So, you’ve got 60 Euros in your pocket—maybe a leftover bill from a trip to Paris or a birthday gift from a relative in Berlin—and you want to know what it’s actually worth in American dollars.
Money is weird right now.
As of January 18, 2026, the exchange rate is sitting at approximately 1.16. That means your 60 EUR to USD conversion lands you roughly $69.60.
But wait. If you walk into a kiosk at JFK or Heathrow, you are absolutely not getting nearly 70 bucks. You'll likely walk away with $62 and a very expensive lesson in "convenience fees." Exchange rates move faster than a TikTok trend, and understanding the gap between the "interbank rate" you see on Google and the cash-in-hand reality is the difference between a nice dinner and a sad sandwich.
Why 60 EUR to USD keeps changing every single hour
Currencies don't sit still. Right now, the Euro is actually doing okay for itself compared to the rollercoaster it was on last year.
A lot of this comes down to the big players: the Federal Reserve in the U.S. and the European Central Bank (ECB). Currently, the Fed is keeping interest rates steady around 3.75%, while the ECB is hovering at 2.15%. When the U.S. offers higher interest on its money, global investors flock to the dollar, making it stronger. That’s why your 60 Euros might have bought $65 a few months ago but gets you almost $70 today.
There's also some drama in D.C. affecting things. Market analysts at UBS have been pointing to some legal heat surrounding the Federal Reserve leadership and cooling labor markets in the States. This "dollar weakness" is actually a win for you if you're holding Euros.
👉 See also: Getting the Most From Your Currency Converter EC to USD: What Usually Trips People Up
The real-world value: What can 60 Euros actually buy?
Sometimes numbers on a screen feel fake. To put it in perspective, $69.60 (the current value of your 60 Euros) carries different weight depending on where you stand.
In a high-cost city like New York or San Francisco, that $69 is basically a decent steak dinner with a drink and a tip. Or maybe three cocktails at a rooftop bar if you're pushing it. In Berlin or Madrid, those same 60 Euros often go further because of lower service costs and taxes.
- In the US: You’re looking at about 14 Starbucks lattes or a standard video game for the PS5.
- In the EU: Those 60 Euros could get you a very nice three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Lisbon.
The "Tourist Trap" tax: Don't lose 10% on the swap
If you need to flip your 60 EUR to USD, please, for the love of your wallet, avoid the airport.
Those "No Commission" signs are a total lie. They don't charge a flat fee because they've already baked a 5% to 10% margin into the exchange rate they show you. If the real rate is 1.16, they might offer you 1.05. On 60 Euros, that’s losing about $6 just for the privilege of standing at a counter.
Honestly, the best way to handle this in 2026 is through digital-first banks or apps like Wise or Revolut. They usually give you the "real" mid-market rate—the one banks use for each other—and just charge a tiny transparent fee. If you’re physically in the U.S. already, using a local ATM (one tied to a real bank, not a generic one in a deli) is usually your second-best bet, provided your home bank doesn't have insane "foreign transaction" fees.
Trends to watch for the rest of 2026
Are you better off holding that 60 Euros or changing it now?
Forex strategists from big names like Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas are actually predicting the Euro might strengthen even more toward the end of the year. Some are targeting a rate of 1.25 by December. If that happens, your 60 Euros would be worth $75.
On the flip side, J.P. Morgan is a bit more cautious, suggesting it might settle around 1.20. Either way, the general consensus among the "smart money" is that the dollar is losing its absolute dominance, so holding onto your Euros for a few months might actually net you an extra five-spot.
How to get the most for your money
To make sure you don't get ripped off, here is the basic playbook:
- Check the spot rate first. Just type "60 EUR to USD" into a search engine right before you swap. If the offer you're getting is more than 2% different from that number, walk away.
- Use an ATM, not a kiosk. If you're traveling, use a debit card with zero foreign transaction fees. When the ATM asks if you want to be "charged in your home currency," always say NO. Let your own bank do the conversion; the ATM's conversion rate is always a scam.
- Digital wallets are your friend. If you have a friend in the States, sending it via an app is often cheaper than any physical exchange.
The days of needing to carry wads of cash are mostly over, but if you have that physical 60 Euro note, treat it like a fluctuating stock. It’s worth more today than it has been for a good chunk of the last two years.
For anyone planning a trip or managing a small business payment, keeping an eye on the 1.16 level is key. If it breaks above 1.18, the Euro is on a "bull run." If it drops toward 1.10, the dollar is reclaiming its crown. For now, enjoy the fact that your Euros are buying a little bit more of the American dream than they used to.
To get the absolute best value, set a rate alert on a currency app so you can pull the trigger when the dollar takes a dip. Check your local bank's specific "buy" and "sell" spreads online before you ever head to a physical branch, as many banks have stopped carrying much foreign cash and will charge you a premium just to order it.