Author Archives: Xchange Of America

4 Tips for Traveling to Bermuda

Bermuda is a beautiful island located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a well-developed industry for tourism with amazing beaches, plentiful activities, and accommodations for visitors. Bermuda is also a largely conservative Christian country and its courtesy and hospitality is highly valued. This island is small yet safe enough to explore and is easy to navigate in its entirety. So, if you have never visited Bermuda and you want to save yourself from surprise, here are 4 tips for traveling to Bermuda.

1. Climate and when to visit Bermuda

Bermuda’s climate is mild through the year due to its Gulf Stream. Most tourism happens during summer. Its summer conditions favor diving and beach activities. Although Bermuda lies outside the hurricane path, it’s vital for visitors and especially newbies to know that Bermuda experiences a hurricane season from August to October.

Winter falls during November to March with high temperatures. Winter temperatures can be better for exploring the island as they are cooler. Therefore, there is a need to plan carefully and figure out the best time for you personally to visit, but during much of the year you will find warm, welcoming and calm weather.

2. Traveling around in Bermuda

Before visiting Bermuda, you need to know that non-residents are not permitted to rent cars here. This leaves the visitors with options of motorbikes or bicycles. If you have to rent a motorbike, note that you must wear a helmet and drive on the left. Always park your rented motorbike in well-lit areas and lock it securely. Alternatively, there is a public transport option which includes buses, taxis, and ferries which connect with most attractions around. This will need exact change in coins or you can purchase a transport ticket from the Central Terminal.

3. Accommodations in Bermuda

There are plenty of accommodations in Bermuda, however, be prepared for heavy bills. Life is expensive here. But if expensive isn’t a concern to you, you’ll be engulfed with the choice of apartments and resorts in the country. There are no campgrounds and hostels in Bermuda. Therefore, if you’re counting your pennies, consider visiting during winters when lodging costs drop off significant compared to the summer. Be sure to also buy currency before you travel, the Bermudian dollar, so that you can purchase the accommodations you need.

4. Health and Safety
Bermuda has no natural sources of fresh water. It’s important to ask your hotel for a clean drinking water before consuming it. Bottled water is widely available, but it can also be a good idea to carry a water purification system with you just as a backup.

Beware of the stinging jellyfish-like Portuguese man of war when spending time on Bermuda’s beaches. These jellyfish are hard to see when you’re in the water. Before you go swimming, it’s worth being careful about these dangerous creatures.

High sunshine experienced in Bermuda calls for the plentiful supply of sunglasses, sunblock and a hat to protect you from harmful Ultraviolet rays. Don’t forget to buy currency as well before your trip so that you can have cash with you as a backup payment option.

Tips for Traveling to Egypt

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Are you planning to pay a visit to Egypt? Egypt is one of the best holiday destination in the world. It has a lot of attractions like old urban centers, prehistoric empires, deserts, huge mosques, and is overall a general amazing holiday destination.

From antiquated tombs to the biggest mosques, you can also see the world’s most respected archaeological destinations in Egypt.

The well known scuba diving at the Red Sea Beach resorts and the camel safaris in Egyptian deserts are just a few of the other activities that draw visitors from all over the world, and of course the Great Pyramids and Sphinx which are a wonder of the world.

Before you plan a holiday tour to Egypt keep remember the 4 tips for traveling to Egypt :

Get Currency

When traveling to a country, you should have the currency of the country. Make a point to purchase Egyptian pound cash just to be on a safe side and ensure that you can visit all of the street vendors and other vendors who accept cash.

First of all, exchange your currency to get the Egyptian pound online at Xchange of America so that you can take care of this requirement well ahead of your trip. We provide the facilities to exchange several foreign currencies for the local Egyptian pound. We are available 24 hours each day so that you can exchange your money at any time of the day.

Consider the Weather

Egypt often has ideal weather for a perfect holiday and can be visited throughout the year depending on what you plan on doing. One of the best times to tour Egypt is during the spring and summer months i.e. from January to June. If you want to take a Nile journey, its better going to Egypt from October and April. In the event that scuba diving at the Red Sea Beach resort is your thing, visit Egypt from June and September. October through April has the best weather, but bear in mind that December through January is the peak tourist season for visiting the pyramids, so you can expect them to be heavily crowded during this time of year.
Major Religion

Egypt is a Muslim nation, their beliefs, religion and faith ought to be respected. The Egyptian museums are very clean and neat this should be maintained and not dirtied. Keep in mind customs and traditions of the Islamic faith when you are visiting.

