# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Currency & Exchange

How to Get Foreign Currency Before Travel

When traveling to a foreign country, whether for business or for pleasure, it is a good idea to have some proper currency of that country in hand before you leave. This is something you need to think about well in advance to make sure you have plenty of time to actually receive the currency before you leave. If you wait to change your money to the right currency in that country, you may have to pay very high fees and you could end up spending a lot more money just getting your currency exchanged. You are also not assured of available ATMs at foreign airports.

Cash/bank account

Instructions

- 1
  Find out what currency you need before going to the bank. Check either online or with someone you know who has recently visited that country.
- 2
  Allow at least a month to six weeks for your foreign currency to arrive.
- 3
  Go to your bank physically. Do not plan on doing this online or over the phone as it is most likely that you will have papers to sign.
- 4
  Tell the bank teller what currency you want and how much of your own money you want to exchange. For example, tell her you want $ 500 worth of euros.
- 5
  Fill out all the necessary paperwork making sure your address is correct as the new currency will be delivered to your house.
- 6
  Make sure you are home during regular business hours. Alternatively, you can have the currency sent to your place of business because you will have to sign to receive the package of foreign currency. Leave a trustworthy person at your house if you know you cannot be there to receive the money yourself and if your place of business is not the best place for you to receive packages.