DaFunkyUnit

As mentioned in another thread, I'm going to be in Australia for a while. Anyways, when/where should I do currency exchange? I hear that the exchange place in airports are usually unfavorable (and they usually are). So should I convert from USD to AUD here or when I get there and do the exchange at some AU bank?

__________________

Kevster

If you can get to an American Express office, do it there. They have good rates and I think they will waive the fee if you are a card holder.

__________________
I think over again
My small adventures, my fears.
The small ones that seemed so big,
For all the vital things I had to get and to reach.

And yet there is only one great thing, the only thing:

To live to see the great day that dawns,
And the light that fills the world.

-old Inuit song

Merlin

Best advise I can give is to only bring a few dollars in currency (like $100) and change it at the airport so you have some money for cabs from the airport and such. Outside of that get your cash from ATM machines. They have them everywhere and that is where you'll pay the lowest fee. And check your credit cards to see if they have a foreign currency transaction fee. Those can add up to lots of money if you are not careful.

When you planning on being in Aust? And where?

__________________

DaFunkyUnit

http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90757 (Sydney, Australia)

IrishSS

Can't agree more... beign a foriegn travel newb up until a month or so ago, I didnt realize this fact. I took $800 US to London with me, expecting to change it out when I got there.

Well, I didnt want to wait in the line at the airport, so I waited till I got into town. By the time I got there, got unpacked and everything all the currency exchanges were closed. So I walked over to an ATM, got out 200 pounds and didnt really think twice about it. When I checked my bank account the next day, the transaction was there as was the exchange rate. It was nearly .20/$ lower than any of the exchange places.

Just bring a few bucks like Merlin said and your ATM card... hard to go wrong.

__________________
Spigs, you MFR#1N!

smeakim

The best way is the ATM or a credit card. For big ticket items I would note that most CC compies now charge a 1%-3% fee. You might not see it becuase they may do it within the exchange rate itself, so it might be higher. Other than that, you will get the most favorable with an ATM and CC. I am bringing some money with me to Europe next month but everything else will be done by the ATM or CC. Just remember when you take out money get it in large chunks to save on those fees. Make sure you have a money pouch or safe in your room as well. Most places don't like traveler's checks anymore becuase it costs them more. Don't forget to inform your CC and Banks you are going so they don't flag the card as stolen. JMO

DaFunkyUnit

hmm.. well you would think that they would know where I am, seeing as how I used my CC to order a plane ticket off Expedia.com

smeakim

Its corporate America you are giving too much credit.

attgig

ATM.

best exchange rate. used it when i was at Korea this summer.

__________________