Tag Archives: Currency

Tips for Traveling to Australia – Buy Currency

Australia is among one of the most visited countries by tourists all over the world.
Below are 4 Tips for Traveling to Australia, and be sure to buy currency online for Australia from Xchange of America prior to your visit to ensure that you can see all of the destinations and enjoy the country the way that it was meant to be.

1.AUSTRALIA CAN BE QUITE EXPENSIVE.

Visiting Australia can be very expensive, so you need to be ready to spend a substantial sum of money and therefore you should be well prepared in terms of your budget.

Basically, you should be ready to approximately spend more than $100 and above per day in term of food, transportation and even accommodations.

Therefore, if you want to save some money when you are visiting Australia, you need to consider some saving tips such as using less expensive flight such as Jetstar Airways which are less costly than full service airways.

Food in Australia can be quite expensive so its highly advisable for those visiting Australia to cook their own food and this will help you to save same money and you will also be able to appreciate your own heritage and culture.

If you really want to save in your budget you need to carry your own drinks. This is because drinks in Australia bars and restaurants are very expensive.

2.BE AWARE OF AUSTRALIAN WEATHER

Australian weather can be sometime be surprising and unique. This is because in summer the weather in Australia is very hot and so you should be ready. Also in some parts of the country it rains heavily. Therefore, its advisable you that you visit Australia during the favorable season between April and May or between the months of October and November when the temperature is more moderate.

3. BE READY TO BE LESS LEARN TO BE OK WITH BEING OFFLINE

When visiting Australia you should be ready to either be offline or have less of a network connection than you are used to. This is because the network in Australia is still under development and will take some time to reach certain areas, especially rural areas.

You can get WiFi connections in hotels and restaurants, but the connecting speed of the network will often be very low. Sometimes it can be nice to get away from it all for a bit and enjoy some time away from the internet, so this may be a nice opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself.

YOU WILL LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA

If you want to have a great range of breathtaking experiences Australia is a place to be. It has great beaches, wonderful green rainforests, scenic sunsets and many other wonderful adventures in nature and manmade structures.

Be sure to buy Australian dollars ahead of your visit to ensure that you can visit all of the areas that you want to and to have an exciting time. Buying currency from our website is easy, and Australia is one of the best places in the world for a quick vacation.

4 Tips for Traveling to Canada

Canada can be a great vacation destination, with its delightful vistas, wild creatures, perfect winding streets, and cosmopolitan urban areas. Regardless of whether you go to Canada all the time or are just going one time, these are four travel tips to Canada.

Tip #1: Bring a Good Travel Guide to Canada

When you go to any new place, it’s essential to create a decent travel guide. Canada is no exemption. You can print out a guide on the web, or you can buy a notable travel guide for Canada, for example, Lonely Planet.

A decent travel guide will give you an understanding into where to stay, shop, eat, and drive. In addition, it will give you bunches of tips about activities, awesome nightlife, and attractions that are a good time for the entire family. Put resources into a decent travel guide for Canada, and your trip can go much more smoothly.

Tip #2: Think About the Climate

Before you pack for your trip to Canada, think about the climate. In case you’re heading off to the Maritime Provinces, remember that they have a tendency to be milder than the areas in the west.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can expect a climate that is cold in winter and is calm in the mid-year. On the off chance that you are heading out to Canada and staying in the mountain zones, you can see a great deal of variety in temperature.

Layering apparel is useful in these areas. Alternately, the regions of Vancouver and Victoria are significantly milder and don’t regularly see extremely colder temperatures.

Tip # 3: Plan for the Border Crossing

Going to Canada has become significantly more complex as of late, as new confinements on passage have been put into place. The documentation necessities for travel to Canada are constantly changing, so it’s critical to take care of any prerequisites before you clear out.

For the most up to date information on the travel to Canada from the US, go to the US Department of State Website.

Tip #4: Buy Currency

Be sure to buy local currency before you travel to Canada. Canada utilizes the Canadian dollar, but numerous outskirt areas will accept American dollars also. We offer a convenient currency exchange option where you can get a sufficient quantity of currency and have it delivered right to your home no matter how long you plan on staying in Canada.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Sales Tax

Like the US, the Canadian government has a Good and Services (GST) tax for merchandise and enterprises. Remember these taxes when arranging your budget when you go to Canada.

Rates for the territories are as per the following:

  • 5% in Alberta, NWT, Nunavut, and Yukon
  • 11% in Saskatchewon
  • 12% in BC
  • 13% in Manitoba and Ontario
  • 15% in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI

To learn more about traveling to Canada or to ask us any questions at all about buying currency online, contact us today or place your order online. We’re here to help no matter how long you plan on staying in Canada.

Denmark Travel Tips

Denmark is a Nordic country south-west of Sweden and south of Norway. Tourism is a growing industry with tourists mainly coming from neighboring countries but also other destinations. Although not the first thing that pops up in the minds of travelers planning to go to Europe, it is still an excellent destination which is often overlooked. Here are 4 tips for traveling to Denmark.

Traveling to Denmark can be expensive without budgeting. Accommodations and food are the two biggest expenses. Try going local on both to save costs, and make sure to buy the local currency, Danish krones, before you head out so that you can save money on local foods. Couchsurfing is very popular in Denmark so visitors can find hosts as long as requests are sent in advance and this is planned.

