Where do I get my money?!!

[FlyboyAl]

Hi all. First post from a long time traveller.
Next Friday we head for LAX from SYD on a new A380. Looking forward to it, and at this stage we seem to have 52J/K.
Will try for an exit row on check in, but can others confirm that these seats have power? Seat guru says so, but it would be good to confirm.

Now for the reason for the post.

What do others think is the best place to get some US$?
The local banks near us have no US currency, and I'm wondering if we should get money at SYD airport, or wait till we get to the US and change cash at an AMEX or Thomas Cook outlet.
With the dollar so low, I'd like to get the best rate I can.

 

[NM]

For travel to the USA, I always wait until I arrive and use an ATM to withdraw cash. I find travellers cheques a pain to use and find ATM withdrawal provides best exchange rate and lowest fees when using the right account to source the funds.

 

[medhead]

I agree about using the ATM after getting there. If you want a bit of cash to arrive with you'd be best going to the main bank branches in the city. I'd recommended the NAB on King William St, they have a separate currency desk and only charge a $5 fee. I'd be shocked if they didn't have US dollars :shock:

 

[JohnK]

I would wait until arriving in the USA and then either exchange currency or use an ATM.

I do not remember the last time I bought foreign currency in Australia.

 

[Febs]

ATM + Wizard Clear Advantage MC = best possible exchange rate you can get, IMO.

Having said that, it does pay to carry at least a little bit of cash with you, like the time I was left cashless in Chicago when my Wizard card stopped working, and my regular ATM card was eaten by a BoA ATM. :shock:

I now only use swipe ATMs.

 

[FL360]

Hi Flyboy,

If you are thinking of the Wizard Clear Advantage, here is some
reading ...

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...d-mastercard-cash-advances-while-6960-21.html

read the previous three month's post should be OK.

 

[drron]

I now order mine on line with the CBA-only just enough time though for you to do that.
Myself I do use TC's as a better rate than cash,I get them commission free and mrsdrron has never found a shop that didnt accept them and never paid anything to cash them.The change adds to our readdies,and have been asked for ID less often using TC's than when using an Aussie CC-just that paranoia showing again from our friends in LOTFAP.

 

[Febs]

I now order mine on line with the CBA-only just enough time though for you to do that.
Myself I do use TC's as a better rate than cash,I get them commission free and mrsdrron has never found a shop that didnt accept them and never paid anything to cash them.The change adds to our readdies,and have been asked for ID less often using TC's than when using an Aussie CC-just that paranoia showing again from our friends in LOTFAP.

Agreed - TC's are an absolute piece of cake in the US. Practically everywhere accepts them, with no fees or commissions. Basically cash, with a safety net.

 

[Mal]

Agreed - TC's are an absolute piece of cake in the US. Practically everywhere accepts them, with no fees or commissions. Basically cash, with a safety net.

Ditto, although I did get some reluctance from a few vendors last time I was there (Nov). Perhaps fraud has gone up with them?

 

[Evan]

I just get cash from the ATM, and use my CC for other things.

Something interesting i noticed in SIN the other day when i needed lots of cash...
I did an ATM transaction from a savings account (Mastercard network) and a cash from my Amex platinum charge card and the rate i got from Amex was better ! and but a reasonable amount as well.
So maybe the Amex currency exchange at the airport in the USA could be an ok option also.

E

 

[Fifa]

Apparently a lot of US banks charge ATM fees when withdrawing cash.
Has anyone had any experience of banks who do not charge fees in California?

 

[serfty]

... Will try for an exit row on check in, but can others confirm that these seats have power? Seat guru says so, but it would be good to confirm. ...

I have sat in 66C exit seat on the 388 from LAX to MEL and could not locate an available in-seat power socket.

See this post: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/seat-power-on-an-a380-16520.html#post222146

 

[FlyboyAl]

Thanks for tips from everyone.
Went to the NAB in the city, changed A$1600 to US$ for a total fee of $5, and got 63.1 cents exch rate.
I'm a happy camper at present

 

[medhead]

Thanks for tips from everyone.
Went to the NAB in the city, changed A$1600 to US$ for a total fee of $5, and got 63.1 cents exch rate.
I'm a happy camper at present

That shows good, close to the headline exchange rate.
$5 is about the best fee that I'm aware of. Commonwealth used to do free currency exchange back in 2005 but that change sometime to an $8 fee.