Research on the exchange rate of the currency. This is necessary to ward off against getting a bad deal for your money. Find out the current exchange rate from the newspaper or online. Make periodic checks throughout your trip to ensure that you get the best deal.
Plan your travel expenses. Calculate approximate expenses that may be incurred in the country and make sure to exchange only for that amount. This may be travel expenses, lodging, food as well as other expenditures.
Locate places that carry out exchange transactions. This can be your local bank, foreign exchange centers or even exchange sites found online. The exchange rate remains the same throughout, however conversion fee charges vary upon the institution. Get the best deal by going to places where the conversion fee charged is the lowest. Also, check with an American Express Travel office or Wells Fargo in your area as they usually offer lower conversion fees than banks.
Convert US dollars into foreign currency. After having calculated how much you will require, present the money at the currency exchange center and receive the foreign currency. Convert a little more than you will actually require in case of emergencies. Another method of procuring currency for the trip is by getting travelers checks from the local bank. This can be exchanged at airport kiosks for foreign currency upon landing in the country.
