What currency does PayPal use
PayPal does not use a single currency: a PayPal account can hold and convert multiple global currencies, and your primary currency is the default for sending or requesting payments.
PayPal supports major currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP and CAD, and its developer site keeps the complete list of supported currencies. Transactions are recorded using standard three-letter ISO 4217 currency codes.
Currencies are managed from the PayPal Wallet:
- Add a currency: On the Payment Methods page, choose Add a currency, pick the one you want and confirm.
- Change primary currency: Open the options menu next to the currency in your wallet and select Make Primary. PayPal then uses it by default for payments you send or request.
- Close a currency: In your wallet, open the menu for that currency and select Close Currency.
To convert a balance from one currency to another:
- Open your wallet: Go to the wallet or money page in your PayPal account.
- Choose the balance: Select Convert currency beside the balance you want to change.
- Enter details: Type the amount and check the exchange rate shown.
- Confirm: Select Convert Now to complete the conversion.
For anyone reading a PayPal overview of currency costs, the key point is that PayPal sets its own transaction exchange rates, and these include a percentage fee or spread on top of wholesale market rates. PayPal's currency calculator shows the rates currently in use, so you can check them before converting or paying in another currency.