In the age we live in currently, sending money around the world to friends and family or to pay for items is an everyday occurrence. Unfortunately, when sending money to other countries you have to worry about the currency differences.
If you use PayPal or would like to, you may be wondering if PayPal will exchange currencies for you when sending money to other countries? I did some research and this is what I found out!
Does PayPal Exchange Currency In 2024?
Fortunately, PayPal does exchange currencies in 2024. Furthermore, this means that when you pay for a foreign item or service or send money to a friend or family member in another country, PayPal will convert your local currency to the recipient’s local currency. Unfortunately, PayPal charges an extra fee for currency conversions.
If you are interested in learning more about PayPal currency conversions and how much PayPal charges for currency conversions, then read on!
Does PayPal Convert Currencies Automatically?
Fortunately, when sending money to a recipient in another country in a different currency than you use, PayPal automatically converts the currency to your recipients.
Moreover, this means if you send money to Australia from the U.S. in USD, the recipient in Australia will automatically receive AUD.
How do I Convert Currencies Manually?
PayPal offers the option on its platform to convert some, or all of your PayPal balance to another currency, without having to transfer money to another country or pay for an item internationally.
Therefore, to convert your PayPal balance to a different currency:
- First, log in to your PayPal account
- Second, go to “Wallet” and click the “three dots icon” next to the currency you want to change
- Then, click “Convert Currency”
- Last, follow the direction PayPal gives you to finalize the conversion
What is PayPal’s Current Exchange Rate for Currency Conversions?
PayPal charges the same fee rates for currency conversions whether you are a consumer or a merchant.
Furthermore, PayPal’s currency conversion fees are:
- 4% of the transaction that involves a currency conversion if you are:
- Paying for goods or service
- Sending money to friends or family, or
- Sending money with PayPal Payouts, and
- 3% of the total transaction for all other transactions that involve currency conversions
Additionally, you can find PayPal’s “currency conversion spread” by clicking the consumer or merchant links and scrolling down to “Currency Conversions”.
How do I Change my Primary Currency on the PayPal App?
To change the primary currency of your PayPal balance is the same processing as selecting a primary currency.
Therefore, to change your primary currency:
- First, make sure you are logged into your PayPal account
- Next, click “Pay and Get Paid”
- Then, click “Money”
- Finally, click “Make primary” under the currency that you want to be your new primary currency
Additionally, the primary currency you choose will be the default currency for your PayPal balance.
So this means that when you receive money, the money will therefore be in the primary currency you selected.
Furthermore, when you send money to someone, the money will also be sent in the primary currency you selected.
Additionally, if your selected currency is not your local currency, PayPal may have to do a currency conversion when you send or receive payments, which you will be charged for.
Where are PayPal’s Currency Calculator and Exchange Rates?
To find PayPal’s currency calculator and see the exchange rates for your conversion:
- First, log in to your PayPal account
- Next, click “Wallet”
- Then, click “Currency Calculator”
- Last, choose the currencies you are wanting to convert to and from
Additionally, once you have put in the currencies and amounts you want to convert the exchange rate will automatically appear.
To know more, you can also read our posts on how to unblock on PayPal, PayPal confirm receipt, and Visa gift card to PayPal.
Conclusion
Fortunately, PayPal automatically converts currencies for its users when sending money to a recipient in another country with a different currency. Unfortunately, PayPal does charge a fee to convert currencies, which is either 3% or 4% of the total transaction.
Additionally, you can also convert the money in your PayPal balance to another currency without transferring the money or making a payment. However, the currency conversion fee applies to this as well.
