Travel Currency Exchange Guide (2025)
Short on time? Use our live currency converter or jump straight to popular pairs like USD → EUR.
1) Understand “real” exchange rates
There are two prices in travel money: the mid-market rate you see on interbank feeds, and the customer rate you actually pay.
The gap includes fees, spreads, and sometimes a bit of “convenience tax.” Always compare your offer to a live mid-market quote before you accept it.
2) Cash: ATM vs. money changers
- Bank ATMs in the destination country often beat airport kiosks — but your bank may add an overseas/FX fee.
- Airport counters are convenient but usually expensive. If you must, exchange a small starter amount.
- Local exchange shops vary. Compare multiple quotes and check for “commission-free” claims hiding spreads.
3) Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)
When a terminal asks “Pay in USD or local currency?”, choose local currency. DCC looks friendly but bakes in a poor rate plus fees. Your own card network’s rate is usually fairer.
4) Pick the right card for travel
- No-FX-fee cards can save 2–4% on every purchase.
- ATM fee policy: some cards reimburse global ATM fees — useful in cash-heavy destinations.
- Network acceptance (Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay) differs by region; carry a backup.
5) Practical safety checks before you travel
- Tell your bank you’re traveling; enable the app for instant fraud controls.
- Set ATM withdrawal limits high enough for your destination.
- Save emergency numbers and a backup card separate from your wallet.
6) How to read price boards and offers
- Commission-free rarely means margin-free — check the rate spread.
- Round-number rates (1:1 etc.) are red flags; compare with a live quote first.
- For legacy currencies or less-common pairs, check if the rate is routed via a major currency and what extra spread applies.
7) Quick cost examples
A 2.5% “silent” spread on a 500 USD purchase is **12.50 USD**. Over a two-week trip that adds up fast. Always benchmark with a live rate and prefer local-currency payment to avoid DCC.
8) Handy links
Updated: 1 Sep 2025