Avoiding currency transaction charges

[tallybicyclecamping62]

 

 

Hi,

I am planning a world wide tour.  I would like to minimize currency transaction charges.  Has anyone been successful doing this and how?

Thanks,

TallyBicycleCamping 

[csykes]

You often can get the best exchange rates by using credit and debit cards for cash and purchases. Most will charge a transaction fee (around 1%,) but it is offset by a much more favorable exchange rate.  Also see if your institution has agreements with banks where you are going. As much as I prefer my Credit Union overall, I was happy to find that my BofA ATM/Debit card had no ATM fees at either end when I used it at BNP/Paribas which is all over France.  The worst exchange rates are typically at the airports and exchange counters in tourist areas in most countries.