Quick facts for saving on currency conversion

When it comes to currency exchange advice, it’s sometimes difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. But there are some things that are universally true. Here are some quick facts on exchange that I’ve found to be almost always true.

Credit cards have good exchange rates

A good credit card is almost always the best way…

Currency trading basics

Currency conversion calculation is always useful when traveling to a foreign destination – knowing the exchange rate can save you some money overseas. But it can also be useful if you’re a trader. Savvy investors can make plenty of cash by trading currencies.

Here are a few things you need to know before you start investing in currency:

The forex…

Currency conversion and credit cards overseas

When I travel, I’m all about convenience. That’s why instead of cash, traveler’s checks or debit cards, I use a credit card whenever I can. The currency conversion fees are usually decent and there is an automatic record of transactions available online. In the case that my card is stolen, I simply report it and I’m not responsible for fraudulent charges.

But even though credit cards are generally one…

Currency conversion explained – what is “exchange rate”?

Planning on traveling abroad soon? Then you want to get the most bang for your buck. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve overheard about getting ripped off during a currency exchange interaction. I’ve heard, “either exchanging currency is expensive, or that guy just took half my money”, at least a dozen times.

The truth is, currency conversion can be pricey, but you don’t have to feel like…

Rules for taking taxis in Spain

Rules for getting a taxi cab in other countries differ quite a bit from the common wave and whistle in Chicago or New York. And don’t get me wrong, I love Spain, but it’s easier for taxi cab drivers to rip off an uninformed American than a native Spaniard. But if you follow the rules and know your currency conversion rates, you’ll get a good deal on a…

The best apps for travel

It seems like everyone has a smartphone now, and with the recent introduction of the iPhone 4S, even more are jumping on the bandwagon. And it’s no wonder; smartphones are very useful pieces of technology, especially for travel. If you’re about to take a trip overseas, it’s time to load up your phone with planning apps, map apps,

3 tips for frugal travel

When I travel abroad, I like to stretch my dollar as much as possible. That starts with diligently shopping around for the best currency conversion rates. It’s just like shopping for cheap flights, hotels and car rentals – you wouldn’t spend an extra $100 on a flight without knowing all of your options.

Here are 3 ways…

Beware of hidden foreign transaction costs

You’ve finally decided to travel outside of the United States. Your budget is set, you’ve planned your itinerary, packed your bags and you’re ready to hit the road.

But have you contacted your credit card company to find out what they charge for currency conversion at the destination in which you are headed?

Hidden fees

Foreign transaction fees are often hidden…

Rupee or ruble? Currency conversion on the road

Pretty much anyone who has traveled, and most people who have not, know that euros are the common currency of Europe. The denominations they come in are predictable enough. But some foreign currencies come in crazy denominations, and trying to remember what each one is worth as you do currency conversion can get confusing -…

Portable companion: traveling with an iPad

If you’re looking for a travel companion, the iPad is hard to beat. It fits in your backpack, supplies an unlimited amount of information on the go and never has to stop for a break – unless the battery dies. It’s an expensive item – its purchase certainly pushed the limits of my frugality – but it’s well worth the convenience it provides while traveling. Booking, currency conversion…

Foreign currency conversion: Traveling in India

Don’t get me wrong, I love New York. But it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple and experience a different culture. One of my most recent trips was to India, where I certainly got my fair share of new culture. I traveled to New Delhi, where I got to check out Humayun’s Tomb and some other great attractions. And I came back…

Currency conversion traps

More than once I’ve been caught in a bind and forced to take a hit on currency exchange rates. Had I planned a little more carefully, I could have saved myself some money. But as a novice international traveler, I figured that exchange rates would be the same everywhere – I was wrong.

Watch out for these common traps:

Hungry hotels…

Where to go in the U.S. for currency conversion

If you have some foreign money left over from your travels abroad, you a have a few options – store your foreign cash until your next trip, exchange it with someone that’s about to travel to the same place or find somewhere to exchange it. But finding somewhere to exchange your foreign cash is easier said than done. Places…

Currency conversion fee strategy overseas

Europe keeps drawing me back. No matter how much I go – or how long I spend there – I can’t seem to get enough. And after some experimentation, I’ve figured out a strategy to save on those pesky exchange fees.

Banks keep increasing their fees for debit and credit transactions overseas.  While some of them are understandable – they have to make money somehow – others seem like straight…

A guide to holiday travel

There are plenty of things to remember when traveling: bring the plane tickets, get a dog sitter and don’t forget the kids, just to mention a few. But a few simple tips can save you a lot of worry and cash.

First and foremost, don’t forget to look into currency conversion fees, if you’re traveling overseas. Waiting until you…