Where is the best place to exchange money?

Use ATMs at your destination for the best exchange rates. Avoid airport currency exchange counters — they charge 5-15% markups. Your bank's debit card at a local ATM typically gives the interbank rate with a small fee.

Should I exchange money before traveling?

Get a small amount of local currency ($50-100 worth) before you leave for immediate expenses like airport transport. Exchange the bulk at your destination using ATMs for better rates.

What is the best card for international travel?

Cards with no foreign transaction fees are essential. Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and Charles Schwab debit cards are popular choices that don't charge extra for international purchases or ATM withdrawals.

Is it better to use cash or card abroad?

It depends on the destination. Western Europe and Japan accept cards widely. Southeast Asia, Morocco, and parts of South America are more cash-heavy. Carry both — card for hotels and restaurants, cash for markets and small vendors.

Where & How to Exchange Money for Travel (2026)

The best ways to get foreign currency, avoid bad exchange rates, and spend smart abroad. Country-specific advice included.

Best Ways to Exchange Money (Ranked)

ATM at your destination

Best rate

Best rates. Use your bank's debit card at a local ATM. Decline the "conversion" option to get the interbank rate.

No-fee credit card

No fees

Cards like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture charge zero foreign transaction fees. Use for hotels, restaurants, shopping.

Wise (TransferWise) card

Good rate

Multi-currency debit card with real mid-market exchange rate. Great for frequent travelers.

Bank exchange before departure

Convenient

Get $50-100 in local currency for arrival expenses. Rates are OK but not the best.

Airport currency exchange

Avoid

WORST rates — typically 5-15% markup. Absolute last resort.

Best Travel Cards (No Foreign Transaction Fees)

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Credit

2x points on travel, no FTF, $95/year

Capital One Venture X

Credit

2x miles on everything, no FTF, $395/year

Charles Schwab Debit

Debit

No ATM fees worldwide, no FTF, free

Wise Multi-Currency

Debit

Real exchange rate, hold 50+ currencies, free

ATM Tips for International Travel

✓ Always decline "conversion" — When the ATM asks "convert to your home currency?", always say NO. This is Dynamic Currency Conversion and adds 3-7% markup.
✓ Withdraw larger amounts less often — Most ATMs charge a flat fee per withdrawal. Taking out $200 once beats $50 four times.
✓ Use bank ATMs, not standalone machines — ATMs inside banks are safer and less likely to have skimmers.
✓ Notify your bank before traveling — Prevent your card from being frozen for "suspicious activity" abroad.
✓ Check your bank's partner networks — Some banks waive ATM fees at partner banks abroad (e.g., Schwab, USAA).

Common Money Scams to Avoid

Dynamic Currency Conversion

Everywhere

Merchants offer to charge in your home currency — always refuse. Their rate is 3-7% worse than your bank's.

Fake ATM overlays

Europe, Asia

Skimming devices on ATMs. Use ATMs inside banks and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Street money changers

Egypt, Morocco, SE Asia

Counterfeit bills or rigged counting. Only use official exchange bureaus or ATMs.

"Broken" card reader

Tourist areas

Merchant claims card reader is broken to get you to pay cash at a bad rate. Try your card anyway or pay by phone.

Cash vs Card by Country

Argentina

Argentina has complex currency dynamics. The "blue dollar" parallel rate can offer 20-40% better value than official rates. Cash (USD) is important for getting the best exchange.

Australia

Australia is nearly cashless. Tap-and-go cards are used everywhere, even at markets.

Cambodia

Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system: USD for larger transactions and Cambodian riel (KHR) for small change. Cash is king; cards work only at upscale hotels and restaurants.

Colombia

Cash is essential for daily spending in Colombia. Cards work at hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls but most local businesses prefer cash.

Costa Rica

US dollars are widely accepted alongside colones in tourist areas. Cards work at hotels and larger businesses; carry cash for local sodas and buses.

Croatia

Croatia adopted the euro in 2023. Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas; carry cash for smaller towns and markets.

Czech Republic

Cards are widely accepted in Prague and major cities. Smaller towns, markets, and some pubs may prefer cash.

Egypt

Egypt is primarily cash-based. Cards work at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops. Always carry cash.

Europe

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across Western Europe. Eastern Europe and rural areas may require more cash. Costs vary greatly by country.

France

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in France. Contactless payments are standard.

Germany

Germany is more cash-oriented than most of Western Europe. Many restaurants, bakeries, and smaller shops are cash-only.

Greece

Cards are widely accepted on major islands and Athens. Smaller islands and rural areas often need cash.

Hawaii

Cards are accepted everywhere. No foreign transaction fees for US visitors. International visitors should use no-FX cards.

Hungary

Cards are widely accepted in Budapest. Smaller towns and market halls may require cash. Always pay in forint, not euros.

Iceland

Iceland is almost entirely cashless. Credit and debit cards work everywhere, even in remote areas.