Originally Posted by SchmeckFlyer
This may be a stupid question, so forgive.
Why would anyone get currency these days before travel? Especially when the rates are not desirable and/or fair? Would it not be better to simply use an ATM debit card, or something similar?
I have been told consistently this is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get foreign currency when abroad. My own banks only charge about 1% above the interbank rate for the transactions (and in my case, they do not charge fees to use foreign ATMs). Add to that the convenience of not carrying wads of cash, which is not very safe either.
This is what I do more often than not and have not had any problems so far in my travels. I almost came a cropper in Japan though as most of the ATM's there don't accept foreign cards.
It was fortunate that I had internet access in my hotel and was able to search FT to find a solution. I needed to go to an ATM in a post office where they have an arrangement with CITI group and will accept foreign cards.
So I will be sticking with my UK issued Debit Card but checking first to see if it is accepted in the country to which I am flying.