# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Currency & Exchange

How to Convert English Pounds to U.S. Dollars

The British use pounds as their form of currency. If you are planning on visiting the United States or making a purchase with a seller who only accepts payment in U.S. dollars, you will need to calculate the exchange rate. This can be tricky, because currency exchange rates vary daily. To make things easier for consumers making online purchases, when you send your payments electronically, the exchange rate is often converted automatically.

Instructions

- 1
  Decide the total amount in pounds that you would like to convert into U.S. dollars. Once you have decided this amount, you need to research the most updated exchange rates between British and U.S. currencies.
- 2
  Multiply the current exchange rate value to the total number of pounds you are converting. If the value is one pound against 1.66 dollars and you want to convert 500 pounds, you will multiply 500 with 1.66. The result is $830.
- 3
  Exchange currencies prior to your trip. You can exchange currencies at your bank or when you are going through Customs. If you prefer, you can also purchase a traveler's check in dollars.