Changing cash for a good rate?
 

I've only recently learned that it's hard to get a good exchange rate when in a Western country. I've only traveled in Asia before this year (SE Asia and Taiwan) and a bad exchange rate would be one where there's a 4% spread between buy and sell (i.e the money changer is taking up to about 2%). I have seen spreads of less than 1%.

Since I got to the US, I find that the spread is more like 15%, plus a fee of $5. Not as bad as Europe, but much worse than using a card.

Are there good exchange rates for cash in the USA, or do I just have to stick with using an ATM or credit card?

Emm...given that you have a debit card you can use in an ATM, why don't you just do that if you need cash?

Often it's the best rate (by far).

tb

I've found that using Cirrus/Maestro, whatever the network is, it's charged a currency conversion fee of about 3%. I haven't tried using it as a credit card.

It seems to be the best option here, but less good than the cash options in places like Malaysia or Taiwan. Just thought I'd check.

Thanks.

Greetings!

Since this really isn't a New England-specific question, I'm going to move to Travel Buzz.

cblaisd
Senior Moderator

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_ATM_Alliance if you frequent any of those countries it is likely a good choice.