Foreign exchange and live rates

Take a look at live market exchange rates and follow the latest FX news.

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1.00 USD = AUD

Exchange rate as of 12:25 UTC

What is foreign exchange?

The United Nations recognises around 180 different currencies that can be used to buy and sell goods and services around the world. Exchanging one currency for another so as to buy, sell or settle debts in a foreign country is perhaps the simplest definition of foreign exchange.

Foreign exchange markets can move quickly and unpredictably. Speaking to a WorldFirst relationship manager could provide you with more flexibility and a better understanding as to when to make an exchange or purchase.

What is the interbank rate?

The interbank rate is the foreign exchange rate paid by banks when they trade currencies with other banks. This rate is much like a wholesale rate and is unobtainable to the general public unless they are exchanging an amount of more than $100m.

The banks make money like any wholesaler in any other industry – they buy at one rate and sell it on at another and the difference in between is known as a ‘spread’.