A foreign exchange rate, or simply exchange rate or forex, is how much foreign currency you can buy with your local currency. This can also mean how much money you can send using your local currency to your loved ones in the destination’s (foreign) currency.
Let’s use an example.
Pretend that you are looking to exchange Australian Dollars (USD) to Fijian Dollar (FJD). The local currency is AUD and foreign currency FJD. You have to find out how much FJD you can buy with 1 AUD.
If the exchange rate is 1 AUD = 1.50 FJD, which means you can buy 1.50 Fijian Dollar with 1 Australian Dollar. If you want to send 250 Dollars to your family in Fiji, you have to multiply 250 AUD by 1.50 FJD. Your family will receive 375 Birr (250 AUD x 1.50 FJD).
How do I read exchange rates?
Exchange rates are often quoted by banks or money transfer operators (MTO) in different ways. The following table provides a guide on what they mean.
| Exchange Rate Quote | Meaning |
| I want to buy…
Bank sells… |
This is the exchange rate the bank or MTO is selling foreign currency for local currency.
For example: If you are sending money or travelling to the Ethiopian, this would mean you ‘want to buy’ Fijian Dollar (foreign currency) for Australian Dollars (local currency). Or the ‘bank sells’ Fijian Dollar for Australian Dollars. |
| I want to sell…
Bank buys… |
This is the exchange rate the bank or MTO is buying foreign currency for local currency.
For example: If you are returning to Australia from Fiji with money left over, this would mean you ‘want to sell’ Fijian Dollars (foreign currency) for Australian Dollars (local currency). Or the ‘bank buys’ Fijian Dollars for Australian Dollars. |
What is the mid-market rate?
This is the halfway point between the ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ exchange rates between two currencies at any given time. This rate is constantly changing along with the demand and supply of currencies.
Why are the exchange rates I see at the bank or MTO different from the mid-market rate?
The mid-market rate will usually differ from the exchange rates you will see quoted by the bank or MTO. This is because these organisations will apply a margin on top to profit from the transactions.
It is important to understand exchange rates, especially when sending money home. Luckily, finding the best exchange rates is now made easier by comparison website such as our Compare Rates tool in SaverPacific. You can access our free comparison tool using the SaverPacific app or website. You can compare different banks and money transfer operators and find the best one that works for you before you send money home!
Happy Saving!