Author Archives: Xchange Of America

Ease of Online Currency Exchange

Travelers understand the hassle and rush of preparing the day before a major trip across the world. There’s packing, keeping track of paperwork and passports, ensuring that reservations are prepared, making all the necessary adjustments for work, the home, and obligations to be taken care of while the trip takes place, and one of the most important aspects – the money!

Some people choose to take and use cash, others use credit cards, and some take cash to buy the currency of the country they are visiting. While each of these will work most of the time, they have various risks associated with each of them. What if the money gets lost? What if the credit card gets lost and falls into the wrong hands?

The easiest way to avoid these disastrous situations is to prepare for the currency exchange in advance. By buying foreign currency online, it not only is one less thing to keep track of, but it allows for the currency used in the destination country to be secured before the trip even begins, alleviating stress and doubt, and taking less time overall.

With a few simple clicks on a website that allows for currency exchange online, a traveler can see the current exchange rate, and within the matter of a few seconds alleviate all the worry about losing their money, or not ending up with enough money for the trip once they arrive at their destination.

Add money to a user created account, search for the currency you wish to buy with the domestic currency, and send in the order. The user will then quickly receive the currency of their destination country and have one less thing to stress about.

While a traveler may have done their research ahead of time, often times they have not, and they end up trying to trade in their home currency for the currency of their destination country and do not realize until this point that they will not have enough, or did not bring enough money to experience the country in the way they intended to when they first started planning their trip in the first place.

Not only do these sites make it extremely quick so the user does not have to spend as much time on currency exchange problems, and can therein spend more time on packing and other travel related activities, but these sites also make it simple and easy so travelers can easily follow and understand their transactions.

Travelers plan everything from their hotel reservations, to dinner reservations, to travel accommodations, to flights, to events and tours they want to see during their trip. Some travelers will even plan their days on an hour-by-hour basis. It only makes sense that one of the most important things (the money) is taken care of ahead of time to allow for a relaxed, safe, and pleasant trip free of worry and money-related stress allowing for them to fully experience the destination they always dreamed of visiting, with plenty of currency for activities.

The Potential Future of Currency in Travel

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Anyone who travels internationally is used to going through the process of taking their currency and converting it to the currency of their destination at providers like Xchange of America. Whether this is using United States Dollars to purchase euros, or baht, or pounds, it is a common process that has slowly but surely evolved.

What used to be done face to face in a bank, can now be done online. Travelers have the ease of going online, opening their account, and now have the ability to buy foreign currency online.

Each of these paper currencies are regulated and recognized around the world in the currency exchange market which values each of them in relation to the others. This is the way it has always been with countries regulating their own currency to either increase or decrease its value, therein affecting the way consumers – and travelers – buy, sell, and use currency.

The digital age, while being underway for quite some time, is beginning to further innovate the way currency is used, traded, and even perceived and understood. The first cryptocurrency released in 2009 and was the first currency that was not regulated by a single, centralized entity such as a government.

This shocked the world and has quickly, in the time since then, branched off into a plethora of new cryptocurrencies – currencies that are not tangible, but stored online in accounts. The up and coming cryptocurrency is beginning to become another way to purchase currencies that are accepted in many locations, however, they still lack the widespread acceptance of most paper currencies.

Some currencies that have branched off of the original cryptocurrency have slowly but surely grown in popularity, use, and value. So much so that it has caught the eyes of major banks and governments and could change the way travelers prepare for their trips with regards to how they handle their currency transactions.

India’s Axis Bank has decided to launch cryptocurrency payments, effectively propelling cryptocurrency into uncharted territory. A quote from The Economic Times cites deputy managing director for the bank saying “We are committed to using innovation in technology to make banking simple and convenient for our customers”.

China is the latest country to investigate the idea of using cryptocurrencies as a ubiquitous currency. China’s central bank officials have had numerous meetings with the company behind to discuss their currency in hopes of implementing a system that uses cryptocurrency.

