International Money Transfers and Euro Rates
If you need to convert UK pounds, US dollars, or other currencies into euros to transfer funds for a property purchase in France, we recommend our trusted foreign exchange partners: Currencies Direct and Xe Currency.These leading specialists in international money transfers have over fifty years of combined experience and are FCA-authorised providers. They offer secure, commission-free transfers and competitive exchange rates. Whether you’re buying property in France, making regular overseas payments to Europe, or you need to repatriate euros back home, our partners provide expert guidance to help you maximise your exchange rate and avoid fees.
Discover how we can help you with your international currency transfers efficiently and securely.
Do You Need to Buy Euros to Secure a Property?
Are you wondering about options for securing euros for your property purchase in France? Depending on the amount and timescales involved, there are different types of options (spot contracts, forward contracts, limit orders) to meet your currency requirements. International markets are, by definition, volatile, and currencies fluctuate constantly; it's not always easy to keep track of the market or know where to turn for advice.We receive daily enquiries about money transfers, primarily for euros, as well as for UK pounds, US dollars, and other foreign currencies, for property purchases, deposits, and pension payments. We are also finding that professionals and companies are becoming more savvy with their transfers, especially for overseas invoice payments.
Our Foreign Exchange Service for France
Your dedicated English-speaking account manager will work with you according to your specific schedule and keep you informed at every step. They can, for example, promptly notify the notary when your funds have been transferred to their account. You will not have to endure the frustrating automated call answering service with your bank and navigate the app on your smartphone to learn that, after all, it is not that easy to make overseas payments with a high-street bank.
Today's Euro Rates & Daily Currency News (26th of May 2026)
Our FX experts bring you today's updates on international markets and the euro's interbank mid-market rates. Here's a quick rundown of how global major currencies and key interest rates are performing, updated today, May 26th, at 10:06 AM London time (GMT).Pound (GBP) Supported as UK Bond Yields Decline
Sterling (GBP) retained a generally constructive tone at the end of last week, as a further decline in UK government bond yields helped to counterbalance very weak retail sales figures. Lower borrowing costs offered some support to the pound, even as the latest data underscored ongoing softness in domestic consumer spending.Trading conditions became subdued at the start of this week, with the UK bank holiday on Monday reducing liquidity and leaving GBP without clear directional momentum. Looking ahead, the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) Distributive Trades Index could influence pound sentiment today. A further marked deterioration in May’s reported sales volumes would likely be interpreted as evidence of persistent weakness in the UK retail sector, potentially exerting renewed pressure on Sterling.
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Today, the UK Pound exchange rate for £1 (GBP) = €1.15811 euros / $1.34473 USD
Euro (EUR) Lacks Direction Amid Modest German Business Improvement
The euro (EUR) traded without conviction on Friday, as German business sentiment posted only a marginal improvement following April’s sharp drop to a six‑year low. The absence of a more decisive rebound has left the single currency struggling to generate sustained upside momentum.EUR price action remained muted on Monday, with many European markets closed for the bank holiday weekend, further limiting turnover and directional cues. With no major Eurozone data releases scheduled for today, the euro is likely to continue trading in a relatively narrow range, remaining sensitive to shifts in broader market risk appetite and external drivers.
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Today, the Euro exchange rate for €1 (EUR) = 0.86345 GBP/ 1.16339 USD
US Dollar (USD) Supported by Renewed Geopolitical Tensions
The US dollar (USD) strengthened at the end of last week as a more cautious market tone encouraged demand for safe‑haven assets. However, the greenback subsequently eased on Monday, with risk appetite improving after comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace agreement with Iran had been “largely negotiated”.This morning, fresh US strikes on targets in southern Iran have raised doubts over the prospect of a near‑term deal and reignited geopolitical concerns. The renewed uncertainty is likely to underpin USD demand in the short term, as investors seek perceived safety amid elevated tensions.
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Today, the US Dollar exchange rate for $1 (USD) = 0.85955 euros
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Softens Despite Firm Retail Sales Data
The Canadian dollar (CAD) came under pressure on Friday, with weaker oil prices overshadowing an upside surprise in domestic retail sales. Given the currency’s close correlation with energy markets, the decline in crude prices weighed on the ‘loonie’ despite the stronger‑than‑expected data.Today, CAD performance is expected to remain closely linked to oil market dynamics. A further pullback in crude prices could see the Canadian dollar extend recent losses, while a recovery in energy markets may help to stabilise or partially reverse the currency’s recent decline.
