COUNTRY MONEY GUIDE

United Kingdom currency guide

The official currency is GBP. Payment habits vary by merchant and location, so travellers should combine a primary card, a backup method and a practical amount of local cash.

Currency converter

GBP → USD

Rate date 2026-09-15
Quick amounts
GBP 1USD 1.3502

1 GBP = 1.3502 USD

Reference rate only. Banks and payment providers may use different rates and fees.

Country/areaUnited Kingdom
Official currencyGBP
RegionEurope
ISOGB
DIRECT ANSWER

GBP is the official currency

The official currency is GBP. Payment habits vary by merchant and location, so travellers should combine a primary card, a backup method and a practical amount of local cash.

CurrencyFlow rates are for budgeting and comparison, not guaranteed bank, card or exchange-counter quotes.

PAYING LOCALLY

Cash, cards and ATMs in United Kingdom

Cash use

Cash is accepted, but many urban businesses rely heavily on cards and contactless payments.

Card acceptance

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across transport, retail and hospitality.

Contactless and mobile payments

Contactless and mobile-wallet acceptance depends on the merchant, network and device.

ATM

ATMs are common; independent operators may charge fees.

Dynamic currency conversion

If an ATM or terminal offers conversion into your home currency, compare the disclosed rate and fees with paying in the local currency before accepting.

Tipping practices

Some restaurants include a service charge; check the bill before adding a tip.

TRAVEL MONEY

Planning money before and after arrival

Before travel

Before travel, notify the card issuer when necessary, check foreign-transaction and ATM fees, and keep a backup payment method.

Airport exchange

Airport exchange counters can be convenient but may use wider spreads or additional charges.

EXCHANGE RATES

Major GBP reference rates

Rate date:2026-09-15
PairReference rateOpen
GBP/AUD1 GBP = 1.8931 AUDView GBP to AUD →
GBP/CAD1 GBP = 1.8756 CADView GBP to CAD →
GBP/CNY1 GBP = 9.0569 CNYView GBP to CNY →
GBP/EUR1 GBP = 1.1682 EURView GBP to EUR →
GBP/JPY1 GBP = 208.63 JPYView GBP to JPY →
GBP/SGD1 GBP = 1.7159 SGDView GBP to SGD →
GBP/USD1 GBP = 1.3502 USDView GBP to USD →
USEFUL CONVERSIONS

Useful GBP conversions

TRAVEL & MONEY GUIDES

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FAQ

United Kingdom currency questions

What currency is used in United Kingdom?

The official currency is GBP.

Should visitors carry cash in United Kingdom?

Cash is accepted, but many urban businesses rely heavily on cards and contactless payments.

Are foreign cards accepted in United Kingdom?

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across transport, retail and hospitality.

What should I check before using an ATM abroad?

Check the local operator fee, card-issuer fee, withdrawal limit and any dynamic currency conversion offer.

SOURCES & REVIEW

Official references and review

Payment practices vary by merchant, location and time. Check current monetary, customs and card-issuer guidance before travel.

Reviewer
caojingxin
Reviewed
2026-08-12
Rate date
2026-09-15