Open Currency Converter
💵 Convert currencies within the text of a post or page.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.7★ from 19
- Active installs
- 900+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 29 Apr 2025
- Added
- Apr 2012
- Requires WP
- 4.6
- Tested up to
- WP 6.8.8
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 54,697
Our analysis
AI-assistedOpen Currency Converter is a WordPress plugin that allows you to convert currencies directly within your posts and pages. It fetches exchange rate data from an Open Source API, eliminating the need for manual updates. The plugin is particularly useful for websites that cater to an international audience, allowing you to display multiple currency values without constant recalculations.
With support for over 170 currencies, the plugin provides an easy-to-use shortcode for embedding conversions. You can also cache results to improve performance and customise how results are displayed through a template. To use the plugin, you need to obtain an App Key from the Open Exchange Rates website, which is required for it to function.
Best for: Websites that need to display currency conversions for an international audience.
What it does well
- ✓Fetches live exchange rates automatically
- ✓Supports over 170 currencies
- ✓Easy shortcode for embedding in posts
- ✓Caching feature to improve performance
- ✓Customisable output template
Where it falls short
- •Requires an App Key from Open Exchange Rates
- •Accuracy of exchange rates is not guaranteed
Verdict
Open Currency Converter is a practical tool for those looking to integrate currency conversions into their WordPress site. It is free to use and suitable for various types of websites.
From the developer
Joe's own description of Open Currency Converter, lightly tidied.
🚀 If you have a wish to convert currencies “on the fly” within the text of a post or page then this is the plugin for you! It’s free to download, free to use and advert free – if you think you have to pay for something you’re doing it wrong!
So, let’s say you run a UK based site and will refer to currencies in GBP. However, the majority of visitors are from the US, so you may have a wish to also show the dollar equivalent. Using this plugin you can do this without having to work out the conversion and then re-visit it in future to take into account conversion changes.
Key features include…
- No need to update exchange rates yourself – data is fetched from an Open Source API
- Over 170 currencies supported
- An easy to use shortcode for embedding directly into your posts and pages
- A PHP function for those people who wish to add features in their theme
- Results can be cached, reducing resources and improving response
- Template to allow you to control how results are output
- Administration screen allowing you to define defaults and to view current exchange rates
- And much, much more!
Getting Started
🔑 Getting Your App Key
Open Currency Converter gets its data from the Open Exchange Rates website (which is not associated with this plugin nor the developer). This site requires an App Key to be specified for it to work. This is to prevent over-use of the exchange system and to provide premium features for users who wish to pay for them. Having a premium plan does not add any extra features to this plugin and is not a requirement.
To get your App Key…
- Sign up on the Open Exchange Rates site – this link will take you to the free option but the site does require personal information.
- You should now be at your account screen.
- Click on the “App IDs” option in the side menu.
- An App ID should be listed on the right hand side – copy this ID.
- Head back to the admin of your website and select the Settings -> Open Currency menu.
- Paste the App ID into the equivalent field at the top of the settings screen.
- Click the “Save Changes” button.
Using the Shortcode
To add to your site simply use the [convert] shortcode. For example…
[convert number="100" from="gbp" to="cad"]
This would convert 100 GBP to CAD.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The exchange rate data is provided for free via the Open Source Exchange Rates project. Its accuracy and availability are never guaranteed, and there’s no warranty provided.