Buying Foreign Currency?

Is it best to buy foreign currency before you leave home, or change your money once you get there?

Public Comments

1. it's often more convenient to exchange it at an exchange kiosk, like at an airport. That way in case you have an unexpected expense before you have a chance to exchange your money, you have the cash on hand. Hope it helps!
2. It's best if you do neither. You'll get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from an ATM after you arrive. ATMs give you the wholesale exchange rate, which is much better than the retail rate that you receive for exchanging cash or travelers checks. Plus, ATMs are open 24 hours. Most major airports have them, so you can easily get cash when you arrive. Just be sure to call your bank before you leave to tell them that you are traveling. Some banks flag foreign withdrawals as "suspicious activity" and cut off your card. You'll have no difficulty as long as you tell them in advance. I've been doing this for eleven years. It's much more convenient than changing cash or travelers checks and I always get a better exchange rate.