Traveling is back and after 2+ years of people staying put or staycationing they are ready to go. Many of our customers and clients come to us looking for large sums of their destinations local currency. Truth is its good to take a little so you have it when you land and get the rest at LARGE BANK ATMs as you need it. Here are three reasons you don’t need lots for Foreign currency for next trip.
It’s not safe! Normally you wouldn’t walk around with a lot of cash, same thing when your traveling but more so. Realistically you’re a tourist, out of your element and chances are the locals (good guys and bad guys) can see and sense this. If there was ever a target on you its then. A little in your pocket is good for markets and incidentals not a large amount.
Good, safe ATMs are plentiful and easy to use. When you need cash in the US you go to your banks ATM. When traveling, same thing but use large foreign banks. Large foreign banks have their name on the side of the building and should be recognizable as a bank. Don’t use small, stand alone ATMs like the ones you see at a gas station in the US, as they have poor exchange rates and large fees. They should take your bank card and pin but confirm with your bank before you travel.
If your bank doesn’t support foreign ATMs then get an account at one of the larger banks like BofA or Chase. Its easy to get an account and in some cases you can apply online. These two banks have either partners or their own ATMs all over the world.
Use Travel Rewards CREDIT CARDS exclusively when possible. Find yourself a good Travel Rewards Credit Card, as they have NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES and you get the BEST exchange rates from credit cards vs exchanging cash. All the big banks have them. Ask your bank about one and if they don’t have one click this link for some ones we found.
Dont over think it, bring a little cash and travel safe. But most importantly see the world, meet new people and have fun!