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Today, the Canadian Dollar exchange rate (CAD) = 0.62261 euros
Australian Dollar (AUD) Weighed Down by Heightened Middle East Risk
The Australian dollar (AUD) edged lower through Tuesday’s Asian session, as renewed uncertainty in the Middle East dampened demand for risk‑sensitive currencies. The escalation in regional tensions has curbed investor appetite for higher‑beta assets such as the ‘Aussie’.Should geopolitical concerns persist, the AUD may remain under downward pressure. Conversely, any signs of de‑escalation or a broader improvement in global risk sentiment could provide scope for stabilisation or a modest recovery in the currency. Market participants will continue to monitor developments closely for further direction.
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Today, the Australian Dollar exchange rate (AUD) = 0.61554 euros
Converting to Euros Using a Smartphone
Did you know that most modern smartphones feature currency converters in their calculators? For example, the most recent iPhones and Samsung cellphones feature a built-in currency converter in their Calculator app; however, this feature varies by model and, of course, the software version. Here's how to access them on Samsung and iPhone devices:With an iPhone
- Open your calculator
- Input the amount you wish to convert
- Click on the bottom left calculator icon
- Drag it to the right to the "convert mode"
- Then, choose your currency to convert
With a Samsung Device
- Open the Calculator app
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top corner
- Select "Unit Converter" (or "conversions")
- Look for "Currency"
- If prompted, update the exchange rates online
Expert Advice & EUR Rates
Our award-winning property portal was featured on the UK's This is Money website. See below a few testimonials from clients who have saved money using our currency service."I secured a fantastic rate thanks to "my-french-house" and their currency transfer service. We received excellent advice and customer service when we needed to convert our currency into euros for our property purchase in France." Andy
"We have completed the final transfer of euros for my French house purchase. We received great rates and excellent service. We're delighted that we have set up repeat monthly payments to our accounts over here." Cath H.
Money-Saving Tips for International Transfers
It's smart to plan and set up your currency trading account before embarking on your property viewing trip. Doing so will demonstrate to the vendor and the estate agent that you are motivated and organised.This step becomes increasingly critical in this market, as banks are not supplying mortgages and sellers are seeking cash buyers. Vendors are wary of buyers who need to sell before they can buy; they are looking for motivated buyers who are ready to commit.
Are you using an old-fashioned bank for money transfers to France or Europe? Learn how you could save with our FX service compared to your high-street bank. Our currency partners offer competitive rates and fast service, delivering a high level of customer service, commission-free, regardless of your currency and timezone.
GBP/EUR Volatility in 2026 (January–May)
In the first five months of 2026, the GBP/EUR exchange rate has been notably volatile, moving by around 6.5% since the start of the year. The pound peaked at €1.225 in late February, driven by shifting expectations for Bank of England monetary policy and geopolitical developments. However, it fell to €1.142 in mid-March, as rising energy costs and political instability in the UK weighed on Sterling.In April, the GBP/EUR rate remained subdued, as UK political uncertainty (including local elections and leadership concerns) and mixed economic data (e.g., retail sales and PMI figures) kept the pound rangebound. By early May, the exchange rate stabilised slightly but remained under pressure from global risk sentiment and expectations of BoE policy.
To put this into perspective, these fluctuations could result in a difference of nearly £31,500 when purchasing a €500,000 property, underscoring how currency movements can significantly affect large transactions. This volatility highlights the importance of timing and currency risk management for international buyers and investors.
USD/EUR Volatility in 2026 (January–May)
For American citizens and investors trading in dollars, the USD/EUR exchange rate has been highly volatile in the first five months of 2026, reflecting geopolitical tensions, shifting monetary policy expectations, and energy market fluctuations. The US dollar peaked at €0.968 in January, driven by safe-haven demand amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. By early March, it had fallen to €0.875, as a changing Federal Reserve policy outlook and energy market instability weighed on the currency.In April, the USD/EUR rate fluctuated further, as optimism about a US-Iran ceasefire and mixed US economic data (e.g., GDP misses and labour market reports) reduced safe-haven demand. By early May, the exchange rate remained sensitive to developments in the Middle East, with fresh doubts over peace talks providing temporary support for the dollar.
To illustrate the impact, a €500,000 property deal could have cost approximately $516,500 at the January peak, compared with $571,500 at the March low, a $55,000 difference attributable solely to currency movements. These trends highlight the importance of timing and currency strategy for international transactions.
Negotiate a Better Property Deal
Having an account set up before submitting your purchase offer can significantly increase your chances of negotiating a better deal for your dream French property.Compare and Trade Global Currencies
There may be rules and restrictions that apply based on your location, amount, and the destination of your wire transfer. At My-French-House.com, we believe you should have options to choose the service that suits your budget. Start managing your exposure with our long-standing partners at Currencies Direct, who have been awarded ‘Best Currency Broker’ in the 2024 Good Money Guide Awards.

