Ordering foreign currency from XE.com
 

Trying to get some Aussie dollars while the getting is good for my trip down under. My friend learned that xe.com allows you to order foreign currency using a credit card and they ship it via certified mail.

Any experiences with this? Here's the link: http://www.xe.com/cash/?utm_source=i...edtrvlmnyUS%5C

It looks like they are putting their name on a Travelex product. I have no direct experience, but I'd check the rates very closely and consider the ATM on arrival approach unless you really want to have the money before landing.

I have found that Wells Fargo offers better rates, at least for Euros. For example, today XE is quoting a price of US$1.3361 per Euro, while Wells Fargo is selling them for US$1.3142.

Also note that, if you have an account at Wells Fargo, you can go into the local branch and get them without any shipping fees. The one limitation is that many smaller brances have less on hand -- however, they will order some for you at the current rates and get it to you within a couple of days, again without fees. If you can't go in person, you can still get the better rate on line with a shipping fee of only US$8 per order -- which is better than the US$13 charged by XE.

Unless you're ordering tens of thousands of $$, I'd say go to a local outfit offering the best FX rate. Much less hassle for a small amount of $ more.

Not trying to sound rude but buying forex in most US cities is a real nightmare. Even in the larger, more touristy cities like SFO and MIA only have a small handful of Thomas Cook locations.

Wells Fargo sounds like a good idea. Can WF customers buy from them? I bank at Wachovia which is basically WF now, I guess.

Bank of America has this too. You can order online and have the currency delivered to you or to your local BofA branch, where it will be held for you. BofA customers get a little cost break. As with all these options, check the exchange rate. The BofA site has an exchange calculator that uses the rate-of-the-day.

Really? I can't believe there aren't any FX businesses in the downtown cores?

I guess you learn something new, everyday. ;)

Not in the less-traveled cities... or even in the more traveled cities. I'm thinking really hard to see if there's any true foreign exchange spots in Philadelphia, for example. I suppose it's moot since ATMs are everywhere. Depending on the fees the banks charge for ATMs, anything over $300 is typically a better deal via the ATM. If one is in a real pinch, most hotels will change small amounts at crappy rates.

The more interesting thing is that Casino cages will change currency but only into USD, not v.v., IME.