Whether you travel for business or pleasure, one thing that may always be on your mind is how much that cup of coffee is in your local currency. Rather than doing the mental calculation every time you make a purchase, make use of these handy money conversion apps to quickly get the figure in your own currency.
Good to know: if you’re going on holiday soon, check the best apps for planning & organizing your next vacation.
1. Google Search
The simplest way to convert currency on your phone is to use Google Search. If you don’t feel like installing an extra app on your device or you simply need to do a one-time conversion, using Google is the best way to proceed.
Open a mobile browser, or use the home screen search bar which should be available on most Android devices, and perform a simple search. For example, write something like “Danish krone to dollar.” Google will immediately display a conversion calculator where you can quickly input the amount you want to convert. You can convert any currency with Google, just change the currencies by pressing on the tiny downward arrow next to each currency.
You can also add the currency calculator on your Android home screen as an app for easier access. Search for “currency converter” in your mobile browser. Then tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Add to Home screen. Select Install and then name your new app. A Google shortcut will appear on your home screen.
Tip: learn how to use Wise to make effortless money transfers.
2. XE Money Transfer & Converter
One of the most popular currency conversion apps out there is XE Currency Converter. Its updated design makes the app quite easy on the eyes. It’s also possible to send cash, but you will need to register for that.
XE Money allows you to designate a base currency and track exchange rates for multiple currencies simultaneously. The app conveniently displays all conversions on a single screen, and you can switch the base currency whenever necessary.
The app has an option that lets you set alerts for when your preferred currency falls or goes over a certain amount. In the Charts tab, you’ll be able to track the latest price changes for a currency in relation to the base one. If you want to share that info, just use the share button right above the charts.
3. Easy Currency Converter
When you travel a lot, one of the last things you want to deal with is roaming fees. Easy Currency Converter has a Wi-Fi mode that will keep those extra charges at bay. Go to the app’s settings, and you can also change things such as how often the app is updated. For example, you can have the app refresh two, five, fifteen, or thirty minutes, or just once a day.
The app has a rather outdated interface, but even so, it does its job well. You can easily make conversions between various currencies including Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH). But you can’t add multiple currencies in this app. On the main screen, you’ll also see a line graph tracking the exchange rate of one currency against another.
An extra option available with Easy Currency Converter is the ability to read and share news related to certain currencies (you can manually set the currency from the News section.) The app has ads, and it will cost a small fee to remove them.
FYI: did you know you can use Google Pay to easily track your spending? Check our post to see how.
4. All Currency Converter
All Currency Converter can be a time-saver, especially when you have multiple conversions to make from various currencies. For example, let’s say that you’re adding up how much each friend owes you after having dinner with them while holidaying. Instead of having to use a separate calculator and then the currency conversion app, you can take advantage of the built-in calculator to quickly calculate each person’s tab.
There’s also a multi-currency converter to take advantage of, in case you need to do conversions in multiple currencies at the same time. In addition, you have access to currency trends and charts, as well as exchange rate lists for a given currency (which you need to set in the main screen.) There’s also a currency simulator feature that can replicate the movement of real currency exchange rates, allowing you to experience the fluctuations you might encounter in live trading.
The app comes with a useful tip calculator. You can set a tip percentage and the number of people in your party and the tool will calculate how much each of you needs to pay. It can also show you the exchange rate for the desired currencies for that sum.
5. Currency Converter Plus
Currency Converter Plus can be another solution for your currency exchange needs. The app features a modern interface and even gives you access to four different themes. You’ll find a built-in calculator function that lets you perform calculations before making the exchange.
This app offers a custom rate feature that allows you to manually input the rate for the exchanged currency. In the free version of Currency Converter Plus you get only 3 attempts, and you’ll need to upgrade to Pro for more.
Another handy option coming with this app is the live price converter. Just aim your phone’s camera at a price tag in a store, and you’ll automatically get the conversion rate displayed on your phone. Again, you only get 3 tries, before having to upgrade to Premium.
Tip: check how to set up a PayPal account and start transferring money online.
5. Valuta+ Currency Converter
If you prefer simple apps that only deliver what’s essential, Valuta+ Currency Converter is the right choice for you. This app keeps things straightforward by just displaying what the exchange rate is.
When you open the app, a series of currencies are displayed by default, but you can add more depending on your needs. You can also modify any currency and view the exchange rates for the others in real time. Moreover, you can move the currencies around and arrange them in whatever position you want in the list.
The app works offline and has currency exchange rates for over 170 countries.
6. Currency Converter
If you’re familiar with or a user of international money transfer service Wise, then you might prefer using the Currency Converter app by Wise. The app’s main screen shows you popular currency rates such as EURO to USD or INR to USD, but you can add the ones you’re interested in viewing at a glance in the Favorites section (press the + button in the upper right corner.)
For currency conversions head on to the Convert tab and input your numbers. Currency Converter will then show the amount of money that will be received if you send the cash using various services such as Remitly, Instarem, Western Union, and, of course, Wise. At the top, you’ll notice the Best Price recommendation, which is not always Wise – which is fair.
If you end up selecting the Wise option, you can press the Send money button which will redirect you to downloading the app from the Play Store. If you already have it, it will open the app.
7. Unit Converter
In case you need to do conversions beyond currency, consider trying Unit Converter. You’ll find the money conversion option under the Living tab. From there you can choose the base currency. Then select a region from the top of the screen to have the conversion rates appear for you. For instance, Europe includes conversion rates into NOK, SEK, HUF, ISK and more.
A nice trick in this app is that you can easily change the base currency by finding it in the list of conversion rates and long pressing on it. It will instantly change places with the base one. As a money convertor this app is not as advanced as the other ones, so if you want more advanced features check one of the options above.
Apart from currency conversion, Unit Converter lets you convert temperature, time, speed, and more. There’s a Science section that features a large catalog of measuring units. The app includes a Cooking subsection (under Misc.) that allows you to convert measurements like teaspoons to cups, making any recipes easy to follow.
Converting your purchases into your own currency allows you to keep track of how much you’ve spent during a trip. For more money-saving tips, check our post for the best budget app recommendations. If you’re planning to shop on Amazon, check these smart hacks that will save you money.
Image credit: Unsplash All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
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