Commercial bank exchange rates

It depends on whether you are buying or selling currency. If you are buying foreign currency, look for the lowest rate in the "Sell" column. If you are selling foreign currency to the bank, look for the highest rate in the "Buy" column. The table marks both with "Best".

The buy rate is the price at which the bank buys currency from you. The sell rate is the price at which the bank sells currency to you. The difference between them is called the spread: the smaller it is, the less you lose on the exchange.

When individuals buy foreign currency in cash, they also pay a 0.1% levy on the amount to the Republican Fund for Social Support of the Population (Law No. 827-XIV of 18.02.2000). This column shows the bank's sell rate with that levy included, which is what you actually pay. The levy applies only to cash purchases of foreign currency.

Banks publish separate rates for each type of operation. Cash: exchange at a bank branch. Card: the rate used when you pay by card in a currency other than your account currency. Online: exchange in internet or mobile banking. Internal settlement: non-cash conversions between accounts. Not every bank publishes every type, so some tabs list fewer banks.

The NBM rate is a reference rate and is not binding on banks. Each bank sets its own rates, usually buying below the NBM rate and selling above it. The NBM rate for the selected currency is shown above the table for comparison.

We read the rates from each bank's website several times a day. The time under the bank name shows when the rate was last checked. Banks can change their rates during the day, and the rate that applies is the one the bank shows at the time of your transaction.

For some banks we cannot read the rates automatically yet. Check the rate directly on that bank's website or app.

Often, yes. For large amounts banks may offer a negotiated rate, especially for non-cash conversions. Ask the bank before you exchange.