TOP Currency Exchange Advice! | International Travel Money Tips 💸

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(Remember: choose on with no F/X fees)

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Greetings! I'm Nora Dunn, aka The Professional Hobo. I've been a digital nomad since 2006. I help people design their lifestyles and arrange their affairs so they can travel long term while working remotely. (I also have a ton of crazy travel tales to share from almost two decades of lifestyle travel).

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[NoraDunn]

WANT A TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CREDIT CARD?
(Remember: choose on with no F/X fees)


RELATED VIDEOS

[brenda]

A few years ago we had a long layover in London, and I just needed a few pounds to tide me over until we left the following morning. I went to the currency exchange kiosk in Heathrow (first mistake). Being jet lagged and in a hurry, I wasn’t at the top of my game. The young woman asked me if I wanted a printed receipt or to have it emailed, I chose email (second mistake). I didn’t count the money while I was there (we were waiting for a bus to the hotel) and it wasn’t until later that I realized I’d been short changed, and of course no email receipt ever arrived. Learned my lesson.

[xaviotesharris]

Cannot emphasize how important your tip is about not leaving your destination with lots of foreign currency. More than 20 years ago, I ended up having to drive 5 hours to an AIRPORT because it was the closest place that could exchange my thousand Euros for Dollars in under a month. The insult of the horrific exchange rate plus the drive convinced me - never again.

[twostate]

My bank is one of the largest banks in the US and it has absolutely terrible exchange rates. IIRC, the last time I asked, they only gave about 85-90% of the daily currency rate at the time.

[JohnS-zqks]

Good advice. I didn't realize getting currency at my US bank made so much sense. Thanks

[Keith_Aerotrunk]

Hi there Nora, this video sounds like a great resource for anyone planning an international trip! It's always important to make sure you're getting the best deal when it comes to currency exchange, and these tips could be super helpful. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie, it never hurts to brush up on your international travel money knowledge.

[tompaulathesenioritinerant]

Your VLOG on ATM machines is the best video I have ever seen on this subject. Job well done !

[TheScratchingKiwi]

The differences between NH and Southern Hemispheres: there are few bank branches in NZ and some banks have no branches at all. My bank does not allow purchases of foreign currency! Instead, they have a discount code at the exchange booth at the airport and that booth is where you get your cash. Common currencies like the USD, Euro and AUD are in currency ATMs at the airport.

[pattygoetz]

I travel to Italy ever year so when possible, I use the bancomat, (ATM) attached to a local Post Office. They don't impose any fees or foreign transactions.

[paddyanne]

Thanks Nora, I have been watching your video's for a few weeks now, in prep for my upcoming trip to England. My bank was gracious enough to tell me the various charges my bank would charge on credit/debit cards, but didn't tell me about a fx-fee-free card - I'm going to look into it now!

[markcouch]

So glad I found out about the Schwab debit card for avoiding all ATM fees

[lorenzoarodriguez]

Thank you for this video. Checked the two debit cards we own and found the costs of the International debit transaction. Decided to use only our credit union debit card which also had better security.

[kradwolf]

I'm here for military reasons but we have access to banks civilians usually don't like Navy Federal Credit Union, and USAA. Reason it's important is said in this video. If you withdraw from one of these two banks when you have an account with them, they should be on any and every permanent military base, will let you avoid the invisible tax for withdrawing your money from ATM. In some countries the exchange stations outside of military gates give great rates if the bank itself doesn't offer it. They want your money and business, they won't risk scamming you usually as they want your business as these shop locations close to gates are competitive.

[sarav]

Wonder if you have heard of the Wise international debit card? You can load up to 50 currencies on the one card and they offer the mid market rate at the time you convert …I find it fantastic for Europe, Australia, Bali etc

[gabva]

The 3% credit card is a low markup in the planet of the foreign exchange. One ATM markup in Mexico I had recently was 7%, plus 30 pesos, plus my local bank charged me 5 $. You better read carefully the ATM receipt and your bank report. For the no FX markup credit card, you would have to pay big monthly fees I believe. As for ordering from my local bank: markup of 6% (hidden). Better take you calculator! (and know the mid-market exchange rate)

[mariareyes-ku]

I disagree with you on some points. When in Rome, I visited the exchange houses around the plazas and received the best rates. In Peru, we actually searched for exchangers that carry their currency all the time and we bargain the exchange rate. They are called “cambistas”. So it really depends on which country you are visiting.

[mongulkhanaxe]

In most Asia countries, ATM rates are worse than cash to cash exchange rates plus higher ATM fees

[Pouncer_Fox]

Thank you very much for this very informative video!

[The-Cat]

i subscribed because of that cheeky wink in the intro

[ThePeterDislikeShow]

Even better hack: go to your local coin shop and look for foreign coins going for below the exchange rate. It's not uncommon to find 1 or 2 euros or 100 yen for below the rate.