Author Archives: Xchange Of America

Why Online Currency Exchange is Better

Using an online currency exchange service that is licensed and registered such as Xchange of America is often a far better alternative than other options. You can save both time and money and ensure that you have the currency that you need well ahead of your trip. Online currency exchange takes far less time than other methods and has become the future of currency exchange. As Xchange of America continues to grow each year, we have found that many of our customers prefer the many benefits of using our website as opposed to having to visit one of our storefront locations. You can get many of the same benefits without having to travel or look for a local currency exchange service.

Save tons of time

There is no question that you will save tons of time compared to other currency exchange options – the amount of time that you can save will quickly add up if you have to make multiple currency purchases or if you don’t have much time prior to your trip. This can make all of the difference when you don’t have very much time to spend on currency exchange and just want to get it taken care of so that you can focus on your other obligations. Within just a few minutes you can have your currency shipped to your home well ahead of your travel date, allowing you to take care of your other obligations and ensuring that your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Get your questions answered

With an online currency exchange service like Xchange of America, you can get your questions answered so that you can properly prepare for travel. Many of our customers are purchasing currency for the purpose of traveling but aren’t sure about the country they are traveling to. They may have questions about safety, attractions, the amount of currency to bring and other topics which we frequently cover on this blog. Our staff can answer many of these questions or point our customers to the right resources, while also helping them prepare for their trip and ensuring that they know exactly how much currency that they will need for their trip.

Secure multiple payment options

At Xchange of America you can also choose from multiple secure payment options – whichever options are suitable for you. Many other currency exchange services limit the payment options that you can use, while we aim to try to provide a flexible process for a wide range of different customers. You can also trust that your information will be protected by the highest level of security possible – this level of security is also hard to find from other providers. With several payment options and industry leading security, you can make a purchase from the comfort of your home and have all of your needs met. There’s no better way to purchase currency, and the time that it can save you can be substantial when you add it all up. Make a purchase for currency at Xchange of America today or call us with any questions.

How to Plan for a Trip Abroad

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Is it your first time going abroad or are you a more experienced world traveler? Whatever the case may be, these tips can help you prepare for your next adventure in a new land. Remember, before you travel, you will want to buy foreign currency from Xchange of America for several countries, as you may not be able to easily find a currency exchange service once you have arrived at your destination.

You will also want to get your documents in order well head of your trip including your passport and visas. Passports can take up to 6 weeks to obtain if you don’t have one already. Below are some additional tips to consider.

Bring Cash With You in the Local Currency

You’ll almost always want to have some cash with you in the local currency of the countries you are traveling to. This will allow you to do business with the maximum number of vendors in each country. You can’t assume that every vendor will accept other currencies such as the dollar or euro, this is not always the case and it can make it difficult to find businesses that will accept your native currency. It’s always preferable to bring local cash with you, and on Xchange of America you can choose from dozens of different currencies from some of the most commonly traveled countries in the world quite easily. You can make a currency purchase anytime and ensure that you have the cash you need with you.

Create an itinerary

You will also want to create at least a rough itinerary – you don’t have to follow it perfectly but having something in place will help you spend your time as wisely as possible. Look at the different attractions in the area you are visiting and decide which ones are “must sees” and others that aren’t as big of a deal if you happen to miss them. Then dedicate enough time in your schedule to seeing the top attractions. It will help you plan your trip out and determine how many days and nights that you need to stay in the country. If you are visiting multiple countries it becomes even more important to do this, due to the travel time from one country to another.

Book your accommodations and airfare well ahead of time

Of course, as the biggest expense for your trip, you will want to book your accommodations and airfare well ahead of time. This will allow you to have enough money for other expenses and properly budget your trip out. By taking care of your larger expenses ahead of time you’ll be able to properly plan for your trip. Don’t forget to buy the currency of the country that you are traveling to so that you can purchase any local items. You can have an enjoyable trip and see the best sights of each country that you travel to with just a little bit of planning, and you’ll be amazed at how far it really can go.

Why Buy Currency Online?

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Buying currency online can allow you to save a substantial amount of money on your purchase and ensure that your travel preparations go as smoothly as possible. It has become one of the most preferred options for obtaining currency with limited costs, and you can prepare for the other aspects of your trip when you buy it online as opposed to other options. With convenient shipping right to your home, there’s no need to visit a brick and mortar currency exchange location, even though we also offer several of them as well. It takes just minutes and allows you to prepare for the other aspects of your upcoming trip without dealing with wait times, lines and service fees.

No need to find a currency exchange locally

Some areas don’t have a currency exchange that can be easily found, other areas may have one but it may charge large sums of money for currency exchange. The cost can quickly add up if you are planning on traveling to an area for an extended period of time. You can save significantly more money in most cases by purchasing currency online as opposed to elsewhere, as the fees can sometimes be as high as 20 to 50% or more of your total purchase cost. You should never have to pay that much for currency when you can find it at a reasonable cost from Xchange of America along with top tier customer service and plenty of other benefits.

Ask questions

Get your questions answered about currency exchange – you’ll be able to properly plan for any upcoming trips, learn about new countries, and fully prepare for any travel requirements by working with Xchange of America. Other providers often won’t provide you with any information at all or simply won’t have the staff available to answer questions. It’s also difficult to do this when your time is limited and you’re scrambling to find a currency exchange option at the last second. With the online currency purchasing option at Xchange of America you can simply take your time and find the currency that you need, ask any questions that you may have, and ensure a smooth overall transaction compared to the other options that are available.

Get your currency ahead of time

When you buy your currency ahead of time compared to the last second, you’ll be able to avoid last minute detours for a currency exchange. You won’t have to worry about finding one after you have traveled, which can be difficult and cause you to go off your tour itinerary. When you have your currency well ahead of time, it will save you a substantial amount of time and help you relax and prepare for your travel. There’s no better way to get currency exchange than the secure and convenient purchase options offered by Xchange of America. Get the currency that you need and enjoy plenty of benefits including low exchange rates, fast shipping, and customized support experiences. Find our website available 24/7 for convenient access whenever you need it the most.

4 Tips for Traveling to Bermuda

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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.