Obtain
cash for your trip before you go. No need to wait in airport lines
after a long flight, paying fees for the privilege. No need to
convert cash at your hotel at unfavorable rates. Click
here to purchase Foreign Currency When you're heading overseas,
it is always a good idea to take a small quantity of local currency
with you in case of emergency. Sometimes you may arrive in a country
and find that the currency exchangers are closed, and you may find
yourself in dire need of some money for a taxi or something to eat
until you can get some money.
There are several
companies that will sell you small quantities of foreign currency in
the States, for use on your trip. One such site is Direct
FX, which even lets you order online. You will not get the
inter-bank rate on these exchanges. Direct FX will also buy back any
unused foreign currency (US value of $20 and above) after your trip.
International
airports and large banks have exchange bureaus where you can
exchange a small amount of money before you leave. Or, look up
foreign exchange brokers in the yellow pages.
It's also a good idea to keep some small U.S. bills with you when
you're traveling overseas. These will come in handy if you are
leaving the country and only need a small amount of foreign
currency, rather than changing a larger traveler's check.
In some countries, particularly those in need of "hard
currency" or with huge inflation rates, you may get better
exchange rates with U.S. dollar bills.
For current exchange
rates, go to Oanda.com
