amounts (€50-€100). A £500 exchange at Heathrow costs you £40-£60 more than online services.

✅ Money-Saving Tips for UK Travellers

  • Get a fee-free card: Monzo, Starling, or Chase debit cards offer free spending abroad at mid-market rates
  • Order cash online: Pre-order currency 2-3 days before travel for best rates
  • Avoid airports: Exchange rates are 8-12% worse than online providers
  • Always pay in local currency: Decline "pay in GBP" options (dynamic currency conversion) - it adds 3-5% extra
  • Check ATM fees: Withdrawing abroad with traditional banks costs £1.50-£3 per transaction plus 2.75% conversion fee
  • Monitor rates: Set up rate alerts on Wise or XE for your holiday dates
  • Exchange larger amounts: Better rates for £500+ typically

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current GBP to EUR exchange rate in 2025?
As of January 2025, £1 GBP = approximately €1.19 EUR. Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on economic factors, Bank of England policy, and market demand. For travel, UK bureaux de change typically add 2-5% margin to the mid-market rate. Online services like Wise and Revolut offer rates within 0.5-1% of mid-market, making them the best option for most UK travellers.
How do I get the best exchange rate in the UK?
To get the best UK exchange rates: (1) Use fee-free debit cards like Monzo, Starling, or Chase for spending abroad - they offer near mid-market rates with no foreign transaction fees. (2) Pre-order currency online from Wise, Revolut, or Post Office 2-3 days before travel. (3) Avoid airport bureaux which charge 8-12% margins. (4) Compare rates between providers - online services typically save 3-5% versus high street bureaux.
Should I exchange currency before travelling from the UK?
For most UK travellers, the best strategy is: (1) Order £200-£300 cash online for immediate arrival expenses like taxis and tips - use Wise, Revolut, or Post Office. (2) Use a fee-free debit card (Monzo, Starling, Chase) for most payments abroad - they offer near mid-market rates with no foreign transaction fees. (3) Avoid airport and hotel currency exchange which have 8-15% worse rates. This combination gives you the best overall value.
What affects GBP exchange rates?
GBP exchange rates are influenced by: (1) Bank of England interest rates - higher rates generally strengthen GBP. (2) UK economic growth and inflation data - strong GDP growth supports GBP. (3) Political stability - elections, government policy changes, and international relations. (4) Global risk sentiment - GBP often weakens during global uncertainty as investors seek safe-haven currencies. (5) Relative interest rates between UK, Eurozone, and USA. Daily fluctuations of 0.5-1% are normal; major events can cause 2-5% swings.
💱

Andrew Clarke, CFA, CISI

Foreign Exchange Specialist | 12+ years in UK Banking

Andrew has extensive experience in foreign exchange and international payments, having worked at major UK banks including Barclays and HSBC. He specialises in helping UK consumers and businesses navigate currency exchange to get the best rates. This converter and educational content has been reviewed for accuracy and practical UK relevance.