How to convert currency while traveling on Android, offline and without ads
Written by GuruHat, which makes RateGuru.
Short answer: use a converter that keeps its last rates on the phone, so it works in airplane mode, and open it once with data before you fly.
RateGuru is a free open-source Android converter with no ads. It ships with rates for 166 currencies and puts the local currency on top when you land.
What a travel currency converter needs
- Works offline. Roaming data is slow or off, and airports and metro stations have no signal. The app should keep the last downloaded rates.
- No ads. Ads push the keypad around while you're trying to read a price.
- Several currencies at once. Useful when a trip covers more than one country, or you compare a price in two currencies.
- A calculator. To split a bill or add a tip without switching apps.
- Little data collected. Converting money shouldn't need an account.
How RateGuru does it
- Knows where you are. It reads the country from your mobile network and puts the local currency on top. No location permission needed.
- Up to 8 currencies on screen, all converting together. Tap a row to type in it, and tap a flag to swap the currency.
- Offline. It keeps the last rates it downloaded and ships with rates for 166 currencies, so it works in airplane mode and with no data plan.
- Built-in calculator. Tap the orange key for + − × ÷ and %, and hold 0 to type 000 for currencies with big notes.
- Search by code, name or country.
Set it up before you travel
- Download the APK. RateGuru isn't on Google Play. Tap Download for Android on its page, open the file, and allow installing apps from your browser once.
- Open it once with data. It grabs today's rates and picks your home currency from your SIM. You can change it in Settings.
- Travel. Land, open RateGuru, and the local currency is already on top.
- Updates arrive in the app. When a new version is out, RateGuru offers it when you open it. Tap Update, then Install.
Why the counter gives you less than the app
RateGuru shows mid-market rates from Exchange Rate API, updated once a day. Banks, cards and exchange booths add their own margin, so expect to get a little less than the converted figure. Use the app to judge whether a price or an offer is fair, and ask for the total in local currency before you pay.
Privacy
RateGuru has no account, no server and no analytics. It only contacts the rates service and GitHub (for updates). See the privacy page.
Frequently asked questions
Which currency converter works offline on Android?
RateGuru keeps the last rates it downloaded and ships with rates for 166 currencies, so it works in airplane mode. Open it once with data before you travel so the rates are current.
Is there a currency converter for Android with no ads?
Yes. RateGuru is free, open source and has no ads, no account and no analytics.
Why is the exchange rate at the counter worse than the app?
Converters show mid-market rates. Banks, cards and exchange booths add a margin, so you get a little less. Compare the converted figure with the total you're offered.
Is RateGuru on Google Play?
No. You download the APK from guruhat.com, allow installing from your browser once, and the app then offers its own updates.
Does RateGuru need my location?
No. It reads the country from your mobile network, so no location permission is needed.