Currency Exchange Service for France

International Money Transfers and Exchange 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 Euros to Buy 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 contract, forward contract, limit order) for 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 Exchange Rates & Daily Currency Report (18th of March 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, March 18th, at 9:30 AM London time (GMT). 

Pound (GBP) Stable Amid Limited UK Data

The pound (GBP) traded without a clear direction yesterday, with little domestic economic data to guide markets. Remarks by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Mais Lecture had minimal impact on Sterling, despite her attempts to set a more optimistic tone. Persistent structural challenges in the UK economy kept investor sentiment restrained.

Today, the Sterling is likely to remain rangebound, with the ongoing absence of major UK data and heightened caution ahead of tomorrow’s Bank of England (BoE) interest rate decision.
  • Today, the UK Pound exchange rate for £1 (GBP) = €1.15763 euros / $1.33514 USD

Euro (EUR) Steady Despite Weak German Sentiment

The euro (EUR) moved within a wide range yesterday but ultimately held firm, shrugging off a series of disappointing German indicators. The currency drew partial support from its negative correlation with the softer US dollar (USD). Germany’s ZEW Economic Sentiment Index fell sharply from 58.3 to -0.5 in March, its third-largest decline on record, as concerns surrounding the Middle East weighed heavily on investor confidence.

Attention today turns to the Eurozone’s final Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading for February. Unless the data diverge meaningfully from earlier estimates, the impact on the euro is expected to be limited.
  • Today, the Euro exchange rate for €1 (EUR) = 0.86380 GBP/ 1.15326 USD

US Dollar (USD) Weakens as Risk Appetite Improves

The safe-haven US dollar (USD) softened yesterday as improved global risk sentiment reduced demand for defensive assets. The greenback also came under pressure as markets reassessed Federal Reserve policy expectations, with recent speculation about potential rate hikes in 2026 largely dismissed by analysts.

Today’s US Producer Price Index (PPI) figures and factory orders may provide some direction for the dollar. However, significant moves are likely to be constrained ahead of this evening’s Federal Reserve policy announcement, which could prompt elevated volatility across currency markets.
  • Today, the US Dollar exchange rate for $1 (USD) = 0.86710 euros


Canadian Dollar (CAD) Tracks Softer USD and Oil Prices

The Canadian dollar (CAD) eased yesterday, mirroring the US dollar (USD) amid their positive correlation, while lower oil prices added further pressure on the crude-linked loonie.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) will deliver its latest interest rate decision later today. No change to policy is expected, but any suggestion that the Bank anticipates higher energy prices feeding through to inflation could provide some support for the CAD.
  • Today, the Canadian Dollar exchange rate (CAD) = 0.63317 euros

Australian Dollar (AUD) Edges Higher on Cautious Optimism

The Australian dollar (AUD) inched higher overnight, supported by a cautiously optimistic market tone. The Aussie continues to benefit from firmer risk appetite, although investors remain mindful of global developments that could shift sentiment and influence currency markets.
  • Today, the Australian Dollar exchange rate (AUD) = 0.61639 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
Alternatively, you could ask Siri for an instant answer!

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 a 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.

GBP/EUR Volatility in 2026 (January–March)

In early 2026, the GBP/EUR exchange rate showed significant volatility, changing by around 6.5% since the year's beginning. It hit a high of €1.225 in late February, driven by shifts in expectations for Bank of England monetary policy and geopolitical issues. The lowest so far was €1.142 in mid-March, due to rising energy costs and political instability in the UK.

To put this into perspective, these fluctuations amount to nearly £31,500 difference when buying a €500,000 property, demonstrating how currency shifts can influence large transactions.

USD/EUR Volatility in 2026 (January–March)

For American citizens and investors trading in dollars, the USD/EUR exchange rate fluctuated notably in early 2026. In January, the dollar reached a high of €0.968, driven by safe-haven demand amid rising tensions in the Middle East. By early March, it declined to €0.875, influenced by changing Federal Reserve policy outlooks and energy market instability.

These fluctuations impact real-world transactions; for instance, a €500,000 deal could cost around $516,500 at the peak rate versus $571,500 at the low, resulting in a $55,000 difference solely due to currency changes.

These trends underscore the importance of timing and currency strategy for international property transactions. Stay updated with the latest exchange rate movements to optimise your financial decisions.

Negotiate a Better Deal

Having an account already set up when 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.