Great 'What's the best currency to take to Turkey, Israel, Laos, and more?' Hunt

megsykins

Most places I've been, including many places in in Asia and South America, it's been easiest to use the local currency and get cash out there. The places without ATMs, I was often able to pay by card at the hotel/guest house and get cash-back - not always though so do check before you head to the town if cards are accepted anywhere. Charges for using ATMs / card are usually less than you'd lose using money changers' rates (especially in smaller towns). Do always ask to pay in local currency by card and let your bank calculate the exchange rate, rather than let the hotel convert it using their own (less favourable) rate. This was when Nationwide were letting you use your card charge-free worldwide though.

Border towns such as Vientiane in Laos will accept neighbouring currencies. Cambodia was US$ only but you'd get change in the local currency.

Interestingly, we had our handbags rifled through and money taken while asleep on a night bus in Thailand (idiotic I know - in three years of travelling it was the only time though). Between us we lost small-ish amounts of money in US$, UK£ and Thai Baht, however I had about $500AUD which wasn't touched. I think either because it looks like monopoly money (Australian notes are plastic, and in bright primary colours) so they didn't realise the value, or it's more difficult to change? Obviously there are many Australians and other travellers going to / from Australia in SE Asia, so AUD isn't not unheard of.

John_Pierpoint

Focusedonsaving wrote: »

Any advice on best currency to spend in Brazil?

I'll be in Brazil next week and was wondering if anyone knew the best currency to take along i.e. GBP, USD or Brazilian Real?

Brazil is one of the of the successful "BRICS" counties, no longer run by despots with an non-convertible currency.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRICS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil

Mind you 100 years ago the people of Argentina were the word's third wealthiest. so the present is not a firm guide to the future.

EnglishGladiator

Take US $ to Peru. You'll get a better rate to convert to Peruvian Soles when you're there than converting directing to Soles before you go. Wouldn't take £ Sterling to convert in country