When to Convert Your Money For Travel

Wondering when is the best time to convert your money for travel?

Let's review the options.

Option #1: Exchange money at your local bank or credit union before leaving.

Option #2: Exchange money at the airport.

Option #3: Exchange money at your destination country.

Option #3 may be easier if you are traveling to a country where you speak the local language but generally the most convenient and recommended option is option #1. Local banks and credit unions offer better exchange and some don't charge any fees to exchange either. Try to call beforehand because you have to order many currencies online. They may have a currency like Euros readily available but I required rubles to my trip to Russia and needed to order the amount I wanted online with Bank of America. Having some of the local currency upon arrival also helps relieve the stress of trying to convert your money at your destination.

Another helpful tip is to research whether your destination uses credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. If they do then check if you have any credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees. If not, then look into getting a travel credit card and earn rewards on your travel too! Here is a link to my article on travel credit card options for everyone.

A card that has always been super useful to me has also been my Charles Schwab debit card. They are an online bank so they have no foreign transaction fees or ATM fees and you can use it at many major banks worldwide. This is super useful for anyone that travels frequently or takes long duration trips. Check out my article here for more information or visit their website.

Having multiple options available is always highly recommended in case of situations like your credit card being frozen, etc.