where can I get cheap foreign currency?
Traveling overseas soon need Euros
Most Commented Posts
- August 8, 2008 -- Should "In God We Trust" Remain On American Currency? (41)
- February 26, 2009 -- Xtian: What right (specifically) would be violated by removing "In God We Trust" from US currency? (41)
- January 27, 2010 -- Do conservatives invest in gold because they have no faith in American currency? (37)
- November 24, 2008 -- Is “In God We Trust” on US currency a true statement? (35)
- January 3, 2009 -- Should the motto “In God We Trust” be removed from U.S. currency? ? (34)
- March 17, 2009 -- R&S what do you feel about "One nation under God" on US currency? (34)
- April 21, 2009 -- What would be the impact on American society if "In God We Trust" were removed from the currency? (34)
- May 7, 2008 -- Who else thinks that "in god we trust" should be removed from US currency? (33)
- January 9, 2009 -- Are coins and currency the same thing? (30)
- March 8, 2010 -- If your good looks were currency, what could you buy? (30)
This entry was posted on Monday, May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am and is filed under Currency Trading. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
There’s no such thing as "cheap" foreign currency.
One of the easiest ways to get it is to use your ATM card once you arrive in Europe.
If you use a major bank, then the cards work internationally and the exchange rate is reasonable.
Every money changer has fees and your ATM fees are generally better (or at least no worse) than a bureau de change.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
The cost of foreign currency consists of two parts: 1) the official exchange rate, and 2) the surcharge levied by the outlet providing the exchange. First, the exchange rate is the same for everyone. If anyone offers a lower rate, it’s a scam — run away from any shady deals.
Second, the surcharges can vary widely from 1% to as much as 50%. You’ll get the lowest surcharges by withdrawing cash from ATM’s in the country you visit, or by charging purchases to credit cards. The worst surcharges are typically at the airport exchange outlets or US banks.
Therefore, try not to exchange much before your trip, and use ATM’s or credit cards abroad.
Important: call the banks that issued your ATM and credit cards ahead of your trip, and tell them your travel plans — otherwise they might block your cards to protect your account from strange foreign charges.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
For a start it would help to know where you live. How can anyone advise you if they don’t know which country you live in.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
currency exchange
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Go to your bank. Get only as much as you think you’ll need for a day.
Take your debit card, and get cash as you need it from ATMs, which are everywhere…like they are in any city!
It’s going to cost about the same at most places…more at convenience places like change booths at the airport, train station, and non-bank places on the street.
Hotels usually charge more, too.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Banks generally give the best rates, especially as often if you have an account they won’t charge you a commission, but will give you the official exchange rate. ATMs are the most convenient and you don’t have to worry about carrying lots of cash. If you decide to use a credit card, call the company to let them know the dates of your travel, or they may suspend your card in case it’s identity theft. From travelling and living abroad, I was told by my cards that they charge 3% for these foreign purchases; they also give you a number you can call collect to in case of problems.