Traveling around the country

Vacationers should abstain from taking taxicabs or taxis to the visit destinations – they charge high amounts by the end of the day and you might not know exactly how much you owe until it’s too late. There travel agencies should be contacted for easier movement around the country. Another important fact is that you should drive on the right side of the road if you plan on driving.

Agencies can help you plan your trip to Egypt and ensure that you see the top historic sites while avoiding unsafe areas. Be sure to also purchase the Egyptian pound ahead of your trip to this fascinating destination and other currency online.

4 Tips for Traveling to Haiti

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Haiti hosts one of the poorest nations on Earth, and you have to be prepared for that. It has also many beautiful things that you can enjoy, yet you have to be prepared for anything in terms of potential crime and your safety. There are several things you can do to prepare yourself while in this country. You can buy currency online from our website ahead of your trip, including the Haitian gourde, but be careful to avoid buying too much of it.

Stay Cool

Lightweight clothing is what you need to pack if you want to stay cool in this country. Silk, cotton, and linen are excellent materials for the clothing that you use in Haiti. Packing a pair of hiking shoes will be fine too. Dress for the weather, and during much of the year it is quite warm, so check the weather ahead of your visit.

A lightweight jacket will be good if the weather is expected to dip down in the evenings. A conservative bathing suit will be fine for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Sunscreen is a good idea to keep your skin healthy from the hot Haitian sun. Packing a mosquito repellent will allow you to keep mosquitos away whenever you need to, and you can use a spray for this purpose as well. It can be essential to pack this because some areas have heavy numbers of mosquitos.

Prescriptions

Packing your prescriptions is recommended as you may not be able to find several prescriptions in Haiti. Your doctor can give you a letter that can be used by a local healthcare provider if you need prescriptions once you have arrived or other medical supplies. Medicine to prevent malaria sickness will be necessary as well, and your doctor can let you know about other medications that you will need to take prior to your trip and during it.

The CDC recommends that you become vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid along with other routine vaccinations prior to your trip. Other vaccines may be recommended depending on where you are traveling such as cholera or rabies.

Contact Lenses

Packaging a pair of contact lenses is also good if you have to get new ones when you damage yours over time. Packaging spare glasses is always good in case that you have damaged yours. It unquestionably will be difficult to find new glasses or contact lenses if you lose them when you are abroad in Haiti, so be sure to bring some kind of backup.

Taking these tips into consideration will help you to be on the safe side when traveling to any poor country such as Haiti.

Travel

Only travel in areas that you are familiar with, and work with a local tour or guide so that you know which areas are the most dangerous to avoid. Do not stray far from security or venture out in evenings. Keep valuables away and don’t carry much cash.

Be prepared to deal with any emergency here. Choose light clothing that will allow you to stay cool longer when traveling to Haiti.

5 Tips for Traveling to Belize

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Belize is a beautiful country that you have to visit to get the real experience of. Although it is a relatively safe country, it is important to take some precautions to protect yourself while in this nation.

Budgeting

You have to plan your trip and establish a budget. There are many things you can do to stay on budget, and Belize has a lot of ways for you to save some money. Be prepared to pay some fees at the airport or at the border.

You’ll want to bring some Belize dollars with you for the trip, and you can purchase them from the comfort of home directly from our website for your convenience, one of the few places that you can find Belize dollars. Tipping in Belize is also something that you can do when you have the local currency.

Destinations

Choosing the best destination for your budget is something that you have to do to avoid spending too much. Do this and have fun as well. Options include scuba diving adventures, tours of ancient city ruins such as Tikal National Park, then Altun Ha ruins, the Crystal Cave, and helicopter tours.

Belize is a beautiful country full of hiking opportunities and outdoor attractions, so you should try to see as many of these as possible.

Avoid Confrontation

You have to be careful when dealing with Belizeans because they might not be as friendly as you might expect. Suppose that you have to deal with a catcall, what do you do? It might be better to shoot a joke back and be friendly, and you should not try to avoid this person because you might end up in trouble down the road too. Always avoid confrontation, and this is something that you have to think about.

Remember that you have to pack your travel documents so you can stay on the safe side while in this country, as this will allow you to have peace of mind.

Safety Overall

Belize is a safe country overall but you should follow the same types of safety precautions that you would anywhere else. Be careful when traveling on foot as traffic can sometimes be unpredictable and drivers may not have the same courtesy you expect in other countries. Keep your valuables stored in a safe locked box when they aren’t with you. It’s best to travel only during daylight hours and avoid heading out in the evening unless you know that you are in a safer area.

