No Result
View All Result
Eye of the Flyer
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Tamara talks about MONEY and exchange – should you and when and where?

René by René
November 16, 2012
in Tamara, Travel Related
5

Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.

a woman sitting on a chair with a bagHello Everyone,

As my clients are preparing to leave the States for their well deserved vacations, I am frequently asked “ Do I need to exchange my money before I go?” I then say – What is your destination?

I travel frequently to vacation spots in the Caribbean and certain Mexico destinations where exchanging your money is not necessary. In these places the U.S dollar is preferred, and you will get a better deal using U.S. cash when haggling in the open markets for local wares. Always ask for your change in U.S currency, so you know you are getting the correct amount back. Single women traveling alone, carry at least $75 in small bills with you. This comes in handy when you want to buy that small gift from a vendor on the beach, when you need to tip the shuttle/taxi driver, person handling your luggage at the airport or your resort, the towel person and please always leave something daily for the housekeeping staff… even at an all inclusive.

When traveling Internationally, you need to have some foreign currency. Most travel agencies will be able to get that for you. Travel agencies may keep a few types of currency on hand, or use an Exchange Agency that handles a selection of over 60 currencies including major and exotic currencies. These agencies may have a minimum purchase amount, an advance weekday notice and an exchange fee. Always have at least a small amount of foreign currency, but plan on using your credit card for the convenience (and the points) the majority of the time. For small amounts of currency, you may want to use your ATM once you arrive at your destination or if you are a member of AAA they offer small-denomination foreign currency TipPaks for a variety of popular destinations. Travelers checks are not accepted everywhere, so I personally never bother with those.

You will almost always have to pay a little extra fee for exchanging one currency for another, but you can minimize the expense and get the best exchange rate. Do not buy large amounts of currency since there is also a fee to exchange your unused currency back to US dollars. Tip: When booking international travel with your agent, ask if there is anyone they know of who would be willing to sell you their unused currency without a fee at the current or better rate? Most credit card companies have the best exchange rate, but add fees for transactions made in foreign currencies. However using the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card® Card is a win/ win situation. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card® Card does not charge an International transaction fee and the added benefit of using the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Card for tickets, resort stays, and car rentals is that you get some free extras like trip cancellation insurance, auto rental collision coverage and travel emergency insurance!

I can’t believe Delta Points hits the 1 year mark tomorrow! I am so happy to be a part of the team and hope that you enjoy what I bring to the blog! – Hugs, Tamara

**************************

Thanks Tamara – BTW the INK BOLD & INK PLUS
also has NO INT transaction fees

 

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

a close-up of a sign

 

Share

Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Previous Post

Vote for your favoite blogger of the year – Delta Points?

Next Post

Delta Points 1 year Anniversary is TODAY! Celebrate with me to win Medallion status

René

René

René de Lambert is a contributing writer for EyeoftheFlyer.com - He is an avid Delta and SkyTeam flyer who has held Delta’s top Diamond Medallion status for many years and flown millions of miles.

Next Post

Delta Points 1 year Anniversary is TODAY! Celebrate with me to win Medallion status

Comments 5

  1. Iolaire McFadden says:
    12 years ago

    I’m fan of ATM’s from my credit union, even with a 3% fee + $3 ATM fee. It might be an issue if you plan to spend thousands in cash, but for me and my wife a few hundred in cash here and there via an ATM’s work great. I usually hit the ATM in baggage claim and then in town later if I run out. I’m happy to pay the fees for the shear convenience of getting cash via a machine as you arrive.

    Reply
  2. Sam says:
    12 years ago

    If you have unused foreign cash, load it on your Starbucks card at a Starbucks (perhaps at the airport) before you depart.

    Reply
  3. Sam says:
    12 years ago

    I concur. I did a stint in the FX world so I know just enough to get me in trouble! Now days ATMs and credit card is the way to go. As a retail customer, that is what you are when you are traveling and looking to exchange a few hundred $s, you really are not going to get a great “deal” on your exchange (this especially is true if you go to your local bank where they see you coming a mile away). Unfortunately for us traveling the system is geared to make the exchangers $s, not save us any. Believe me, when I exchange $s in London or Europe I groan at the price I pay, but it is what it is and I dont let it get to me too much! I feel fortunate that I have the oportunity to be in those places.

    Reply
  4. Kate says:
    12 years ago

    Tamara suggests: “Single women traveling alone, carry at least $75 in small bills with you.” and then goes on to list situations when small bills come in handy. I’m curious as to why she recommends this for single women traveling alone???

    Reply
  5. Dave W says:
    12 years ago

    While Deltapoints gives good general advice, my experience and other money websites have different advice, depending on where you go. I personally use my Citigold card at the ATM. I get great rates, and no fees. Other banks, including Citi (without Citigold) – charge fees for withdrawing in other countries.

    In some places, like Hong Kong, I get great rates going to foreign currency exchange. In general, getting it at home usually has bad rates, as our hotels. Some countries (I think Japan) regulate the foreign exchange rate, so it doesn’t matter.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

➤ Search Eye of the Flyer

No Result
View All Result

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

GREAT Travel and Cash Back Card Offers for Spring 2025!

Eye of the Flyer may receive a commission from the links below. See our Privacy Policy

See some of the biggest and best offers now!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card CardBIGGEST EVER OFFER! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within three (3) months of being approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card! (Learn here how to apply. All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was gathered independently by Eye of the Flyer. It was neither provided nor reviewed by the card issuer.)
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases within three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Then, earn an additional 200,000 miles after you spend a total of $200,000 within the first six (6) months. That's a total of 350,000 miles. Learn here how to apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on the card within six (6) months of being approved for card membership. (Terms Apply. This offer expires on May 14, 2025.). Read more and learn here how to apply.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year. Learn more here.

 

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first six (6) months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR. (See Rates & Fees) Terms apply.. Learn more here.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 bonus American Express® Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. This offer expires on June 30, 2025. Terms apply.. Plus, enjoy select airport lounge access, statement credit opportunities galore, and more! Read here why we love this card.

 

Eye of the Flyer partner offer!CardMatch™CardMatch™
Offers may not be available to all users.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eye of the Flyer with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Resources

  • ✍ Editors Disclaimer
  • 💰 Advertiser Disclosure
  • 🔒 Privacy Policy
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

Cleantalk Pixel
No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.