Alternative to Currency to Go?
Apr 6, 2001 | 7:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 448
Alternative to Currency to Go?
I tried Currency to Go last fall prior to a trip to London and was generally satisfied, although having to be at home to receive delivery (since that's where my credit card bill is sent) was a hassle. Can anyone recommend another currency by mail service?
Apr 6, 2001 | 8:50 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
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I've never used one of the currency delivery options since I always just use my ATM card when travelling. It's generally much less expensive since the only fee you *may* have to pay is the approx. $1.50 ATM fee. Also, you get a better exchange rate normally.
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I wish I were 1,000 miles away
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I wish I were 1,000 miles away
Apr 6, 2001 | 8:57 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Also, a lot of banks don't charge any fees when dealing with ATMs outside of the country. Some do, some don't. Just something else to watch for when you chose your bank.
Apr 6, 2001 | 11:18 am
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
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You can avoid the inconvenience of waiting home all day by going to a AAA office, or a bank and picking up a foreign money pack.
Most international airports have a moneychanging booth. I've seen one at DCA, and assume IAD and BWI have them also.
As pointed out above, you are usually better off buying or ATMing after you arrive.
Most international airports have a moneychanging booth. I've seen one at DCA, and assume IAD and BWI have them also.
As pointed out above, you are usually better off buying or ATMing after you arrive.
Apr 6, 2001 | 11:24 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Tri-State
Posts: 1,888
Post Offices in many European countries also
give a very good rate. ATM ofcourse is the way to go.
Used the PostOffice in Basel,Zurich to get
excellent rates. There was one other country
(I can't remember which) two years ago, where
the PO gave us a good rate.
give a very good rate. ATM ofcourse is the way to go.
Used the PostOffice in Basel,Zurich to get
excellent rates. There was one other country
(I can't remember which) two years ago, where
the PO gave us a good rate.
Apr 6, 2001 | 10:12 pm
#6
Join Date: May 1999
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another vote here for ATMs!
they've never let me down ...and there's usually one located right at the airport, too.
they've never let me down ...and there's usually one located right at the airport, too.
Apr 6, 2001 | 10:33 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2000
Programs: I am an AS employee, but my comments do not represent the company in any official capacity.
Posts: 4,343
I, too, vote for ATM machines. However, if you are headed into a third world country where you will need bribes for customs, make sure you have some local currency in small notes (dishonest customs officials don't give change!) 
Apr 7, 2001 | 7:07 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: CHS
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Amex has a program where they will deliver foreign currency to your office, too (not just billing address). It's called Travel Funds Direct.
Also, there has been quite a bit of press recently about how use of foreign ATMs are sometimes costing $3 US per transaction. Generally, this seems to occur with accounts drawn on larger US banks. Many smaller US banks and credit unions don't currently charge for using ATM's outside of their own system and this seems to carry over to ATMs in foreign countries.
For me, I try to take a few hundred dollars worth of the foreign currency with me and use credit cards where possible.
Also, there has been quite a bit of press recently about how use of foreign ATMs are sometimes costing $3 US per transaction. Generally, this seems to occur with accounts drawn on larger US banks. Many smaller US banks and credit unions don't currently charge for using ATM's outside of their own system and this seems to carry over to ATMs in foreign countries.
For me, I try to take a few hundred dollars worth of the foreign currency with me and use credit cards where possible.
Apr 7, 2001 | 7:46 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 448
Thanks for your replies everyone. I do plan to use ATMs extensively in the UK while there -- just wanted to have some GBPs beforehand as walking around money *just in case*. On the subject of ATMs, I remember vaguely reading about problems some travellers have when using ATMs abroad; from what I remember, the problem had something to do with PINs having 4 digits rather than 6, or vice versa. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Apr 7, 2001 | 9:52 am
#10
Join Date: May 1999
Location: JFK, LGA, EWR
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most countries outside the US will only accommodate PINs of 4 digits or less, or at least that's the way it used to be, i changed all my PINs years ago because of this, so i don't realy know if it's still true.
it's best to check with the banking network (plus, cirrus, etc.) listed on the back of your card.
it's best to check with the banking network (plus, cirrus, etc.) listed on the back of your card.
Apr 7, 2001 | 10:14 am
#11
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Originally posted by 2 Many Miles:
Also, a lot of banks don't charge any fees when dealing with ATMs outside of the country. Some do, some don't. Just something else to watch for when you chose your bank.
Also, a lot of banks don't charge any fees when dealing with ATMs outside of the country. Some do, some don't. Just something else to watch for when you chose your bank.
Apr 7, 2001 | 10:15 am
#12
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Location: NYC
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Originally posted by eastwest:
I, too, vote for ATM machines. However, if you are headed into a third world country where you will need bribes for customs, make sure you have some local currency in small notes (dishonest customs officials don't give change!)
I, too, vote for ATM machines. However, if you are headed into a third world country where you will need bribes for customs, make sure you have some local currency in small notes (dishonest customs officials don't give change!)
Apr 7, 2001 | 11:53 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Athens, Alabama, USA
Posts: 569
Originally posted by jmiyazawa:
I tried Currency to Go last fall prior to a trip to London and was generally satisfied, although having to be at home to receive delivery (since that's where my credit card bill is sent) was a hassle. Can anyone recommend another currency by mail service?
I tried Currency to Go last fall prior to a trip to London and was generally satisfied, although having to be at home to receive delivery (since that's where my credit card bill is sent) was a hassle. Can anyone recommend another currency by mail service?
Apr 7, 2001 | 12:15 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Akumal, Mexico
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Don't you pay some sort of fee due to the network charge by Cirrus or Plus? There's really no way around it unless the bank reimburses you for it or the "foreign" ATM is owned by the bank itself.
[This message has been edited by SNA1K (edited 04-07-2001).]
[This message has been edited by SNA1K (edited 04-07-2001).]