Foreign Exchange to USD

bigdogsgottaeat on 15/08/2014 - 19:24

Hi Guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before! Looking for advice in exchange AUD to USD.

I'm heading over there in 2 weeks (with some airfares grabbed on this site through ANZ, and Hotel details booked with deals grabbed on this site!) and wondering what the best way to get the best rate is… Do I:

  • Exchange here
  • Exchange there
  • Withdraw from an ATM there
  • Option D

Thanks a lot for any replies!

Travel

Comments

  • dwhes on 15/08/2014 - 19:50
    +1

    Doing the same and looking for info :) better value converting here and if so where?

  • evol on 15/08/2014 - 20:13
    +4

    Citibank Plus account with Visa debit card, then go over there and withdraw from an ATM. You'll get the market rate with no fees at all.

    • bigdogsgottaeat on 15/08/2014 - 21:59
      -3

      thanks… tho, was hoping not to open another account, ideally?

      • pennae on 16/08/2014 - 09:32
        +1

        Citibank defo the way to go. Citibank ATMs very, very common in the US and so it was easy to withdraw small amounts as needed rather than carry cash. Exchange rate excellent and no ATM fees.

        I've used my Citibank card across SEA too - would never go back to paying fees for other options (eg travel cards, normal cirrus cards etc) again.

        • Madfrega on 16/08/2014 - 12:21

          going to usa for 6 weeks later this year so do I open a citibank account and use that while i'm there?

    • Madfrega on 16/08/2014 - 12:21

      do you have to get a visa card through them or can you use a visa card from another bank with them? sorry if dumb question!

      • evol on 16/08/2014 - 15:39
        +1
        1. You open the citibank plus account (takes all of 5mins online) with citi and put your money in it.
        2. It comes with a linked visa debit card.
        3. You use that linked debit card to withdraw money when overseas.
        4. Magic happens and you get the best possible exchange rate.
        • Madfrega on 16/08/2014 - 17:58
          +1

          Cool thanks for that!

        • Madfrega on 16/08/2014 - 21:41
          +1

          sorry one more thing, is there fees involved in setting it up or withdrawing money from atms whilst over there? cheers

        • evol on 17/08/2014 - 03:37

          No fees at all on anything. You might have to pay an ATM fee if the ATM imposes one on you (it'll tell you the fee when you withdraw money), but there should be a bunch of Citi ATM's over there which will of course be fee free.

          You can go read all about the account here: http://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/citi…

        • bigdogsgottaeat on 17/08/2014 - 09:13

          OK cool, thanks. Will open an account today. Cheers!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join