USD Exchange - US Holiday

Lmichaelphillips on 23/02/2016 - 22:00
Last edited 23/02/2016 - 22:00

Hey guys,

Me and a few of my mates are headed to the US in March and have been watching the exchange rates looking for the best time to buy.

At the moment Travelex has the the buy price at 0.7022 if we spend over 2k AUD.

We're looking at buying 3000USD cash, equaling 4272.29AUD.

A few questions however if anyone could shed some light,

Is now a good time to buy? instead of waiting say another week or 2? Does the Aussie dollar look like it will get better? I've read a few articles that say it may not.

Is Travelex a good company to go with? Can anybody recommend a company that may have a better rate etc?

I am also looking at buying another 1000USD and putting on a qantas cash card, as you can earn FF points for purchases overseas, is this a good idea?

Thanks,
Michael :)

Travel

Comments

  • rambutann on 23/02/2016 - 22:02
    +5

    I can almost guarantee that one of the exchange places near Flinders Street Station will give you a better rate. If you are leaving late-march then I would suggest a citibank plus account if you actually want a good exchange rate.

  • Donaldhump on 24/02/2016 - 01:03

    just use ur atm card over seas…. are you going to carry 3k cash on oyou?

    exchange rate can go either way, your talking $50 at best.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2016 - 05:53
    +1

    Ditto to UncleSnake - we are in Maui right now - we just transfer our AUD from our Australian account into our CitiBank Plus account and withdraw cash or use it as a debit card. The exchange rate you get is MasterCard's daily exchange rate. You save the margin TravelEx charges and no withdrawal fees as long as you use the right ATM.

    Saving 6-7% this way will beat any wait and see on currency exchange. It's worked flawlessly for us over the last two weeks.

  • modsec802 on 24/02/2016 - 08:40

    Everywhere takes cards in the US so I just use my 28degrees card for the entire trip and take minimal cash. I just pay off my card balance when I get home.

  • j03 on 24/02/2016 - 09:09

    Do u have accounts such as Citibank, 29degrees, etc as suggested above?

    Anyway best rate for cash exchange is from a mob called Hai Ha money exchangers. http://haihamoneytransfer.com.au/locations#VIC

    Always great rates and no fees.

    There's always going to be good use for cash.

    Don't forget to get an Esta pass else you won't get thru the border..

    I travel regularly to US at least 1nce a month.

    • michaelphillips on 24/02/2016 - 11:54

      Thanks heaps! I'll take this all on board! and i applied for the Esta last week, how long does it usually take to go through?

      • modsec802 on 24/02/2016 - 12:10

        Usually instant approval unless you answered Yes to any questions and then it can take a LONG time.

  • modsec802 on 24/02/2016 - 10:43
    +1

    Don't forget to get an Esta pass else you won't get thru the border..

    You won't get that far. They won't let you board in Australia.

  • michaelphillips on 24/02/2016 - 11:56

    Thanks Everyone, Is there any other tips i should know about?

    We arrive in LAX on the 16th then flying out to Miami for a week, after that we're flying to Vegas and then we are possibly going to rent a vehicle and drive from Vegas back to LA!

    Has anyone done this? and can possibly save me any headaches before we depart?

    I'm 22yo and obviously most companies charge an underage rental fee, is there any companies that are better or cheaper than others?

    • KB2 on 25/02/2016 - 09:50

      We drove from San Diego to Las Vegas and it was fine. The speed limit in the USA is not a limit its a 'suggestion'. People do well above what the sign says so be prepared for that. When we drove we were underage too - from my research Hertz had the lowest fees for underage. They also have lots of coupons so find some before you book!

      When you're in Miami, make sure you do a tour of the everglades! We did and we loved it! I would suggest getting a car to drive around Miami in. Theres lots to see and do and having a car is way easier then catching the bus.

      • modsec802 on 25/02/2016 - 11:27

        The speed limit in the USA is not a limit its a 'suggestion'. People do well above what the sign says so be prepared for that.

        Absolutely. I was driving 75mph in 65mph in the right lane and being overtaken by people driving what seemed to be twice as fast as me

        • ols108 on 25/02/2016 - 14:49

          Yes, but if you do get a ticket?
          Pay it before you leave or else its a huge pain in the a$$.
          I neglected to pay and then had a warrant for my arrest in Nevada, cost me $250USD to pay a $75 ticket.

  • Peck on 24/02/2016 - 14:11

    Pool most of your money into a Citibank plus account as long as you have ATM access where you are going. It can be used as a debit card as well as an ATM card. Worlds BEST exchange rates!!

    • massafiri on 06/03/2016 - 23:50

      Bringing up an old thread, but also in the same predicament - how many ATMs will be compatible with this Cibibank plus account in somewhere like, Hawaii?

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