Could this mean that soon rather than buying Indian rupee or Chinese renminbi, travelers can buy cryptocurrency? Probably not in the near future. Only time will tell, but with India’s Axis Bank on board with the idea, and other Indian banks announcing they would follow the cryptocurrency trend as well, there is a possibility.

This means, for travelers, that they could soon have 2 sources of currency to buy that would be viable in countries they choose to visit. You may be able to choose an original currency at providers like Xchange of America, cryptocurrency, or both options when you travel abroad. Only time will tell the future of cryptocurrency and the role it will play – or not play – for travelers of the world.

5 Benefits of Buying Currency Online

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Buying travel money is now made more convenient and more practical, thanks to the numerous options available in the market like Xchange of America. If the traditional mode of buying foreign currency seems too tedious for you, then it’s advisable to buy foreign currency online. Here are five benefits of making this decision.

A very convenient transaction

Whether you like it or not, you will have to deal with currency exchange if you are traveling internationally. Of course that is because you often cannot spend your dollars in another country; your money has to be converted.

The old school way is to go to the bank and have your money converted there. But this age-old tradition is not any more convenient and practical these days. That is because it would require waiting in long queues just to be served by the teller and having to submit tedious documentations especially if you are buying a huge amount of a specific currency.

This is why many travelers prefer to buy foreign currency online instead. Right at the comfort of your home or anywhere you are as long as you are connected to the internet, you can actually and immediately buy any currency of your choice.

Getting the best rates for conversion

Online currency sellers like Xchange of America have a currency converter tab, which you could use to instantly determine the rate of exchange. This way, you could carefully and strategically plan how much budget to designate for your trip.

What’s special about such converters is that rates are competitive and are regularly updated, so the rate applied to your transaction is the real and live one—no more, no less. In the traditional exchange centers, you have to drop by their locations personally to find out the rate leading to impulse decisions on how much currency to buy.

Safe and convenient payment methods

Online transactions are more convenient even in terms of payment. With Xchange of America, you could opt to pay via bank wired transfers, e-check, money order, credit/debit card charging, or collect on delivery (your payment will be made upon pick up of the currency you are buying). Moreover, if you are not comfortable and feeling secured to carry cold cash around, online is the way to go.

Availability of currency

If you are going to a place that is a common destination for travelers, you may find it easy to convert your dollars into that country’s currency. But in rare cases, there are currencies that are not readily available for purchasing in most currency exchange centers.

When you buy foreign currency online, you would instantly know the availability, saving you from the hassle of finding other exchanges at the last minute. Fortunately, Xchange of America sells almost all currencies that travelers need.

Buying ahead of your trip

Because of its convenience, buying currency online is more recommended especially if you are a very particular planner when it comes to traveling. You could instantly buy foreign currency online weeks or days ahead of your scheduled trip so this factor of your travel will not bother you anymore in the days or hours to your flight.

5 Destinations That Make Travel Affordable in 2017

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Traveling is a way to escape reality, learn about cultures from around the world, and gain new perspectives. For most, traveling the world and reaping these benefits is something of a dream that they believe is out of reach for financial reasons. While there are several destinations that would require a significant amount of money to explore, there are some hidden destinations that can be explored by everyone wishing to travel the world on a budget. The top 5 destinations for travelers on a budget are as follows:

Thailand

With such a low cost of living compared to a majority of the areas in the United States, it is no wonder why this location is atop the list of must visit budget locations. To put things in perspective, an apartment’s rent at the center of Bangkok is around $460 a month. With each dollar affording travelers 33 baht (the currency used in Thailand), if one was to buy currency online, this currency exchange rate would make visiting or living in Thailand affordable even for people on the tightest of budgets.

Mexico

With such close proximity to the United States leading to savings on air fare, along with a lower average cost of goods and services relative to the United States, Mexico is a prime location for travelers looking to go on an affordable trip. A family of 4 can stay in hotels for an average of around $100 depending on the city, and with a currency exchange rate of 1 USD to several more Mexican Pesos, travelers are sure to get a great bang for their buck when they choose to visit Mexico.

