Convert into another currency a select amount of cash at the airport or before traveling. It's important to have a small amount of cash in the appropriate currency to begin your journey, in case of an emergency. You may need cash to take the subway or a taxi from the airport. This will help you save time and frustration upon landing. You also need to have cash in case you forget your credit card or have problems with it working.
Call your bank or credit card company before traveling so it knows you are on vacation. This way it will not cancel your card due to suspicious charges. Be aware that when using your debit or credit cards abroad, you may be charged high fees for conversion charges. Therefore, use your cards as little as possible. Withdraw larger amounts of money at a time instead of many small, expensive transactions.
Though it may be easy to convert your money into another currency immediately at the airport, wait to convert the majority of your cash when you have arrived at your destination. Money conversion centers within cities will charge lower fees. You will find such conversion centers at post offices and some national banks. Try to convert your money as you travel from country to country. It does not need to be American money or euros. Just don't forget to convert your money back to U.S. dollars before returning home.
In case of an emergency, carry multiple types of currency with you at all times. Be sure to have some cash, credit cards and even traveler's checks with you as you travel. When you travel, carry photocopies of your credit cards with your passport in case you lose your card. This information will help you contact your bank to cancel or replace the cards.
