You're probably standing in a shop in Paris or staring at an online checkout screen wondering if you're actually getting a good deal. It happens. Specifically, 85 euros is roughly 98.35 US dollars right now. Honestly, that number moves. If you checked yesterday, it was different. If you check tonight after the markets in London and New York have had their say, it’ll be different again. As of January 18, 2026, the exchange rate is hovering around 1.1571. That means for every euro you have, you're getting about a dollar and sixteen cents back.
But here is the thing: the "mid-market rate" you see on Google isn't usually what you actually pay.
Why the price you see isn't always the price you get
Banks are businesses. They aren't converting your money out of the goodness of their hearts. When you ask how much is 85 euros in dollars, you have to factor in the "hidden" costs that most people ignore until they see their bank statement.
If you use a standard debit card from a big bank like Chase or Bank of America, they might hit you with a 3% foreign transaction fee. Suddenly, that 85 euro dinner doesn't cost $98.35; it costs over $101. It’s a small jump, sure, but do that every day for a week and you’ve essentially bought a ghost steak you never got to eat.
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The 2026 Currency Climate
The dollar has been on a weird ride lately. Back in early 2025, we saw the euro sitting much lower, around 1.03. But as we've moved into 2026, things have shifted. Central bank dynamics in the US—specifically the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates—have kept the dollar steady, but the Eurozone's recovery in sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure has given the euro some teeth.
Michael Field, a strategist at Morningstar, recently noted that European valuations are stabilizing. What does that mean for you? It means the wild swings we saw a year ago are calming down into a predictable, albeit slightly more expensive, range for Americans traveling abroad.
How to convert 85 euros without getting ripped off
Most people make the mistake of waiting until they see a colorful kiosk at the airport. Don't do that. Airport exchange counters are notorious for "zero commission" promises that they make up for with terrible exchange rates. They might give you a rate of 1.10 when the real rate is 1.15. On an 85 euro exchange, you're just handing them five bucks for the privilege of standing in line.
Instead, look at these options:
- Fintech Apps: Services like Wise or Revolut are basically the gold standard in 2026. They use the real mid-market rate and charge a tiny, transparent fee.
- ATM Withdrawals: If you need cash, use a local bank ATM in Europe (like BNP Paribas or Deutsche Bank). Pro tip: Always choose "Proceed without conversion" if the ATM asks. Let your home bank handle the math; the ATM's "guaranteed" rate is almost always a scam.
- Credit Cards: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Many travel-focused cards from Capital One or American Express have removed these fees entirely.
Real-world math for your 85 euro budget
What does 85 euros actually buy you in 2026? It's a useful benchmark for a day of mid-range travel.
In a city like Madrid or Berlin, 85 euros covers a decent hotel breakfast, a nice lunch, museum entries, and a solid dinner with wine. In London or New York? Well, 85 euros (about 98 dollars) might just cover a very nice dinner and a couple of cocktails.
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It’s funny how "85" sounds like a random number, but it’s often the threshold for "Premium" VAT refunds in many European countries. If you spend over a certain amount—often around the 75 to 100 euro mark—you might be eligible to get the sales tax back when you leave the EU. That's a 10% to 15% discount just for filling out a form at the airport.
The technical side of the 1.1571 rate
For the data nerds, the current rate of 1.1571 is actually a slight dip from the start of January 2026, when we saw peaks near 1.17. The US dollar gained a bit of ground recently because investors are seeking safety while European markets digest new trade guidance.
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If you are planning a large purchase, even a half-cent move matters. But for 85 euros? The difference between a "good" day and a "bad" day is usually less than the price of a cup of espresso.
Actionable Steps for Your Money
- Check your card terms: Open your banking app right now and search for "foreign transaction fee." If it’s not 0%, don't use that card in Europe.
- Download a converter: Keep an app like XE or Wise on your home screen. It’s easier than trying to do 1.1571 times 85 in your head while a line of angry French people forms behind you at the bakery.
- Avoid the "Home Currency" Trap: When a card reader asks if you want to pay in USD or EUR, always pick EUR. Choosing USD allows the merchant's bank to set the rate, and they will not be generous.
The most important thing is to be aware. Knowing that 85 euros is roughly $98.35 gives you a baseline. Anything significantly higher than a hundred-dollar bill in total cost means you're paying too much in fees.