Exchange your American dollars at a bank. Major banks such as Bank of America or Chase offer currency exchange services. You can exchange currency in person, and some banks offer online service. For online exchanges you will need to log into your account, then find the currency exchange link on your bank's website. Select the currency you want and the amount, then pay using the bank's issued checking or savings account. Most banks offer next-day service for orders placed at a certain time. If you are exchanging the money at a branch, bring your passport, ATM card or check book. You will receive your foreign currency as bills because most banks will not offer foreign coins.
Exchange your American money online. Use a website such as Foreignmoney.com, XE.com or Ezforex.com to exchange your dollars. Select the amount and type of currency you want to purchase, use the currency calculator on the site to receive the exchange rate, then purchase the amount using a debit or credit card. The currency exchange will be debited from your card and the order will be shipped to the address of your choice. You will be able to choose the shipping date.
Exchange your currency at the airport. Using your U.S. dollars, purchase the foreign currency you require from a currency exchange company such as Thomas Cook or Travelex. If you do not want to carry the foreign currency in cash, purchase a traveler's check or prepaid currency card. You are required to show your passport when conducting any of these transactions. Some companies allow you to pay using your debit card, however, your bank may charge a fee for this.
Withdraw foreign currency from your U.S. debit card overseas. Find an ATM that accepts your bank-issued debit card; if you have a MasterCard or Visa, most ATMs will accept it. Withdraw the amount you want in foreign currency. The ATM's bank will use their exchange rate. If you have a credit card that allows a cash advance option, you can set a pin number with the card's issuing bank, and use it overseas to withdraw foreign currency from an ATM. Your credit card company will often charge a fee for this service. Notify your bank that you will be using your card overseas. This will keep it from freezing it for suspicious transactions.
