Best way to obtain foreign currency when traveling?

I%26#039;ve been told that while traveling overseas the best exchange rate and easiest access to foreign currency is to use an ATM, and that even with bank fees and conversion % ($2 and 3% respectively), it is still the optimal method. My question is, are there any places within the United States online or not, that offer rates similarly to that of foreign ATMs? Most places I have found are anywhere from a 7 - 10% increase on the foreign conversion rate [found on XE], plus shipping fees. Or is it easier to just get money out at an ATM upon arrival and not take any with you? I am also curious as to what markup is typically present at ATMs when compared to XE values.

I will be traveling to London and most of Europe, including Switzerland and Czech Republic. So I know that I will need at least 4 currencies. I would just like to minimize fees as much as possible especially since I will be dealing with $2000 to $3000. I%26#039;d like to avoid giving banks free money as much as possible!

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I%26#039;ve just come back from another Euro trip and this was easier than any of the previous ones in terms of cash acquisition and exchange. I set up a dedicated debit card checking account at my home bank and advised Customer Service that I intended to use the card for cash withdrawals overseas. They confirmed that I would not be subject to any fees other than the ones normally associated with using non-network ATMs and the usual monthly charges for account management.

We took no currency with us, choosing instead to utilize an ATM upon arrival in London. Throughout the trip, we stuck with NYCE-network ATMs, which meant that we were NOT charged a terminal-use fee every time we withdrew cash, whether Pounds or Euros. Since I took the money from a checking account, there were no credit card fees (or interest rates!) to incur, nor did we have to pay premiums to a foreign currency exchange broker. The cash withdrawn was debited from the account at the current market value, no markup, no percentage, straight dollars-to-pounds exchange, same as making a credit card purchase. If you have the wherewithal to set up a similar arrangement for your upcoming trip - and your bank has %26quot;free%26quot; checking accounts with debit card services - you stand to save yourself a bundle in terms of fees and interest rates. I heartily recommend it! Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Best way to obtain foreign currency when traveling?

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There are a few places. Do you have an AmEx? If so, depending on your AmEx card the fees are waived/reduced. I get money from my local bank. They charge me a flat fee, which is a few dollars (don%26#039;t have to worry about changing money as soon as you get there ... have some time, etc.). I usually go over with a few hundred. Once I%26#039;m there, I use ATM for the rest.

I would be careful with Capital 1. There are 2 different types of fees ... most cards charge a % on your purcahses overseas and then there is your interests and fees for taking cash out. I think AmEx and Citi charge 2%. Although, I have found that even with their fees, their exchange rates are better than what is published at the airport and on currency exchage wepbages.

In most of the places you mentioned, credit cards are saver than cash and getting back money from the waiter. I recently had that experience (but in a country you didnt mention).|||To keep this short... ATMs... All that I have encountered do not charge you anything, and if your bank doesn%26#039;t charge you, then you%26#039;re golden.

You could, if you%26#039;re close to one, sign up for a HSBC checking account. They are very prevalent over there, and I%26#039;m sure would be free to exchange with.

You wont need cash until post-airport. Just buy your train ticket to the inner city, now.

Good luck, I lived in London for 3 months. Greatest city in the world.|||You can use visa card in all places in Europe. Buy traveler cheques for Euro $ English Pounds and take only very little cash with you.|||Steal it. No JK

But buy something. And get change back|||Using an ATM is the easiest way to get cash. You%26#039;re going to take a small hit regarding fees and the exchange rate. Having access to your money is worth the fees charged. Just make sure to inform your bank/credit card company that you will be travelling so they don%26#039;t think your card was stolen and make it so it doesn%26#039;t work. Calling them from Europe can be expensive, and you have to deal with the time difference and banking hours.

All airports and train stations have currency exchange booths, so as you travel from one area with one currency to the next you can change it and not end up bringing it home unspent.