Cambodia

What this destination may be lacking in an overflow of sights and sounds, it more than makes up for in rich culture. While international airfare to and from this destination may be expensive, once in Cambodia even the traveler with the tightest budget can live like royalty due to the average yearly income in Cambodia only being $950! One US Dollar can get you many hundreds of Cambodian Riel. Buy Riel online, book a flight and be on the way to living like royalty.

Greece

Rich in history, mythology, and culinary arts, Greece is the perfect destination for any traveler; however, this proves especially true for those looking to travel on a tight budget. The weakened euro has made European travel slightly more accessible to Americans and Greece’s high rate of debt and generally poor current economic conditions have made this especially true for travel to Greece. 3 and 4 star hotels in the heart of Athens can easily be booked for less than $100 making Greece a prime destination for international travelers.

Haiti

While there are many destinations in the Caribbean that offer crystal clear waters, none are as inexpensive as Haiti. Airfare to this country can cost anywhere between 300 and 500 USD with hotels ranging anywhere between 50 and 150 USD. This allows travelers to experience the great waters and other attractions the Caribbean has to offer without overpaying. With 1 USD converting to dozens of Haitian Gourde, this island is a prime location for anyone looking to travel the world on a budget.

Keep Yourself – and Your Currency – Safe While Traveling

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Keeping your money safe while traveling is mostly common sense, however, it’s still wise to read over a few tips to make sure you don’t become a victim of theft or harm. It’s easy to forget to stay safe when you’re visiting a dream destination, but it’s essential to the success of your trip, and for your overall enjoyment. While it’s not pleasant to think about theft, it’s necessary no matter where you go. Consider a few basic points when traveling with cash:

Try to avoid carrying large amounts. Find out if your hotel has a safe, or hide your cash in your hotel room in places such as pieces of locking luggage. You’ll want cash on hand, but you’ll want a back-up just in case.

Purchase traveler’s insurance before you leave home. Consider this part of the planning process, and do it around the time you contact XchangeforAmerica to discuss your foreign currency needs. Read the policy thoroughly, finding out exactly how much it will cover in case you are robbed abroad. Find out what documents you need to file a claim, such as police documents, bank statements, or more.

Hide it. Don’t pull out stacks of money, as this only tempts thieves. Keep different amounts of cash in different areas, such as a few small bills in your backpack, larger bills in your front pockets, etc. Muggers know about things such as stashed money belts, so if you keep some small bills in here, you can hand it over, and hope the mugger is satisfied with not looking in your pockets, as well. A fun fact about traveling with money comes from Ecuador: many people keep their money in their armpits to avoid theft.

Keep a list of card numbers and account details, but not your PIN, in a place where you can access it easily. Leave the list with a trusted person back home, or hide it in that locking luggage mentioned previously. You’ll be able to cancel your cards quickly if they are stolen.

Make sure you’ve let the bank know your itinerary. Your bank will look out for you, and if they don’t know you’re traveling, they will cancel your cards due to “suspicious activity”. It’s not every day that we go to foreign countries, so the bank considers this activity valid reason to block all cards until they hear from you.

Watch for fake currency, especially paper. Research fake currency in your destination and how to identify it, or ask XchangeforAmerica for help. When you’re using foreign currency, you don’t want to get in trouble for attempting to pass fake money unintentionally.

These tips will take you from point A to B seamlessly. Don’t forget to always be diligent about your money, as thieves target travelers who are too caught up in the sights to realize they are being robbed. Use these ideas to avoid becoming a victim, or becoming harmed during your time away. You’ll always want to prepare as much as possible before your next adventure overseas, and always be safe as you enjoy traveling at your next destination.

