Originally Posted by
milfweed20
Hi guys,
I will be visiting Asia next February and I´m based in Europe, so my currency is the Euro.
I was wondering what is best the best strategy to change hard currency in places like Bangkok, Hong-Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, since I think it is always good to carry some local currency if I have to spend money in places that do not accept credit cards.
Would be really cool if you could point me exactly to where can I find the best exchange rates in those places (I would like to avoid any dangerous places for obvious reasons, even if that means I´m not taking advantage of some black market rates).
Singapore is incredibly convenient. Just go to any ATM and withdraw. You get the bank rate which is fairly close to the current exchange rate. I personally prefer DBS atm machine as they tell you the rate before you exchange...you can also choose between the mastercard rate or the bank rate.
For Canadian debit card, the bank here charges $15 per withdrawal however the bank in Singapore doesn't charge you any fees.
So just make a one-time large withdrawal once you're in Singapore to minimize the overall % of fees. Keep the money in your hotel safe should be Ok. It's a rather safe country.