Best Foreign Currency Exchange Option for Immigration in 2025

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to immigrate to countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. Whether it's for BNO immigration, studying abroad, or work, the first step is to handle foreign currency exchange. Traditional banks often charge high fees with non-transparent exchange rates – how can you save the most? 【Best Foreign Currency Exchange Option for Immigration in 2025: WeLab Bank – $0 Fees + Favourable Exchange Rates】 is the guide you should definitely refer to!

GBP/HKD Exchange Rate Increased Nearly 7%1! A Full Analysis of the GBP/HKD Exchange Rate Trend in 2025

In the first half of 2025, the GBP/ HKD exchange rate showed a clear trend of HKD depreciation and GBP appreciation. According to historical data, the GBP/ HKD exchange rate reached a peak at 10.787 HKD on July 1, and hit a low of 9.8846 HKD on March 3. The average exchange rate for six months was 10.409 HKD1.Overall, the GBP/ HKD exchange rate increased by 6.54%1 during this period, reflecting a clear weakening of the HKD against the GBP. Key reasons include:
  • Better-than-expected UK economic performance, with stable GDP growth supporting the Pound.
  • The Bank of England still maintained a relatively high interest rate, offering support to GBP.
  • A weakening USD dragged down the HKD, leading to broad depreciation against other major currencies.
For families planning to immigrate to the UK or arrange for their children to study there, the appreciation of GBP was more favorable to exchange early. Delaying the exchange may result in needing more HKD to get the same amount of GBP, increasing financial pressure.

Immigration Financial Planning Amid HKD Depreciation: When to Exchange CAD?

In the first half of 2025, the CAD/HKD exchange rate showed an upward trend in the first half of 2025. According to historical data, the rate hit the low of 5.3698 HKD on March 3 and peaked at 5.7832 HKD on June 16 — an increase of about 5.60% over the past 6 months1.The six-month average exchange rate was 5.6246 HKD1, indicating that the CAD remained relatively stable while the HKD weakened, mainly due to USD policy impacts. Key factors include:
  • HKD weakened due to USD policy and widening interest rate differentials.
  • The Bank of Canada maintaining stable interest rates, supporting the Canadian dollar.
For Hong Kongers planning to immigrate to Canada, the exchange rate trend means that delaying the exchange might result in financial losses. It is recommended to use WeLab Bank’s best rates to exchange CAD, taking advantage of the $0 fee benefit in foreign exchange and save more.

HKD to AUD Exchange Rate Analysis: A Must-Read for Hong Kongers Before Moving to Australia

In 2025, the AUD/HKD exchange rate showed a pattern of HKD depreciation and AUD appreciation. According to historical data, the highest rate was 5.1822 HKD on July 23, and the lowest was 4.6277 HKD on April 8. The average rate over the past 6 months was 4.9856 HKD1.Overall, the AUD/HKD rate rose 6.01% over the past six months1, indicating HKD’s depreciation against AUD. This trend reflects that the AUD’s value is supported by various factors, including:
  • The Reserve Bank of Australia was maintained a hawkish policy stance, driving up demand for AUD.
  • A weakening US dollar dragging down HKD, causing it to generally depreciate against other currencies.
For families planning to immigrate to Australia or arrange for their children to study abroad, the appreciation of AUD means early currency exchange was more favorable. Delaying the exchange might require more HKD to obtain the same amount of AUD, increasing financial pressure.Foreign exchange through WeLab Bank not only allows you to get access to real-time exchange rate information with $0 transaction fees, but also saves you more compared to traditional banks. Whether you are preparing to pay tuition, living expenses, or a down payment on a house, exchanging foreign currency through WeLab Bank allows you to plan ahead and choose a low-cost platform — a key financial strategy before immigration.

🌍 No matter which country you immigrate to, WeLab Bank’s App allows you to easily exchange 11 currencies!

  • WeLab Bank Best Rate^ AI Exchange Rates at a Glance
WeLab Bank uses AI to compare foreign exchange rates across major banks, making it super easy to get the best rate when exchanging foreign currency. That’s what we call the WeLab Bank Best Rate!Learn more about AI exchange rate: Compare the best exchange rates with AILearn more about foreign exchange: Exchange Currency with Ease
  • Zero Fee on Cross-Border Transfers*
During the promotion period, all outbound remittance transactions successfully made through the “Cross-Border Transfer” function of the WeLab Bank App are exempt from WeLab remittance fees. The actual waived fee amount ($0) will be displayed directly in the WeLab Bank App when you submit the remittance transaction.Learn more about global remittance: Guide for Global Remittance
  • Security
WeLab Bank is a licensed bank in Hong Kong, and your deposited foreign currency is protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme, with a maximum coverage of HKD 800,000 per depositor2, making it safe and reliable.Learn more: Deposit Protection SchemeSo, whether you’re investing in foreign currency or traveling, earning the spread with WeLab is that simple!
Disclaimers:^Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to Compare the best exchange rates with AI for details.*From now until December 31, 2025, all outward remittance successfully made through the “Global Remit” function in the WeLab Bank App can enjoy WeLab Bank remittance handling fee waivers. Terms and conditions apply: https://welab.app.link/e/aNd7u0OM5Ub(1) The information covers the period from 28 February to 29 August, 2025. The above information sourced from a third-party platform (i.e. Exchange-Rates.org). Some figures have been rounded to two decimal places and are provided for reference only. (2) WeLab Bank is a member of the Deposit Protection Scheme. Eligible deposits taken by this Bank are protected by the Scheme up to a limit of HKD 800,000 per depositor.Currency exchange involves risks. Foreign exchange markets are subject to unpredictable fluctuations. If you choose to convert your HKD or foreign currency deposit to other currencies, such foreign exchange transactions will be subject to risk arising from exchange rates fluctuation. As a result, you may suffer losses. The information above is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to subscribe to or to enter any transaction.