Convert allowances based on official DOD/Per Diem Committee rates
USD ($) to Local Currency
Local Currency to USD ($)
Enter the rate from the current DefTravel/Per Diem memo (e.g., 1 USD = X Foreign Units).
Original Amount:–
Applied DOD Rate:–
Converted Value:–
function calculateDODRate() {
var direction = document.getElementById('conversionDirection').value;
var amountStr = document.getElementById('amountInput').value;
var rateStr = document.getElementById('dodRate').value;
// Validation
if (amountStr === "" || rateStr === "") {
alert("Please enter both the amount and the DOD official exchange rate.");
return;
}
var amount = parseFloat(amountStr);
var rate = parseFloat(rateStr);
if (isNaN(amount) || amount < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive amount.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(rate) || rate <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid exchange rate greater than zero.");
return;
}
var result = 0;
var originalSymbol = "";
var finalSymbol = "";
// Logic: The DOD rate is almost always expressed as 1 USD = X Foreign Currency
if (direction === "usdToLocal") {
// Formula: USD * Rate = Local
result = amount * rate;
originalSymbol = "$";
finalSymbol = " (Local)";
} else {
// Formula: Local / Rate = USD
result = amount / rate;
originalSymbol = " (Local) ";
finalSymbol = "$";
}
// Formatting numbers
// Format money: 2 decimals, commas
var formattedOriginal = amount.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 });
var formattedResult = result.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 });
// Display Logic
document.getElementById('displayOriginal').innerText = (direction === "usdToLocal" ? "$" : "") + formattedOriginal + (direction === "localToUsd" ? " (Local)" : "");
document.getElementById('displayRate').innerText = "1 USD = " + rate + " Local Units";
document.getElementById('displayFinal').innerText = (direction === "localToUsd" ? "$" : "") + formattedResult + (direction === "usdToLocal" ? " Local Units" : "");
document.getElementById('resultBox').style.display = "block";
}
Understanding the DOD Exchange Rate Calculator
For US Service Members and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees stationed overseas, managing finances involves understanding how official government exchange rates impact pay and purchasing power. The DOD Exchange Rate Calculator helps you estimate the value of your allowances, such as Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), by using the specific rates set by the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC).
What is the DOD Official Exchange Rate?
The DOD Official Exchange Rate is not the same as the live market rate you might see on financial news websites or at a local currency exchange booth. It is a set rate used to calculate allowances paid in US Dollars intended to cover costs incurred in foreign currencies.
These rates are typically updated periodically (often monthly) to reflect long-term market trends while shielding service members from daily currency volatility. This stability ensures that your OHA covers your rent regardless of minor daily fluctuations in the Euro, Yen, or Won.
How to Use This Calculator
Select Conversion Direction: Choose whether you are converting your USD pay into local currency (to estimate purchasing power) or converting a local bill (like rent or utilities) back into USD.
Enter Amount: Input the total monetary value you wish to convert.
Enter DOD Official Rate: Input the current rate found on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or the official DefTravel website. This is typically expressed as how many units of foreign currency equal one US Dollar (e.g., 145 JPY or 0.85 GBP).
Calculate: Click the button to see the conversion based strictly on the government rate logic.
Why Do DOD Rates Differ from Market Rates?
The "COLA Rate" or "OHA Rate" is designed to ensure stability. If the local currency strengthens significantly against the dollar, the DOD adjusts the exchange rate used for allowances so that you receive more USD to cover the same amount of local currency expenses. Conversely, if the dollar strengthens, your allowance in USD may decrease because it takes fewer dollars to buy the necessary amount of local currency.
Using this calculator helps you verify that you are receiving the correct amount for your housing or cost of living adjustments by manually checking the math against the published rates.
Common Currency Codes
EUR: Euro (Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
JPY: Japanese Yen (Japan, Okinawa)
KRW: South Korean Won (South Korea)
GBP: British Pound (United Kingdom)
Note: This calculator is for estimation purposes. Always consult your finance office or official Leave and Earnings Statement for authoritative pay data.