Currency Exchange Service for France

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.

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 (12th 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 12th, at 9:25 AM London time (GMT). 

Pound (GBP) Pressured by UK Political Uncertainty

The British pound (GBP) opened the week on a softer note, as heightened uncertainty over the tenure of Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed on market sentiment. Despite a resolute speech in which Mr Starmer reaffirmed his intention to remain in office, reports that an increasing number of Labour Members of Parliament are advocating his resignation exerted downward pressure on sterling. 

Political developments in the United Kingdom are expected to remain the primary catalysts for GBP movements today, with recent reports suggesting that some cabinet ministers have also called for Mr Starmer to resign. If this instability persists, the pound may encounter further downside risks.
  • Today, the UK Pound exchange rate for £1 (GBP) = €1.15147 euros / $1.35288 USD

Euro (EUR) Steady Amid Cautious Trading

The euro (EUR) traded within a relatively narrow range on Monday, lacking a definitive direction amidst a cautious market environment. The absence of significant Eurozone data at the beginning of the week contributed to the currency’s subdued, sideways movement.

Attention now shifts to Germany’s latest ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, which may offer renewed momentum for the euro. A further decline in sentiment within the Eurozone’s principal economy could exert downward pressure on the single currency, as investors reconsider the region’s growth prospects.
  • Today, the Euro exchange rate for €1 (EUR) = 0.86844 GBP/ 1.17491 USD

US Dollar (USD) Supported as Geopolitical Risks Re‑Emerge

The US dollar (USD) appreciated yesterday as expectations for an imminent US–Iran peace agreement diminished. Earlier optimism that had supported risk appetite waned after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to a proposed framework as “totally unacceptable,” thereby reactivating geopolitical concerns and strengthening the safe-haven dollar.

Today, attention is directed towards the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Evidence of further inflationary acceleration could boost USD demand as markets consider a more hawkish stance by the Federal Reserve.
  • Today, the US Dollar exchange rate for $1 (USD) = 0.85121 euros


Canadian Dollar (CAD) Underpinned by Higher Oil Prices

The Canadian dollar (CAD) appreciated on Monday, supported by a renewed rise in global oil prices, as crude futures surpassed $100 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. As a commodity-linked currency, the CAD frequently benefits from robust energy markets, and the recent upward trend in oil prices has provided a significant boost.

If oil prices continue to rise, the CAD may further strengthen, with the currency likely to remain closely correlated with developments in energy markets.
  • Today, the Canadian Dollar exchange rate (CAD) = 0.62112 euros

Australian Dollar (AUD) Eases as Business Confidence Weakens

The Australian dollar (AUD) depreciated slightly during Tuesday’s Asian trading session following the release of Australia’s latest Business Confidence Index, which showed a continued decline in economic sentiment throughout April. The risk-sensitive currency, commonly referred to as the ‘Aussie,’ is particularly responsive to changes in economic outlooks, and prevailing cautiousness regarding business prospects has exerted downward pressure on its value.

Should this subdued sentiment persist, the AUD could encounter additional challenges. Conversely, improvements in global risk appetite or unexpectedly robust domestic economic data might contribute to stabilisation and potential recovery of the currency. Market participants will therefore be vigilantly observing forthcoming economic indicators for further insights.
  • Today, the Australian Dollar exchange rate (AUD) = 0.61457 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–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 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.