What do the units mean?

The euro is the base currency in the ECB table. A USD value is U.S. dollars per one euro; a JPY value is yen per one euro. To estimate the foreign-currency amount from euros, multiply euros by the displayed rate. To reverse the direction, divide the foreign-currency amount by that rate. Keep the date and units beside any value you copy.

Dated example: the ECB table displayed USD 1.1216 and JPY 177.10 for 2 November 2026. At those reference rates, €100 × 1.1216 = $112.16, while ¥10,000 ÷ 177.10 ≈ €56.46. These are arithmetic illustrations from the dated reference values, not offers to exchange money or predictions of a card charge.

Which date should I use?

The ECB says rates are usually updated around 16:00 CET on working days, except TARGET closing days. The page labels the observation date above its table. The latest row can therefore be from an earlier working day, such as after a weekend or closing day. For a historical comparison, use the date shown for the observation rather than assuming the page value applies to today's purchase.

The ECB page provides downloads for the latest rates and a time series in formats including CSV and XML. Its CSV instructions say to use a decimal point as the decimal separator. Check the ECB page for the current file and series details before importing data.

Why can my card, bank or cash exchange show another amount?

An ECB reference rate is not a retail quote. The ECB says the rates are for information only and that using them for transactions is strongly discouraged. Its explainer says the reference values do not necessarily match rates at which market transactions take place; a currency exchange uses a rate derived from real-time market rates. A card issuer, network, cash desk or ATM may apply its own rate, timing, fees and terms.

For trip planning, use a dated reference rate only as a comparison input. Check the actual rate and fees shown by your provider before paying or withdrawing. Our currency worksheet uses a rate and fees you enter; it does not fetch ECB data or predict a provider's charge. For an ATM or terminal offer to bill you in your card's currency, see the dynamic currency conversion checklist.

Source and checked date

• European Central Bank: Euro foreign exchange reference rates — euro is the base currency; dated rate table, usual publication timing, downloads, and transaction-use warning. The 2 November 2026 table showed USD 1.1216 and JPY 177.10. Checked 3 November 2026.
• European Central Bank: What is the role of exchange rates? — explains the informational purpose of reference rates and why they may differ from rates used in market transactions. Checked 3 November 2026.

This page explains the ECB series and a dated example; it is not a live-rate feed, exchange offer, or financial advice. Recheck the linked ECB page because its displayed date and values change.