Multi Currency Bill Expense

smbuser01 · ‎March 30, 2025

My bank allows me to have accounts with multi foreign currencies. Whenever I need to make a bank transfer for a bill expense, I would first transfer to the foreign currency account (HKD to USD, HKD to EUR, etc) and then pay for my bill expense. I have a few questions and hope someone could help me:

1) Should I setup multiple Inventory accounts in QBO to match the bill expense currency (Inventory - HKD, Inventory USD, Inventory -EUR)? Right now, what is happening is I would record a Transfer Funds from HKD Bank Account to Transfer Funds to USD Bank Account, it would have the correct foreign exchange rate recorded, and then when I make a bill expense (USD) to my Inventory (HKD), it would ask me again for the foreign currency exchange rate.

2) I'm also little bit confused on Bills with foreign currency. The initial Bill entry allows users to enter the foreign currency exchange rate, and when I need to record the payment, it also allows me to update the foreign currency exchange rate. Is the initial foreign currency rate on the Bill reflects the rate in the market on the date I receive the Bill from suppliers and the foreign currency on the Bill payment is the rate on the payment date? I like to also ask how to record the discrepancy on the market foreign exchange rate vs the foreign exchange that my bank gives?

Thank you

MsNorthPND18

Setting up multiple inventory accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO) to match the bill expense currency enhances inventory management and organization. This is especially useful for frequent multi-currency transactions, Smbuser01. Let's dig deeper into this concern to assist you better.

Each account can precisely track inventory transactions in its respective currency, ensuring accurate cost and profit calculations. Using separate accounts for different currencies stabilizes financial statements against fluctuations and maintains compliance with accounting standards. For efficient multi-currency management, enable the multi-currency feature in QBO and create a new account for each currency. Consult with your accountant for tailored financial advice.

Here's how:

Go to Settings, then select Account and Settings.
Select Advanced. In the Currency section, select Edit.
From the Home Currency dropdown, select your currency.
Choose the Multicurrency checkbox and confirm that you understand that you can't undo this option.
Click Save.

For more information and guidance, refer to this article on using Multicurrency for foreign currency transactions: Set up and use Multicurrency in QuickBooks Online.

The initial exchange rate's impact depends on how you set it up. If you choose Use for this transaction only, it applies exclusively to your current bill. QBO will prompt you for the exchange rate whenever you pay bills.

If you select Use for all new transactions after entering the exchange rate, QB will automatically apply this rate to future transactions when paying the bill. To prevent discrepancies moving forward, set up the exchange rate in the settings.

If the bank provides a different rate, you can manually enter the exchange rate in the settings and select Your Rate to avoid discrepancies.

You can review how to create home currency adjustments and resolve the issue: Enter home currency adjustments for your foreign balances.

In addition, review articles linked for a deeper understanding of use exchange rates and frequently asked questions about foreign currency transactions:

Please feel free to click the Reply button if you have any further questions about currencies or any other related topics in QuickBooks Online. I'm here and more than happy to assist you.