Which Exchange Rate to Use When Splitting Trip Costs

There is no single right rate, but there is a simple fair one: the rate the payer was actually charged. It's on their card or bank statement, fees included, and it means nobody gains or loses from the exchange. Put it in the rate column for that expense.

If that's too much work, agree one rate per currency for the whole trip — a round number near the average is fine — and enter it once (EUR=1.08). Using today's rate weeks later can move the totals by a few percent; Triptally's what-ifs show how much a 5% or 10% swing would change each balance.

Card fees

Many cards add around 3% on foreign purchases. If the payer's card does, set the card fee so the group shares it.

Last reviewed 2026-11-04. General information, not financial advice.