aussiebec

I'm travelling to America next weekend for a month with my teenage daughter.. We have been saving for a long time and sadly "sods law" has come into effect and our dollar is decreasing rapidly by the day.. I'm concerned about it dropping even further and us missing out on many of our adventures due to declining budget! I know it's near impossible to predict what is going to happen with rate but anyone with more experience than us might be able suggest ways to save by places to exchange and time to do it?? Should we wait with fingers crossed or go into our local bank ASAP??

nytraveler

You ill have a lot of trouble changing currency in most places in the US. Most banks simply do not provide this service and except for a couple of major cities bureaux de change do not exist. (In the US to get foreign currency you typically have to give your own bank a couple of days notice.)

You should assume you will pay all larger amounts with your CC and pull walking around money from ATMs with your debit card.

This will also cost you less than any other option,

aussiebec

Thanks for that! Now, if only I could find a crystal ball!!
Cheers!

CruizenSusan

I was also interested in this post although I have more time till I go. I was planning to use a travel card but am unsure if this is the most cost effective method. Thanks for that info my traveler, and aussiebec can I plse borrow the cb when you locate one!

Dukey1

Nytraveler gives excellent advice IMO. A crystal ball? Unless the exchange rate is going to serious affect where you STAY then when you leave you should KNOW what the exchange rate is and plan accodingly upon arrival.

I am sure you'll be able to EAT if nothing else while here.

tomfuller

For many months prior to May 10, the Aussie dollar was worth more than 1USD. Since May 10 it has dropped to about 0.92 US .
If you fear that it will drop further, my best thought would be to prepay for your hotels before you leave.
Use a debit card in the US to get your walking around money.