Last minute flight to the US, panicking about currency

Pandilex

I'm off to NYC for a couple of weeks at very short notice (leave early tuesday) and I am concerned about currency. Using my cards abroad costs a LOT. Normally this would be OK but I am going to be finding accommodation for the latter part of my trip while I'm over there, so will be paying a lot of money using my cards.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to mitigate the cost? Do I just go to the travel exchange and take a couple of thousand dollars in cash?!

blindman

Pandilex wrote: »

I'm off to NYC for a couple of weeks at very short notice (leave early tuesday) and I am concerned about currency. Using my cards abroad costs a LOT. Normally this would be OK but I am going to be finding accommodation for the latter part of my trip while I'm over there, so will be paying a lot of money using my cards.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to mitigate the cost? Do I just go to the travel exchange and take a couple of thousand dollars in cash?!

As you've left it so late :eek:
Use this calculator to see who gives the best exchange rate for cash.

Look at this thread to see how much your card will cost you.

IAmWales

Even with loading it can be cheaper to spend on your card than exchange cash. Use the above links to compare the two options, don't assume cash will be cheaper (and remember it will be far more risky).

Voyager2002

One way to mitigate your losses...

You mentioned accommodation: if you book through certain websites (including Hotels.com among others) you are given a price in sterling and pay in sterling.

eDicky

Yes, if you check what your cards will cost you to use:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/overseas-card-charges

Then compare that with the best rates you can obtain for buying cash dollars, calculating the percentage margin that it costs you against the mid-market rate shown on xe.com - you may well find that it costs little more, if any, perhaps even cheaper, to just use your lowest fee card(s), which are accepted for virtually everything in US.

Anyway, as it's too late to get a decent card for travel, it's useless to panic...

PeacefulWaters

Which cards do you have?

Credit card spending, even with a 3% loading, is better than currency exchange in most cases.

ATM withdrawals should probably be avoided, depending on card type.

It will be possible to do a NYC trip on a credit card.

Don't forget to register for airline status.

WAYT

If you can prepay for your accommodation, you can generate a virtual card with Revolut Just install the App to your smartphone, if compatible and generate a virtual card that you can use instantly for on-line purchases. Any purchases during a weekday will give you access to the best possible exchange rate.