Travelling internationally? How to order foreign currency ahead of time.

Do you have a big international trip on the horizon? Before you go, consider converting some of your money into the local currency of your destination before you leave. Currency exchange rates at airports are often unfavorable, and you may need cash to take a taxi or grab a snack when you arrive.

Obtaining foreign currency in advance can also help you avoid scams targeting tourists. No matter the destination, carrying a portion of that country’s currency can help you prepare and protect you from scams. Follow this step-by-step guide so you’ll be ready when the big day comes.

Purchasing foreign currency before taking an international trip can be convenient. Follow these steps to make sure you have cash in the correct currency before you start your trip:

1. Determine your destination: While some countries have common currencies such as the euro, many have their own unique currency. Knowing your destination will help you determine which currency you need.

2. Research exchange rates: Some currencies have values ​​similar to the US dollar, but others can differ greatly. If you know the currency you need, look at its exchange rate with the dollar.

3. Compare prices on currency exchanges: Check your currency rates at your bank, local currency exchange, and online currency exchange services. If you plan to transfer a lot of cash, the small difference in fees can be significant.

4. Place your order: After determining who has the best exchange rate, place your order. You’ll need to share some details, such as the currency you want to buy, the amount, and the delivery method. For example, physical locations may let you choose in-person pickup or home delivery.

5. Confirm your order and payment: Before completing your order, double-check the exchange rate and make sure it matches the rate you expect. If this happens, confirm the order and make payment.

If you place your coin order in person, ask the representative if there are any processing fees or delivery fees. If possible, use a free payment method, such as bank transfer or debit card, when paying for your order. It’s always best to keep fees low, so it’s a good idea to check additional fees at every step.

We’ve discussed some of the reasons you might want to buy forex beforehand, but there can be pros and cons, like all financial services.

Pros

• comfort: Purchasing foreign currency in advance allows you to pay for transportation, meals and gratuities once you arrive.

• Avoid high fees: Having foreign currency in advance can help you avoid paying high fees at the destination airport or ATM.

• Avoid scams: Buying foreign currency early can help you avoid scams. For example, you can buy counterfeit money without knowing it or pay exorbitant prices without realizing it.

• Be prepared: Some merchants may not accept card payments while abroad. Having foreign currency helps ensure that you will always be able to pay.

cons

• Price fluctuations: If the foreign currency weakens compared to your own between your trip and when you purchase it, you could lose out on potential savings.

• expenses: Banks and currency exchange companies charge fees for currency conversion, which can sometimes be a significant expense. You may be able to save money by using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and withdrawing cash from local ATMs.

• Time and planning: We are all busy, and you should make time out of your day to buy foreign currencies. But more than that, a foreign currency order can sometimes take a few days to process, so it may not be a viable last-minute option.

• Carrying cash can be risky: Replacing lost or stolen money is impossible. Therefore, carrying a lot of cash can be dangerous, especially when traveling to countries where pickpocketing is common. However, you can reduce the risks by limiting the cash you carry and keeping it hidden when you are out and about.

There are certain steps you can take to get the most value from your transfer. One of the most important things to do is to research exchange rates.

Prices change frequently, and you never know what the future holds. However, monitor prices in the weeks leading up to your trip and compare them to previous prices. If you find that at a certain point, rates are favorable compared to what they were in the recent past, then it may be a good time to go ahead and buy foreign currency.

Once you start your trip, another trick is to always pay in the local currency if you are using a card. Some merchants may offer dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at checkout, but this often comes with unfavorable exchange rates and additional fees. You can always do a quick calculation on your phone to find out the total USD amount to avoid this expensive service.

You can also carry a travel credit card to supplement your finances. Not all foreign stores accept card payments, but many do. Carrying a card with no foreign transaction fees can help you rely less on cash and pay fewer currency conversion fees.

Read more: Best travel credit cards of 2025

While carrying at least some local currency with you is a good idea, there are some drawbacks to ordering foreign currency ahead of time.

One simple alternative is to withdraw local currency from an ATM in the destination country using your debit card. This means you won’t find cash at the start of your journey, but ATMs often have competitive conversion rates and are usually widely available. (You may want to avoid ATMs at the airport and other major tourist destinations, as they are likely to charge higher fees.) If possible, use a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can save you about 3% with each. . withdrawal.

You can also rely on a credit card for spending while traveling. This reduces the need to carry cash, and credit cards have strong fraud protection. However, there may be situations where you cannot use the card, such as to pay for a taxi or tip a tour guide. This is why it is highly recommended that you carry at least some cash with you at all times.

Another alternative that is becoming increasingly popular are mobile payment apps. This includes digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. Other countries may have different apps, such as WeChat Pay and Paytm. These applications are generally safe, secure, and convenient. However, they may not be accepted everywhere, and may require an Internet connection to use. This may cause a problem if you have not purchased a local SIM card or data plan.

Read more: Is it safe to store money in apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App?