Help using Roam Rate
Roam Rate helps you compare money across countries using exchange rates, local Big Mac prices, and a simple watchlist.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
Beta and rate freshness: Roam Rate is currently in beta. Exchange rates come from the free ExchangeRate-API tier, which updates once per day. Rates in the app are useful for travel planning and purchasing-power comparison, but they are not live intraday market quotes. As Roam Rate grows, we plan to move to paid tiers for better freshness and reliability.
Converter
Start with what you have.
Enter an amount, choose your source currency, then choose the destination currency. Roam Rate shows the converted local value and the purchasing-power comparison underneath.
- Type the amount you want to compare.
- Tap the source or destination selector to change currencies.
- Use the swap button when you want to reverse the direction.
Purchasing Power
See what money feels like locally.
The Big Mac comparison translates a currency conversion into an everyday reference point. Instead of only seeing a converted amount, you can see how many Big Macs that amount buys in each country and whether your money stretches farther or less far there.
- Big Mac prices come from The Economist Big Mac Index.
- Exchange rates and Big Mac prices may update on different schedules.
- The comparison is educational and should not be treated as financial advice.
Watchlist
Compare favorite places quickly.
The Watchlist tab lets you keep up to three destinations in one place. Add countries, enter one amount, and scan converted values plus Big Mac purchasing power for each item.
- Open Watchlist and tap Add.
- Select up to three countries you want to track.
- Swipe a row to remove it from the list.
Settings and Offline
Know when data may be stale.
Roam Rate stores recent exchange-rate data plus converter, watchlist, and language preferences on your device. If the network is unavailable, the app may show cached values so you can still reference recent comparisons.
Cached and offline values are convenience features. Check current bank, card, fee, and travel prices before making decisions.
RatesExchangeRate-API free tier data updates once per day.
Big Mac dataThe Economist Big Mac Index updates periodically, not daily.
Offline valuesCached exchange rates may be stale until the app reconnects.
Common Questions
Q&A
How often are exchange rates updated?
Roam Rate currently uses the free ExchangeRate-API tier, which updates once per day. The app may also use cached values for speed and offline support.
Why do rates look different from my bank or card?
Banks, card networks, kiosks, and payment apps can include spreads, fees, settlement timing, and provider-specific rates. Roam Rate is for planning and comparison, not a guarantee of the rate you will receive.
What is the Big Mac comparison?
It compares how many Big Macs your money can buy in different countries using local Big Mac prices. It is a simple purchasing-power reference, not a complete cost-of-living measure.
Can I use Roam Rate offline?
Yes, recent cached rates and app preferences can remain available offline. Offline values may be stale until the app reconnects and fetches fresh data.
Is this financial advice?
No. Roam Rate is for personal travel planning, currency comparison, and purchasing-power education. Confirm live rates, prices, fees, and professional guidance where needed.
Sources referenced by Roam Rate include ExchangeRate-API for exchange rates and The Economist Big Mac Index for Big Mac data.