Understanding Honduras Currency

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Travel to any destination is exciting, especially when that destination is Honduras, a country rich in beautiful coastline and mysterious ruins. While it’s wise for Americans to stay toward the coasts and away from the dangerous cities, Honduras has plenty to offer. Mayan ruins rest here, as does the perfect diving conditions on Bay Islands, as well as the opportunity to explore nearly a dozen national parks. It is also one of the most cost-friendly countries in the area, attracting tourists to the white sand beaches and clear ocean waters. If you are planning a trip to Honduras, make sure you understand the currency, then proceed to XchangeforAmerica to grab some cash while sitting at home.

The currency is called lempiras. It comes in coin and paper versions, and is divided in similar denominations to the American dollar. Remember that hotels and shops will charge higher rates for exchange, so make your foreign currency exchange before leaving home. Use common sense with traveling with cash in Honduras, as in any country, and divide the cash among different pockets. If you are traveling with someone, divide the money between your persons. This will reduce the amount stolen if you are robbed.

Grab 100 and 200-lempira notes, as the 500 notes are more difficult to cash in most locations. Get smaller notes for tipping, buses, and smaller expenses, such as the 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 lempira notes.

Keep in mind that many places on the islands will take American dollars in addition to the lempiras, but be sure to ask before assuming. On the mainland, you will only be able to use lempiras. It’s also wise to invest in a cash belt, putting only what you will need for the day in your front pocket. It’s never a good idea to advertise the real amount of money you’re carrying.

Remember that ATM’s in Honduras are not always reliable, so it’s not wise to rely on them for more currency. Try to exchange what you will need before leaving home, and have a plan for carrying the foreign currency in a number of different pockets, to avoid having it all stolen by a pickpocket.

Keep in mind that tipping in Honduras must be done with lempiras, in small bills. Check the bill to see if a service fee has been added, then tip according to the service provided. Tip porters, maids, wait staff, and anyone else you might tip in America.

Prices on the islands surrounding Honduras are low, with the mainland becoming increasingly more expensive. Shopping includes many different markets, including open-air markets, where travelers will stretch their lempiras by haggling prices. This practice is expected. Department stores make an appearance here, as do stretches of shops, similar to outdoor malls. Specialty stores are great for souvenirs, but may only take lempiras. Find out before traveling, or research before making a purchase. Either way, if you carry both dollars and lempiras, you will always be prepared. Contact XchangeforAmerica today to grab your lempiras and be ready for your exciting trip to Honduras.

Tipping Around the World

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Some countries expect tipping, while others consider the practice to be rude, limited to those who want to “show off” their wealth. Some cultures expect the traveler to be an honored guest, and behave as such, which means no helping with serving, clean up, or tipping allowed. What’s more, it will help to know that some service people, such as bartenders, housekeepers, or bellmen, pool their tips with the rest of the staff, so a tip isn’t always a communication of a job well done. Meanwhile, the amount of polite tipping changes between locations, with some expecting up to 20%, and others finding as little as 5% acceptable.

So what countries expect tips, and how much is expected? Read the following list for some of the planet’s top destinations, and how they expect a traveler to tip politely. Then, proceed to XchangeforAmerica to buy foreign currency to cover tips for provided services. Remember that this list is an overview; some regions have different rules – for example, tipping in Hong Kong is different than tipping in the rest of China due to its Westernization.

China – A mere 5% is expected here for restaurant service, and only if the service is above standard. Any mediocre or bad service deserves no tip in Chinese custom, so the amount you leave will be a message to your server. 5% is expected for taxi drivers, and hotel porters expect approximately a dollar of the local currency. However, make sure to check before tipping, as tipping in some sections of China is considered rude.

Estonia – Only tip for great service, and research the area in which you are traveling to determine the standard tip total.

Denmark – Tip 10% to wait staff only for excellent service. Round up for taxi drivers, and expect the tip to be part of the overall hotel bill for porters.

Belgium – 10% is standard for service workers, as is rounding up the overall amount. Watch the bill, however, because most businesses will add a service fee, which means you may not have to tip at all.

Brazil – Only tip for great service here, and tip the standard 10% across all service industries. However, some industries include the tip, so double check the bill.