Cash

It’s advisable to bring the local currency with you, Belize dollars, but you don’t want to carry large sums of it with you. Carry small amounts, just as much as you need for the day, and try to plan out your day ahead of time so that you aren’t taking too much cash. Cash is good to have but it will make you a target if someone happens to see that you are carry larger quantities of it, and thieves are quite good at spotting this type of thing. Be sure to buy currency before you head out.

Buying Currency Online Before Traveling to Brazil

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Before you travel to Brazil, it’s a good idea to buy currency online to avoid a last minute hassle and dealing with crowds at currency exchange services, among other distractions. Brazil is a naturally beautiful country full of fun experiences, some of the best street food in the world and other local restaurants, and other exciting areas to explore. Having the local currency with you, the Brazilian real, will ensure that you can enjoy all that the country has to offer, including the local food, attractions, tours, parks, and transportation to get there. By following a few safety protocols, and getting the right amount of currency before your trip you can have a great time no matter how long you plan on staying in Brazil.

Take the right amount of cash with you

Although many areas of Brazil are safe, petty theft is quite common, and that means that you’ll need to be careful when traveling and in especially in large metropolitan areas. Theft can sometimes occur in broad daylight, so you won’t want to display how much cash that you have or flash your wealth in any way when you are out and about. Ask about how much cash you should take when traveling to Brazil by calling us ahead of time or sending us an email, and we can help you determine exactly how much you should bring based on your goals and what you plan on doing there.

See the attractions and enjoy local vendors

When you have cash with you during your travels in Brazil you will also be able to visit local vendors to buy souvenirs and try the local food. Having to scramble at the last minute to find a currency exchange service is highly inconvenient to say the least, when you can buy currency ahead of time and ensure that you have plenty before your trip. With the proper planning, you can immediately step off the plane and start experiencing the best that Brazil has to offer, with local foods like barbecued meat (picanha), crisp deep fried pastries filled with various types of meats or cheeses, chicken coxinha, cheese bread and many other local delicacies. It’s all worth trying during your trip, and having Brazilian reals with you will help you enjoy it.

Save time and plan for your trip

There’s probably quite a bit that you have to plan for prior to heading out to Brazil. You will want to plan for things ahead of time and have as much time available during your trip as possible. That is always an option when you buy foreign currency before you travel, and with so many different countries available at Xchange of America, you can ensure a fun filled and positive experience with minimal delays. Avoid the hassles of looking for a currency exchange service once you arrive or ahead of time, when you can enjoy everything Brazil has to offer and a wide variety of cultural experiences if you arrive with the currency that you need.

Why You Should Buy Currency Before Traveling to Egypt

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As you prepare for an exciting trip to Egypt, there is plenty to consider and prepare for, especially if it’s one of your first times traveling there. Buying the local currency, the Egyptian pound, is a good idea ahead of your trip, as many vendors and street merchants will accept cash online. You don’t want to necessarily take a huge amount of cash with you because of security risks, so it’s a good idea to meet with a staff member at Xchange of America before your trip to determine how much currency that you might need. There are also some things to prepare for as well before you travel, and with the right preparation you can ensure a safe and fun filled trip.

You may have a lot to plan for

There’s a lot to see and do in Egypt, so you will want to buy currency ahead of your trip so that you can enjoy everything that it has to offer without having to worry about finding a currency exchange service at the last second. Your vacation schedule might already be planned out and with huge cities like Cairo, it can be difficult to find an appropriate currency exchange service at a fair price. There are few things more distracting and inconvenient than having to find a currency exchange when your time is limited and when you want to see the sights and attractions of Egypt.

You won’t have to worry about haggling

When you arrive in Egypt, you will have to haggle on just about everything, and that means that you might not get a fair price on your currency exchange or items like souvenirs or clothing. Prices are sometimes not mentioned upfront so that vendors can quote you a premium and make more money. Although this practice is not very ethical, it may occur during your trip, resulting in you paying a lot more for your vacation and entertainment than you need to. When you use a reliable and trustworthy service like Xchange of America, you won’t have to worry about that, as our exchange rates are some of the lowest anywhere and you’re guaranteed to get a great rate on the Egyptian pound.

