Best Currency Conversion Apps for Travelers

Traveling internationally is one of life’s greatest experiences—but it also comes with its fair share of financial surprises. One of the most overlooked areas? Currency conversion. Between confusing exchange rates, hidden credit card fees, and unreliable calculators, many travelers end up paying more than they need to.

Currency conversion apps solve this by giving you real-time exchange rates, helping you calculate purchases on the fly, and in some cases, even allowing you to store and manage multiple currencies. Whether you’re haggling at a local market, budgeting in a foreign currency, or comparing ATM withdrawal fees, the right app can save you serious money—and a whole lot of stress.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best currency conversion apps for travelers in 2025, covering both simple converters and multi-functional financial tools. Whether you’re a backpacker, business traveler, or frequent flyer, these apps will help you spend smarter and avoid getting ripped off abroad.

Why Use a Currency Conversion App?

Gone are the days of checking yesterday’s newspaper for exchange rates or fumbling with printed charts. Today’s currency conversion apps offer up-to-the-minute data and are designed to work seamlessly with smartphones—even offline.

Key reasons to use a currency converter while traveling:

• Instantly check real-time exchange rates

• Calculate foreign prices into your home currency

• Avoid overpaying due to poor mental math or bad conversions

• Store recent rates for offline access in areas without Wi-Fi

• Convert multiple currencies at once (useful for border-hopping trips)

Some apps even offer additional features like fee calculators, historical charts, multi-currency wallets, and budgeting tools—making them indispensable travel companions.

XE Currency

Best for: Accuracy, reliability, and offline conversions

XE Currency has been one of the most trusted names in exchange rate tracking for over a decade. With support for hundreds of currencies and metal prices, it’s a favorite among frequent international travelers.

What it does:

• Provides live exchange rate data

• Allows you to convert prices between any two currencies

• Stores recent rates for offline use

• Includes currency charts with historical trends

Pricing:
Free version includes all core features
XE Pro available with advanced tools and ad-free interface

Pros:

• Extremely accurate and trusted rates

• Supports all global currencies and precious metals

• Works well offline after syncing

• Intuitive and fast interface

Cons:

• Ads in the free version

• Limited budgeting or travel-specific tools

If you want a no-fuss app that always gives you the correct rate—even in remote areas—XE Currency is a dependable choice.

Currency Converter Plus

Best for: Easy-to-read interface and tip + tax calculators

Currency Converter Plus stands out for its intuitive design and bonus features, including built-in calculators for tipping and tax, which is useful when dining or shopping abroad.

What it does:

• Converts between hundreds of currencies with real-time rates

• Includes calculators for tips, sales tax, and discounts

• Offers historical exchange charts

• Supports offline conversion with saved rates

Pricing:
Free with ads
Premium version available for a one-time fee (ad-free)

Pros:

• Clean interface optimized for quick conversions

• Great for restaurants and shopping

• Offline support

• Simple and lightweight

Cons:

• Lacks advanced financial features

• Ads can be intrusive in free version

This app is ideal for casual travelers who want quick currency checks and extra tools to navigate everyday expenses overseas.

Revolut

Best for: All-in-one banking with real exchange rates

Revolut is a digital banking app that lets you spend, save, and transfer money globally with interbank exchange rates—making it far more than just a currency converter.

What it does:

• Offers real-time currency conversion with no hidden fees

• Allows users to hold and exchange 30+ currencies

• Provides a multi-currency debit card for spending abroad

• Includes budgeting tools, travel insurance, and crypto trading

Pricing:
Standard plan is free
Premium and Metal plans offer more perks ($9.99 to $16.99/month)

Pros:

• Interbank exchange rates with no markup

• Excellent for spending while traveling

• Real-time balance tracking in multiple currencies

• ATM access and free international transfers

Cons:

• Requires setting up an account and verifying identity

• Monthly exchange limits on free plan

If you’re a frequent traveler or digital nomad, Revolut replaces your bank, currency converter, and travel card—all in one sleek app.

Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Best for: Sending money abroad and real exchange rates

Wise is known for its international money transfer service, but its app is also one of the best tools for real-time currency conversion and holding foreign balances.

What it does:

• Converts and holds 50+ currencies

• Offers multi-currency accounts with local bank details

• Shows transparent exchange rates and transfer fees

• Lets you send money to 80+ countries at low fees

Pricing:
Free account setup
Low, transparent conversion fees (~0.35–1%)

Pros:

• Real mid-market exchange rates

• Great for managing multiple currencies

• Lower fees than traditional banks

• Option to receive money in local accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)

Cons:

• Requires internet connection for most features

• No budgeting or cash-back features

Wise is perfect for long-term travelers, expats, or remote workers who frequently send or receive money internationally and want the best rates.

Currency – Simple Converter

Best for: Lightweight, fast currency checks

This app focuses on doing one thing really well: converting currencies quickly. It’s fast, requires little space, and is perfect if all you want is a basic tool with no extras.

What it does:

• Real-time exchange rate updates

• Converts between all major world currencies

• Stores last updated rates for offline use

• Lets you favorite commonly used conversions

Pricing:
Completely free
Optional donation-supported version

Pros:

• Super lightweight (under 5MB)

• Offline capability

• No setup or accounts needed

• Works instantly

Cons:

• No extra financial tools

• No historical charts or spending tracking

If you just want a reliable, free, and fast way to check prices in local currency, this is a perfect minimalist option.

OANDA Currency Converter

Best for: Business travelers and forex professionals

OANDA is a foreign exchange platform used by traders—but their app is also fantastic for travelers who want extra precision or access to past data and exchange trends.

What it does:

• Converts between all currencies using live interbank rates

• Offers historical exchange rate graphs

• Includes average rate calculators over custom timeframes

• Lets users adjust for typical credit card or ATM fees

Pricing:
Free

Pros:

• Extremely detailed exchange data

• Trusted by financial professionals

• Ability to factor in fees and rate margins

• Excellent historical analysis

Cons:

• Interface is more technical

• Not beginner-friendly

If you’re a travel pro, financial nerd, or just want the most accurate possible estimates with added fee estimators, OANDA is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Right Currency App for Your Travels

Depending on your travel style, budget, and tech preference, the right app for you may vary.

Go with XE or Currency Converter Plus if:

• You want basic conversion tools that work offline

• You value speed and simplicity over bells and whistles

Use Revolut or Wise if:

• You plan to spend or send money across currencies

• You want real-time, low-fee conversion built into your bank

Choose OANDA if:

• You’re a data lover who wants exchange precision

• You deal with large sums or multiple international currencies

Pick Currency – Simple Converter if:

• You want a no-frills tool that takes up minimal space

• You’re traveling light and prefer instant access without account setup

Final Thoughts: Spend Smarter, Save More While Traveling

A few cents lost on each transaction might not seem like much, but over the course of a trip, poor currency conversion choices can cost you big. The best currency converter apps make international travel smoother, smarter, and cheaper—whether you’re buying lunch in Bangkok or booking a hotel in Rome.

By arming yourself with one of these top apps, you can keep more money in your wallet, avoid unnecessary fees, and always know exactly what you’re spending. From simple offline tools to all-in-one banking platforms, there’s a solution here for every kind of traveler.