International Money Transfers and Euro 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.
Need Foreign Currency to Buy a French 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 (20th of April 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, April 20th, at 10:30 PM London time (GMT).Pound (GBP) Remains Subdued as Expectations for BoE Rate Hike Diminish
The pound (GBP) traded quietly against most of its counterparts at the close of last week, as expectations for substantial tightening from the Bank of England (BoE) continued to diminish. Market participants have gradually reduced their rate-hike expectations, with investors no longer expecting a full 25-basis-point increase by year’s end. This development reflects rising scepticism about the BoE’s willingness to raise rates amid prevailing economic uncertainties.Looking forward, the pound’s movement is anticipated to remain limited at the start of the week, as investors await the release of several significant UK economic indicators later in the session, including data on inflation, the labour market, and retail sales.
-
Today, the UK Pound exchange rate for £1 (GBP) = €1.14798 euros / $1.34998 USD
Euro (EUR) Remains Stable as Risk Appetite Improves
The euro (EUR) declined against risk-sensitive currencies on Friday, as its status as a safe-haven asset became a disadvantage amidst improved market sentiment following Iran’s announcement of plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The euro’s attractiveness was further diminished by a dovish reassessment of European Central Bank (ECB) policy expectations, driven by declining energy prices and a decreased risk of inflation, leading markets to scale back expectations for an imminent rate hike.Today, Germany’s latest Producer Price Index (PPI) might offer some support for the euro. A more-than-expected increase in factory input costs last month could bolster inflation expectations within the Eurozone’s largest economy, potentially strengthening the single currency.
-
Today, the Euro exchange rate for €1 (EUR) = 0.87108 GBP/ 1.17583 USD
US Dollar (USD) Declines as Safe-Haven Demand Wanes
The US dollar (USD) ended last week on a soft note as demand for safe-haven assets waned amid rising market optimism. Sentiment initially improved following US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that a deal with Iran was near, and further strengthened when Iran announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.However, the USD has recovered these losses this morning, as renewed US-Iran tensions have rekindled demand for the safe-haven currency. Tehran’s statement that it has "no plans to participate" in further negotiations, subsequent to the US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, has reintroduced geopolitical uncertainties, thereby supporting the dollar.
-
Today, the US Dollar exchange rate for $1 (USD) = 0.85046 euros
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Declines as Oil Prices Fall
The Canadian dollar (CAD), closely linked to oil prices, declined on Friday after a 10% drop in oil prices, which significantly impacted this commodity-dependent currency. The ‘loonie’ is highly sensitive to fluctuations in energy markets, and the sharp decline in crude oil prices reduced its appeal.Today, the CAD is expected to recover somewhat, supported by a recent rise in oil prices and the prospect that Canada’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) will show a notable acceleration in inflation for the previous month. Should the data confirm increasing inflationary pressures, the ‘loonie’ may regain some of its lost ground.
-
Today, the Canadian Dollar exchange rate (CAD) = 0.62112 euros
Australian Dollar (AUD) Declines in Risk-Off Conditions
The risk-sensitive Australian dollar (AUD) declined during Monday’s Asian trading session amid fresh tensions between the US and Iran, which dampened global risk sentiment. The ‘Aussie’ is particularly susceptible to geopolitical uncertainties, and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East has prompted investors to reduce exposure to higher-risk assets.If risk aversion continues, the AUD could experience further downward pressure. Conversely, any signs of de-escalation may support a partial recovery of the currency. Investors will be attentively monitoring developments in the Middle East to guide their decision-making.
-
Today, the Australian Dollar exchange rate (AUD) = 0.60830 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)
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.

