Travelling is not just fun, it can also be a bit of a logistic nightmare if you’re not paying attention. Transportation and all things accommodation aside, local currencies are probably the one thing we struggle with the most. Luckily, a little-known iPhone feature could change the way you travel forever.
Unless you’re travelling to a place with the same currency as your country, conversion is key to keep tabs on your spending. After all, you don’t want to come home to realise you’ve made a big error while converting meaning all your savings are gone.
Although there a lot of websites and apps which can help you with all your exchange issues, they’re mostly online, meaning you’ll have to have access to some kind of internet connection. Others are available offline as well but might not be free.
Instagram user and travel planner @lifeofthetravelingpin has, however, made us aware of a little-known and quite new feature which is easily available to all iPhone users.
“As someone who is always travelling, I have a currency converter open on my phone at all times. I used to dread those moments at the market trying to quickly calculate prices in my head. Fumbling with a currency converter app while offline was always a bit stressful. Can you relate?! If so, keep reading! This NEW feature not only is it easily accessible, but it also works without data AND easily switches to input the local currency or your home currency. Now you can easily convert currencies directly from your phone, even when you don’t have an internet connection”, she explains on Instagram.
The currency converter is built into the calculator app, standard on all iPhones. If you’ve installed the iOS 18 update, you’ll be able to easily convert local currencies into your own through a few simple steps. Overall, there are 105 different currencies and 110 measurement units to choose from.
- Open the Calculator app on your phone.
- At the bottom left corner of your screen, you’ll see a Calculator Mode button. Click it.
- Select ‘Convert’, then ‘Currency’ (or any other measurement of your choosing if needed).
- Select the currencies to convert from and to.
- You’re all set and ready to start converting!
When using the Calculator app to convert local currencies, be aware of the fact that exchange rates are constantly fluctuating. If you’re not connected to the internet, this means your iPhone will use the latest update available and there can thus be discrepancies, especially if your phone hasn’t been connected to the internet for a long time.
