Currency - Best place to exchange?

baffcat · 9 July 2004 at 3:56PM

Afternoon all. I couldn't find a link to anything about this, so.........

Part 1
We're off the France for a long weekend to see the latest addition to the No Mates clan - Paul Francois No Mates, and I wonder what's the best/cheapest way to get Euros. Should we buy some before we go? Get them at the port? Or use plastic?

Part 2
Globe-trotters that we are, we're also off for 3 weeks to Zambia to visit relatives who farm out there. (Obviously they're very lonely, being No Mates). They tell us it's better to take USD($) than the local currency, Kwacha. So..... again, where's the best place to lay our hands on some cheaply?

Thanks in advance

BlueVinney · 9 July 2004 at 10:53PM

Part 1. We use Nationwide Debit card to withdraw from local ATMs in each country. Nationwide gives good rates and charges no commission or transaction charges. We keep an account live just for doing this. We transfer enough in to cover what we need from our normal internet bank account and take out anything left when we return. In an emergency can do that from overseas but be careful of security if you use a public internet terminal abroad.

Part 2. We use our local Co-op travel agent. They gave the best commission free rates and would change back any we returned without taking a commission so lng as we kept the original receipt.

Enjoy your holiday.