Enjoy the local food and vendors

If you have currency with you as soon as you arrive in Egypt, you can enjoy the wide range of options for local food and street vendors that fill the streets of Cairo. Many of these vendors will have long lines and are “must try” experiences that you can enjoy as soon as you touch down. However, without cash in hand you’ll have to look around for an appropriate exchange service and waste time dealing with that, which can affect the quality of your experience. With the local currency available, you’ll be able to take taxis, purchase any souvenirs that interest you, go on local tours and more. Purchase the Egyptian pound today in several denominations from the comfort of your home at Xchange of America by making a purchase online anytime!

Top Ways to Save on Currency Exchange

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When looking for a suitable currency exchange service, you’ll likely want to choose one that can save you both time and money. That’s what you get with Xchange of America – with plenty of options to choose from, currency exchange has never been easier. You can choose currencies from some of the most popularly traveled countries including several in South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and more, with some of the best exchange rates that you’ll find anywhere. The price is competitive with brick and mortar currency exchange services or often better, as Xchange of America focuses on providing its customers with the best experience possible and a variety of exchange services at a low price.

Use an online currency exchange

Using an online currency exchange service will ensure that you save as much money as possible – most legitimate and licensed online exchanges like Xchange of America offer low rates, faster service, and order processing 24/7. You save the hassle of having to travel or trying to time your purchase for when the exchange rate is favorable – it’s always a good time to buy currency at Xchange of America, even if you don’t have very much time left before your trip. Using an online exchange has many advantages over traditional locations, and lets you take care of your other trip planning obligations before you head out. If you haven’t used one before, you will likely notice more cost savings and better customer support as well.

Avoid airport currency exchange services

By avoiding the need to use an airport currency exchange service, you can avoid being charged 15-50% extra or more for service fees or other extraneous fees that can make your currency exchange simply not worth it. If you wait until the last minute, the chances are that you will have no other option other than using an airport exchange, while traditional currency exchange services will also charge you high fees in many cases. Using an online currency exchange is often far more effective and will ensure that you get the currency you need on time. You’ll also save plenty of time and have the option of planning your other trip obligations instead of scrambling at the last minute.

Don’t wait until you have traveled

The options are often just as limited once you have traveled to your destination – you may arrive in a country with very few currency exchange services, or you might not have any at all in the area that you are in. Having to take an unplanned trip to a currency exchange service is never ideal – you’ll have to take more time out your schedule that could be spent on doing the things that you love, and then you might not even get a fair rate at the end of it all. It’s so much more convenient to simply order online as soon as you have the opportunity, and with the process taking just a few seconds at Xchange of America, you can order whenever you need and have your currency shipped right to your home.

Buy Currency Before Traveling to Avoid Delays

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As you prepare for your next currency purchase, it is essential to avoid delays for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a tight deadline for your upcoming trip, or you don’t want to spend too much time on currency exchange as you manage your other obligations. There are a million things to prepare for as you plan for your next overseas adventure, and the last thing you want to deal with is delays related to currency exchange. That’s why it’s helpful to plan things ahead of time and buy currency long before you travel. You’ll avoid a variety of issues that might pop up at the last second including difficulties finding a proper exchange service.

Easier to Buy Online

You never know when you’ll need cash while traveling, so it’s simply much easier to buy currency online and avoid hassles. The amount of time that you save can be substantial, and it can really add up when your schedule is limited. You’ll find that the process of buying online from a trustworthy retailer like Xchange of America is much faster than other options. You’ll save countless hours and also get a lot more done during your travel preparation. Waiting until the last second to buy currency is almost always a mistake and can result in a lot of challenges once you arrive at your destination. The process of buying currency at Xchange of America takes just minutes and is designed to be as convenient as possible.

Faster Service

There are many benefits with faster service when you buy currency on the internet. You’ll save both time and money when you use a service that works more quickly, and you can avoid many delays associated with currency purchases. You won’t have to wait in line at an airport currency exchange and this can save you quite a bit of time, allowing you to get the currency that you need for travel to any major country. Faster service means that you won’t have to spend time waiting in lines or dealing with looking for a currency exchange at the last second, which can be a major inconvenience when you are on the road.

Don’t Buy Currency Abroad

If you wait to buy currency abroad you may be making a major mistake, as you may end up spending significantly more money on currency exchange services. Many services will charge you a premium and you can end up losing a significant amount of money on the exchange, when it can be much easier to buy the currency that you need ahead of time online at a service like Xchange of America. Don’t make the mistake of waiting to buy currency when it takes just a few minutes; you can make a secure purchase and have your currency delivered right to your home without having to travel. There’s no better or faster way to buy currency ahead of any trip. Find out why Xchange of America is a leading currency exchange provider today and make a purchase for any of the top currencies that we offer.

