January 26, 2009
How and where to exchange your foreign currency
When travelling outside the country you may well need to exchange currency.
With currency exchange rates varying from not only place to place but also daily, where and exactly how you decide to exchange the currency can make a big difference to your wallet.
Before you decide to travel, it is always best to do a bit of homework and find out what the foreign currency exchange rate is in the country you are hoping to visit. This can be done by using the Universal Currency Converter which provides you with a fair idea about the latest exchange rates which are based on the mid point between the buying and selling rates of large value transactions in all the global currency markets.
Most people, particularly those flying a distance and possibly arriving in a foreign country very early in the morning or even late at night when the banks and currency exchange desks could well be shut, prefer to get a small amount of currency prior to departing on their journey.
In order to achieve the very best exchange rate, it is best to wait until you arrive at your destination. Whilst most major airports have a currency exchange desk, you are more likely to get a much better rate from an ATM machine affliliated with a major bank.
ATM cards are most likely to work without any trouble overseas and these are the ones with a four-digit PIN number. Since you may be charged a usage fee by both the local bank and your home one, it is advisable to make one big withdrawal instead of several small ones whenever thats possible. Don’t forget to keep your cash in a safe place out of range of pickpockets etc.
So long as your PIN number is valid, you can use your credit or debit card to get cash overseas.
Having a credit card is really very invaluable when travelling. With one, it is not necessary to carry big sums of money. It is best to use a credit card rather than cash to pay for larger expenses, such as hotel bills and big purchases, you can then get a valid receipt for the transactions. Then if you are unfortunate enough to have a bill disputed, your credit card company should be able to help you settle the matter when you arrive back home.
Do bear in mind that credit card companies will maybe levy an additional fee for overseas usage. If you're not certain about this then it is wise to check with your company before you leave home.
Often you will find that you have some foreign currency left over by the time you return home. Here are just a few ideas as to what you can spend it on:
• Treat yourself or friends and family at the airport duty free shop
• Make a donation to a charity. Find a place to do this at the airport or send it to an organisation which deals specifically with charity currency exchange
• At the airport you can convert it back to your own currency
• Exchange it on your return
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