You are logged in as. Foreign currency rates and exchange fees fluctuate. An airport currency exchange kiosk offers convenience and fills the need to travel with local currency. The companies that operate them often take such a big cut from your proceeds that you might think you just left a surgical suite instead of taking a trip to a foreign destination. With fees and fluctuating exchange rates, you need a plan to get the best rates for foreign currency exchanges. Know before you go which options help you avoid wallet surgery as much as possible.

Check whether your debit card belongs to an international network such as Cirrus or PLUS, and that you have a PIN that only uses digits.

Travel Money: The best foreign exchange rates - Money Saving Expert

ATMs accept PINs with letters, you will not find many machines overseas that recognize an alphanumeric PIN. Change your PIN to numbers-only before you leave, if necessary.

Ask your bank what fees it will charge on your debit card transactions during your trip. If your bank is not in this ballpark, leave your debit card at home. Get an estimate of foreign currency transaction fees for your Visa or MasterCard credit cards by calling your card issuer.

Obtain cash with your debit card at an ATM in the airport arrivals hall or lobby or the closest bank once you arrive at your destination. The exchange rate is often better in the destination country than at home. Estimate how much cash you need and avoid frequent withdrawals and unnecessary per-transaction fees. SUBSCRIBE NOW to get home delivery. Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google Sign In FAQ. You are logged in as Log out Sign In FAQ.

How to Get the Best Currency Exchange Rate Travel Tips. Step 1 Check whether your debit card belongs to an international network such as Cirrus or PLUS, and that you have a PIN that only uses digits.

Step 2 Ask your bank what fees it will charge on your debit card transactions during your trip. Step 3 Get an estimate of foreign currency transaction fees for your Visa or MasterCard credit cards by calling your card issuer.

Step 4 Obtain cash with your debit card at an ATM in the airport arrivals hall or lobby or the closest bank once you arrive at your destination.

Keep this money for local transportation and emergencies in case you arrive after business hours at your destination. In an emergency, convert U.

How to Get the Best Currency Exchange Rate | USA Today

The exchange rates are often higher than those airport kiosks but lower than the official rate at foreign banks, except in countries that require retailers to use the bank rate. Check well ahead of your departure date as to whether your bank has more exotic currencies on hand.

Use the airport kiosk at your destination if you cannot buy the currency you need from your bank. Warnings An overseas credit card cash advance can result in fees or charges that average 20 percent of your proceeds. Avoid black market currency deals that offer rates higher than the posted bank rates.

This is illegal and dangerous. References Bankrate; Best Ways to Get Cash Overseas; Lucy Lazarony; June Concierge; What's the Best Way to Get Cash and Make Purchases Overseas? Resources Fodor's; Exchanging Your Money Abroad: Suggest an Article Correction. This story is part of Travel Tips. How to Do a Currency Exchange. How to Exchange United States Currency Into Euros.