Switzerland – Round up, as the service fee is typically included in the bill.

Don’t tip in French Polynesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, or Italy. Additionally, countries such as France add the tip into your bill automatically, so rounding up on the dollar, or Euro, is customary. However, you may not be able to tip with a credit card, which makes carrying a small amount of Euros convenient.

No matter where you travel, you’ll need to do your homework and find out how the locals feel about tipping. If you can’t find specific information through an Internet search, ask your travel agent. Make sure to work tipping information into your budget, and make sure to buy enough foreign currency to cover tips. Most locals appreciate local currency, but again, it’s wise to check before you exchange your currency.

Countries That Accept the U.S. Dollar

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While our smart readers will exchange funds for local currency well before the trip, it’s important to understand exactly how far the U.S. dollar will travel. In fact, it will travel to a number of different destinations for most major purchases, such as hotels, car rentals, major transportation, and interactions within major cities. However, travelers know that currency rates are in a constant state of flux, and sometimes, the American dollar does not go as far as it might in other countries, or at home. What’s more, rates sometimes change from bank to bank, as well as in different countries, and at different exchange counters.

As a result, smart travelers not only know where American dollars are accepted, but also grab a small stack of foreign currency from places such as XchangeforAmerica, in case that small shop or cute rural farm stand does not take anything but the local currency. Some countries have taken on the American dollar as their official currency, so there is no need to exchange for these countries. However, most still have smaller areas that may only accept that local currency. Finally, some areas offer a “global reserve currency” – which is a secondary currency, deemed safe as an alternative to the local currency. Many places have labeled the U.S. dollar as their “global reserve currency”.

Here is the list of countries that accept the U.S. dollar as alternative currency:

Belize
Barbados
Bahamas
Burma
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Costa Rica
Canada
Cambodia
Dominican Republic
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
El Salvador
Jamaica
Ecuador
Haiti
Lebanon
Laos
Morocco
Liberia
The Maldives
Peru
Palau
Panama
Some areas of Mexico
Micronesia
Turks & Caicos
Marshall Islands
Nicaragua
Zimbabwe
Uruguay

With so many choices, it’s hard to know where to go next! Again, it’s important to remember that these countries take the U.S. dollar in most places, and some prefer the American dollar, as the local economy is highly unstable. However, check your itinerary to make sure you’re sticking to the major cities. If you’re not, or if you think you might spend time in smaller shops, you’ll want to buy some foreign currency.

Sites such as XchangeforAmerica are ready to help you get the right type of money for your target country while you wait on your couch. Make sure you order your currency ahead of time, and preferably in small bills, so you can tip service people or buy items from those cute local shops. You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience when you have the currency that you need during your next set of travels.

Contact XchangeforAmerica today to find out the currency rate, the name of the local currency, and the process for grabbing a small pile of bills to go along with your American dollars. Remember to find out if you can use credit at your destination, or if you should carry cash. Finally, remember to split up your cash, keeping some in a lock box or hotel safe, to ensure you have cash if a worst-case scenario happens during your travels.

Understanding South American Currency

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South America is a beautiful continent, with a number of different areas to explore. The vast landscape includes everything from rainforests to snowy mountains, and the terrain is speckled with ancient ruins and modern cities. Whether you’re going for business or for pleasure, you’ll be surprised at the variety of culture, nature, beauty, and urban jungle that meets you in every country. However, before you leave, it’s important to make sure you are prepared, including exchanging currency while remaining in the comfort of your own home. Sit back and relax while you wait for your currency, but remember to never leave this for the last minute – it must be done a week or more ahead of time, to ensure you have plenty of time to receive the currency. Once the currency is received, make sure you have enough, and that it is from the correct country, by checking it against this handy South American currency guide.

