Hi all - i'm heading overseas in Feb and and need to purchase around $1000 in us$. Does anyone know the cheapest/best place to buy this? Many thanks in advance.
Best Place to Buy US Currency?
LTPM1978 on 30/12/2014 - 09:00
Comments
Cheapest way is to get a Citi Bank debit card and find an ATM over there and withdraw, or take cash over there and exchange in America the rates are always better in the foreign country.
Wouldn't be so sure about their rates being better. The rates at LAX are a massive rip-off, but then again it's similar at our airports, but when 1 AUD = 0.87 USD the guy at LAX said I will need $120AUD to get $75 USD!
This. Go with Citibank.
Citibank customer service is bad so if you want the card in February you better apply now.
One of the better/best rates on OzForex.com.au
Search forex on here and there are plenty of posts about this same question. Comes up every month or so.
I once went up to about half a dozen exchange shops in the Brisbane CBD and bargained with them. Got a better rate than what their screen says. You probably can't do that for $100 but I did buy $1000USD that way. Otherwise the ATM method is pretty good, just expect ATM fees from your bank plus from the ATM operator.
FYI they call it "cash back" not cash out.
81c damn! Lowest its been in while.
Another Christmas present from the Abbott-Hockey Corporation.
KVB Kunlun
another possibility
atlascurrency.com.au
nearly always better rates than all others
best to call and enquire
based upon my direct experience : )
Right now, nowhere
If it is only $1000 it is probably the cheapest to use your Australian credit card (cash out at US ATM or shopping). There is usually a 2-3% foreign transaction fee that you have to pay, but the rates are much better compared to changing cash at the bank or even airport.
If you need a bit of cash for food and transport on the day you arrive, just change $100 at your local Australian bank before you go. Most branches should have some US$ available.