Best Place to exchange currencies

[Sheenaec7]

I know I have read something about this somewhere here but can't find it now... I usually get the currencies I need at Travelex at the airport as I'm leaving. I know this is probably not the best deal so has anyone got any better suggestions for exchanging money? I know the airline staff don't use Travelex.

Thanks in advance

 

[eric2011]

I know I have read something about this somewhere here but can't find it now... I usually get the currencies I need at Travelex at the airport as I'm leaving. I know this is probably not the best deal so has anyone got any better suggestions for exchanging money? I know the airline staff don't use Travelex.

Thanks in advance

I order my money online at travelex and pick up at the airport. Better rates than actually purchasing at the airport

 

[Sheenaec7]

I order my money online at travelex and pick up at the airport. Better rates than actually purchasing at the airport

Yeah, that's what I've been doing as well (I usually order online just to make sure they have all the currencies I need) but I have read somewhere that there is something else better than Travelex. No probs, I'll just keep doing that unless something better pops up. Thanks

 

[Revolio]

i'd use travelmoneyoz in Melbourne & crowncurrency in Brisbane. Not a travelex fan.

 

[eric2011]

Yeah, that's what I've been doing as well (I usually order online just to make sure they have all the currencies I need) but I have read somewhere that there is something else better than Travelex. No probs, I'll just keep doing that unless something better pops up. Thanks

Im sure there is something else where you may get an extra .01 cent per dolla etc but with the travelex way its simple and easy

 

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

I usually prefer to buy currency when I'm in the 'other' country. But when I've wanted to land with local currency in my pocket, I've had good experience with UAE Exchange.

 

[NinnyPoo]

I usually prefer to buy currency when I'm in the 'other' country. But when I've wanted to land with local currency in my pocket, I've had good experience with UAE Exchange.

Most countries in Asia give you better rates than you receive anywhere in Australia, buying their currency (for cash). Singapore is especially good for money changers.

 

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

Most countries in Asia give you better rates than you receive anywhere in Australia, buying their currency (for cash).

Very much agree.
We go to Vietnam fairly often - there's about a 15% (yes 15, not 1.5 ...) difference between buying VND Cash in OZ vs buying in VN (with buying in VN the better rate).

 

[RooFlyer]

Yeah, that's what I've been doing as well (I usually order online just to make sure they have all the currencies I need) but I have read somewhere that there is something else better than Travelex. No probs, I'll just keep doing that unless something better pops up. Thanks

I don't wish to re-rail the thread, when you have specifically asked about buying cash, but have you heard of the Citibank Plus debit card? If not, have a look round the various threads here.

You load A$ of course, then in many places around the world you can purchase, or get local cash from an ATM at rates very close to spot. Sometimes there is a fee of a few dollars. Take one card, country to country and you use it like an EFTPOS card in Australia. There are a couple of others that do much the same.

 

[ChasingDaylight]

Cheers for the (reminder) about Citibank. I've got a debit plus with them and had been searching around where to get a good deal on Euro, Kuna and GBP from for an upcoming trip having forgotten about Citibank. Much easier now you've reminded me I can simply transfer the cash to Citibank and withdraw at a local ATM once I arrive!

 

[yohy?!]

+1 unless you're traveling somewhere that requires cash to get you through customs or have no ATMs at the airport just draw the cash yourself when you arrive with a card like citi plus that has no forex fees and a reasonable rate.

Even with an atm fee on top I've always come out ahead of the ripoff airport counters

 

[BAM1748]

Where are you?

If in Sydney I use Westpac on George St near Martin Place, go into the second banking chamber at the back and they have Forex tellers, did so last Wednesday and the rate was good for USD and they charge a flat rate of $5 and no need to be a customer.

Matt

 

[clazman]

Recently looked at get US$, HK$ and CAN$ and Australia Post gave us the most dollars, followed by Travelex, ANZ and then way back to CBA

 

[Duffa]

Travelex bought in ADVANCE is pretty good. Do NOT buy at airport, rather pick up your online purchase there.
Better than ANZ for MEL

 

[Sheenaec7]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I do have a Qantas cash card but haven't yet activated it. Most of you seemed to mention the Citibank one. Is that better than the QFF one for any reason?

 

[ctrunfree]

+1 unless you're traveling somewhere that requires cash to get you through customs or have no ATMs at the airport just draw the cash yourself when you arrive with a card like citi plus that has no forex fees and a reasonable rate.

Even with an atm fee on top I've always come out ahead of the ripoff airport counters

+1

ATMs everytime

 

[dajop]

What is/are the destination(s)?

 

[JohnK]

i'd use travelmoneyoz in Melbourne & crowncurrency in Brisbane. Not a travelex fan.

Crown Currency exchange in Brisbane is quite good.

Most of the currency exchanges in Brisbane city add on commission to their already poor rates.

 

[LadyC]

i'd use travelmoneyoz in Melbourne & crowncurrency in Brisbane. Not a travelex fan.

I got a better rate with AMEX fx online (picked up at an Australia Post outlet) than with travelmoneyoz when i bought HKD and JPY last week. I also checked rates on the day with Travelex, ANZ, CBA and Westpac.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

+1 for Citibank plus and using ATM. Forget changing money unless you know there's no ATM at the arriving port.