South American Currencies:

Bolivia – Boliviano
Chile – Peso
Argentina – Argentine Peso
Brazil – Real
French Guiana – Euro
Colombia – Peso
Ecuador – US Dollar
Guiana – Guyaenese Dollar
Peru – Nuevo Sol
Paraguay – Guarani
Uruguay – Uruguyan Peso
Suriname – Surinamese Dollar
Venezuela – Bolivar

This is a sample of the local currencies. When you exchange foreign currency online, you’ll be able to view each currency’s updated exchange rates, which countries exchange freely, which are closed currencies, and much more. It’s best to work with a well-known, trustworthy online money exchange company who has been in the business for a long time.

Traveling around the continent also means paying extra fees to move through some countries, so remember to grab the appropriate cash for these expenses. For example, there is an exit fee associated with leaving Brazil, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough Real to buy the exit passport. Additionally, understanding these currencies will help you make sure you have the right currency for the right country. Even if your destination takes dollars, you’ll want local currency to pay taxi drivers, small shop owners, and anyone offering a service in a rural community. Even if you don’t plan on traveling to a place where you’ll need the currency, carrying some local currency in small bills is always a good idea, to prepare for any scenario.

The best place to find these currencies is on XchangeforAmerica, where you’ll have access to lower rates than if you attempted to exchange within the country. However, it’s important to also find out if your destination has a “closed currency”, because these countries make it more difficult to exchange currency before arrival. XchangeforAmerica will help you determine the best way to get currency from these countries, all while making sure you have some currency from every country you’ll visit during your travels.

Head over to our site now. You’ll find everything you need, for nearly every country around the world. Let us worry over your exchange while you worry over other trip details, including what amazing area of South America you’ll explore first!

Traveling in Europe While the U.S. Dollar Remains Strong

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The surging U.S. dollar and the declining drop in transatlantic flights have helped the European vacation popular again. This is the perfect time for Americans to visit beautiful and diverse Europe, exploring hidden gems and popular destinations for pennies on the dollar. Travel now and travel well to these amazing destinations, where your American dollar stretches further than ever. Don’t forget to contact XchangeforAmerica during your planning phase, to get the best deal on foreign currency rates before you ever step on a plane. It’s always wise, though, to make sure the U.S. dollar has held its strength before planning a trip.

United Kingdom

The U.S. dollar is worth more than the pound, meaning you’ll get more for your money if you travel to this northern island. It has been decades since Americans have been able to get so much for so little here, so traveling there now is a smart idea. Remember that admission to major museums is free, and theater ticket outside London are cheaper than most of America’s major cities. Airfare to this area has also lowered to a reasonable rate.

Portugual

This is another country where the dollar is stronger – in fact, it is among the most affordable destinations on the continent. Upscale hotels are less than 100 U.S. dollars, and the fine dining is nearly as cheap. Portugual is not one of Europe’s most popular destinations, so visit to avoid the crowds of the bigger points of interest. Tour castles, visit clean beaches, find medieval towns, and peruse the beautiful countryside.

Scandinavia

These are typically the most expensive places to visit, however, their currencies have gone down recently. They are currently back on the map for American travelers, including a drop in airfare to get there. Visiting any of the capitals of any three countries here treats a traveler to elegance, tolerance, and exquisite design. However, as with all cities, you might find cheaper prices in rural areas. Review the exchange rates, purchase some foreign currency online today, and get traveling to these beautiful destinations.

Croatia

This is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and it has currently been revealed as one of Europe’s cheapest places to visit. It hides pristine coastlines, distinct architecture including Roman ruins, medieval castles, and unique walled cities. Tourism has soared here, where visitors travel the cities or explore places such as Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Spain

Surprise! Spain has become highly affordable. This is partly due to the discounted flights mentioned above, but it’s also attributed to a stronger dollar. Hotels are cheaper overall, even in the cities, and if you find a cabin to use in the country, you’ll save more money. Exchange your money from the comfort of your couch, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the country named Most Tourist Friendly in no time.

No matter where you choose to travel in Europe, make sure you grab some local currency to cover small costs, such as smaller shops or rural restaurants. Take time now to enjoy a continent centuries old, while it’s still a great deal.