Budget Ahead of Time When You Buy Currency Online

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You can easily budget ahead of time for your trip when you buy currency online; one of the easiest ways to guarantee that you get as much currency as possible. It’s so much easier to plan for your vacation costs whenever you make a currency purchase online. You won’t have to deal with making last minute travel plans to find a local currency exchange service. Even worse, if you have to find one after you’ve arrived at your destination, you can end up losing both time and money and having to make a detour during your trip. Avoid these headaches by choosing a company like Xchange of America for your currency needs.

Easy currency purchases

You’ll get one of the easiest currency purchasing processes around when you choose Xchange of America. Currency can be purchased any time of the day or night from the comfort of your home. Choose from multiple shipping and payment options depending on your particular needs. There’s no other process as easy or convenient as the one offered at Xchange of America. You’ll also get to avoid the issues associated with exchange currency at a lesser known company that may not have the experience or the safety that Xchange of America provides you with. Currency orders here are processed as quickly as possible to ensure that your shipment arrives well ahead of your trip. You’ll be able to plan for everything accordingly.

Plan your budget

For many, traveling overseas is affordable only when their budget is carefully planned ahead of time. When you choose a currency exchange service like Xchange of America, you’ll know exactly how much that you can expect to pay for currency before you leave. You won’t get stuck with service fees or other maintenance costs which can jack up the price of your currency exchange. If you choose to use an airport exchange or another option, you may end up having to pay a significant amount in extra fees. It’s even worse if you have to use an exchange service multiple times. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to use your credit card or debit card once you’ve arrived, so be sure to get cash ahead of time.

Some of the best exchange rates anywhere

You’ll get excellent exchange rates at Xchange of America, giving you as much currency as possible and allowing you to fully prepare for your trip. You are free to ask the support staff at Xchange of America more information about how to budget for your trip and the amount of currency that you should anticipate on bringing with you. This will vary from one country to other obviously. In some countries, you won’t necessarily need to bring as much of the local currency; in others you’ll want to bring a greater amount due to a lack of credit card processing facilities and other costs that are frequently paid in cash. Plan things out ahead of time and don’t get stuck without having the cash you need.

Why You Should Bring Cash With You When Traveling

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It’s a must to bring cash with you whenever you are traveling to any foreign country in the majority of cases, whether it’s a first world country or developing. You’ll find that many local businesses, service providers, drivers and other professionals prefer to be paid in cash.

Credit cards or debit cards will not be widely accepted in every country, and although there are other options like traveler’s checks, it is still a good idea to have cash with you for several different countries. Don’t assume that your currency will be widely accepted, even if it’s the U.S. dollar or euro, and don’t assume that you’ll easily find a currency exchange abroad.

It can be difficult to find a currency exchange service overseas with limited time

When traveling to a new area you might have some difficulties with finding an appropriate currency exchange service. Perhaps the services in the area you are staying are too expensive, or they may be located a far and inconvenient distance from where you are staying.

You may have to spend a significant sum of money just on transportation in order to get to an appropriate currency exchange service. You can avoid this hassle during your travels by purchasing currency before you depart. This way you won’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to find a currency exchange service, and you’ll have cash from the very beginning for any unexpected expenses.

Credit cards often charge a foreign transaction fee that can add up

You may also get stuck with a foreign transaction fee on your credit card. You may not even be aware of it until you start using it and get stuck with a bill. The fees can vary anywhere from 3 to 10 percent of your transaction, which is no small amount of money.

You can call your credit card company ahead of time to determine what specific fee you would have if any, but again you will still be better off exchanging your currency for the local currency to avoid these fees. Plus, credit cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in developing countries. There’s also the issue of credit card fraud and the outdated magnetic stripe technology which can result in your card being stolen.

Cash is king

During the first 24 hours of your trip, cash is king, no matter where you go in the world. You’ll need to get settled in, grab a bite to take, take a taxi to your hotel, or a train, tip your doorman, purchase snacks, and other minor expenses. Using a credit card is not convenient or practical in several of these circumstances.

If you don’t have cash with you, you’re going to likely run into a number of difficult and awkward situations, where you may not be able to tip someone or where you may have to scramble to find an ATM or currency exchange service. The first few days of your trip will go a lot more smoothly if you simply plan ahead of time and buy currency online.