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.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 (13th 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 13th, at 9:32 AM London time (GMT).Pound (GBP) Holds Steady as Energy Markets Dominate Focus
The pound (GBP) traded in a narrow range on Thursday, with the absence of notable UK economic data leaving the currency directionless. Market participants instead concentrated on developments in global energy markets, where rising oil and gas prices fuelled speculation over potential government support for household energy bills later this year and the resulting impact on UK public finances.Sterling came under additional pressure this morning after the latest UK GDP data revealed that the economy stalled at the start of 2026. The unexpected loss of momentum has raised concerns about the strength of the UK recovery and could limit the pound's upside in the near term.
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Today, the UK Pound exchange rate for £1 (GBP) = €1.15862 euros / $1.32737 USD
Euro (EUR) Edges Lower Amid Continued US Dollar Strength
The euro (EUR) moved broadly lower yesterday, weighed down by higher energy prices and renewed demand for the US dollar (USD). The single currency’s inverse correlation with the dollar was evident as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated, prompting investors to favour safe-haven assets.Reports of intensified efforts by Iran to disrupt regional energy supply—through further attacks on infrastructure and shipping—added to uncertainty and compounded pressures on the euro.
Looking ahead, the Eurozone’s latest industrial production figures may offer some relief if they signal a recovery in factory output across the bloc at the start of the year.
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Today, the Euro exchange rate for €1 (EUR) = 0.86309 GBP/ 1.14572 USD
US Dollar (USD) Strengthens on Risk Aversion and Firm Labour Data
The US dollar (USD) advanced through Thursday’s session as heightened geopolitical risks boosted demand for safe-haven assets. The currency’s gains were supported by US initial jobless claims, which fell unexpectedly to 213,000 last week, underscoring ongoing resilience in the labour market.Attention now turns to the core PCE price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of underlying inflation. A firmer reading for January, should it materialise, is likely to reinforce expectations that the Fed will proceed cautiously on interest-rate cuts, providing further backing for the dollar.
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Today, the US Dollar exchange rate for $1 (USD) = 0.87281 euros
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Gains on Oil Rally, Ahead of Jobs Data
The Canadian dollar (CAD) appreciated on Thursday, benefiting from the latest rise in oil prices. As a key export for Canada, higher crude prices typically support the CAD by strengthening the country’s terms of trade and attracting inflows into commodity-linked assets.However, the currency’s advance may be restrained ahead of Canada’s labour market report due later today. A potential increase in the unemployment rate could temper optimism over the domestic outlook and cap further gains for the loonie.
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Today, the Canadian Dollar exchange rate (CAD) = 0.63869 euros
Australian Dollar (AUD) Pressured by Risk-Off Sentiment
The Australian dollar (AUD) declined overnight on Thursday, reflecting a deterioration in global risk sentiment as tensions in the Middle East escalated. The shift towards a risk-off environment weighed on the AUD, which is highly sensitive to changes in investor confidence and broader market mood.In the absence of a clear improvement in geopolitical conditions or a sustained rebound in risk appetite, the Australian dollar is likely to remain vulnerable in the short term.
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Today, the Australian Dollar exchange rate (AUD) = 0.61474 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 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)
The USD/EUR exchange rate experienced notable fluctuations 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 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.