Otherwise if that makes you uncomfortable, there are hostels which are lower in cost, as well as reasonably priced hotels in areas outside of the major cities. This can be a nice change of scenery as well from some of the busier areas like Copenhagen, but you will certainly want to visit the cities as well.

To save cost on food, cook your own meals from buying ingredients at the grocery store if possible. If you do want to eat out, try the street stalls. In addition, try to use city bikes which are mostly free to take advantage of Denmark’s safe and extensive cycling routes.

Seasons are also an important factor to consider. The best time to visit Denmark would be from May to June, during Spring. This season has long daylight, good weather, and small crowds. Travel during other seasons are still possible but visitors have to endure colder weather and some closed attractions during Fall and Winter. Summer is still a good season to visit but expect bigger crowds.

Denmark is not short of interesting attractions. It is important to know about their best attractions, especially if you are short on time. Visit the famous Nyhavn, a historical waterfront lined with colorful townhouses in Copenhagen. It is a great place for a scenic walk or to stop in one of the bars or restaurants.

The Tivoli Gardens is conveniently located opposite Copenhagen Central Station and is a world-class 19th-century amusement park. The Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the coast of Helsingor. Explore the impressive architecture of the castle which was one of the inspirations behind Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet.

Denmark is a family-friendly destination. Safety-wise, Denmark is considered very low risk. Locals are fluent in English, having been taught in school. However, do expect the possibility of miscommunication with the locals if you do not speak Danish. Also, note that locals are sometimes not open to engaging with strangers so it is important to approach strangers politely depending on the circumstance.

These tips should help you make the most out of your travels to one of the happiest countries in the world. Denmark makes for a wonderful destination if one plans their trip wisely and buy currency ahead of time.

Travel Tips to Guatemala

One of the most loved regions to visit in Central America is the southern shore of Guatemala. In recent years, you will need to be cautious due to a rise in violent crime in some areas, such as robbery or assault.

However, with the right preparation and with the purchase of the local currency from Xchange of America, you can enjoy the best that Guatemala has to offer and the wide range of unique attractions offered by the country.

Here are a few spots you can visit and things you can do:

Retalhuleu

It is otherwise called Reu for local people. This region ended up well known because it is
home to some of Guatemala’s most noteworthy event congregations. There also additionally adjacent Mayan ruins worth going to.

  • Takalik Abaj
  • Xocomil Water Park
  • Xetulul Amusement Park

Puerto San Jose

Although, Monterrico is the most famous place among local people San Jose is another top option.
One reason is because it is nearer to Guatemala City. We recommend going to this place for those voyagers who want to do some angling.

  • Sail angling
  • Ostrich Farm
  • Aqua Magic

The Popular Beach Town – Monterrico

This is a top beach destination in Guatemala and the most well-known shoreline among local people. It
includes a small town that has few facilities. Nonetheless, it has been rapidly developing over the most recent few years.

This is a famous destination of both locals and visitors. It is a dark sanded shoreline where you will have the ability to see ocean turtles settling or incubating (contingent upon the season). It doesn’t have many hotels however some are great. It is a delightful area where you can easily spend several hours enjoying the weather during the warm season, beachgoing and a wide variety of local attractions.

Below are some of the top attractions in Monterrico. Those who love nature and the outdoors will find plenty to do here to occupy their time and ensure a pleasant beach getaway.

  • Hawaii Park
  • Reserva Natural de (Monterrico Nature Reserve
  • Tortuguero Monterrico
  • Turtle tours

What to Do

  • Birdwatching
  • Boat tours along the mangrove trenches
  • Turtle tours around evening time
  • Volunteering at Tortuguerio Monterrico

Lanquin Town

Lanquin is a residential community situated in the Alta Verapaz Department, Central Highlands of Guatemala. It is the closest town to the super famous Lanquin Caves.

The most widely traveled approach to arrive is from the close-by and substantially larger town of Coban. You can arrive by driving through an street along Cardamom estates.

This small town is minutes from one of Guatemala’s most popular attractions after Antigua and
Tikal, the Lanquin Cave System. Lanquin is a progression of limestone formations under the ground so enormous that no wayfarer has ever reached where they end.

A few tours and attractions that are offered in the zone are:

  • Horseback riding
  • Rafting the Río Cahabón
  • Hiking the Lanquin Caves

Spots you have to visit:

  • Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera
  • Semuc Champey Natural Monument
  • Candelaria Caves National Park

Don’t forget to buy currency ahead of your trip at Xchange of America!

Ways to Use Local Currency When Traveling Abroad

Before you head out on any trip, you’ll want to buy currency online for the country that you are traveling to for a wide range of different expenses. From street foods, to tips, to transportation to entertainment, there are a variety of different uses for currency that you might need. Be sure to buy a sufficient amount of currency before you travel and it will allow you to enjoy the top attractions of whichever destination you end up visiting. Here are some of the many ways that you might use the local currency that you purchase.

Street Foods

Many street vendors in underdeveloped or even developed countries will only accept cash as a form of payment. This may be the result of a lack of payment processing technology or simple preference – cash payments don’t have the credit card processing fees and are often more convenient for these merchants. If you don’t have local cash with you, it can end up being a problem when you want to purchase street foods or other items from vendors who only accept cash as a form of payment. Always have anywhere from the equivalent of $50 to $100 USD in local currency in cash.

For Tipping

From doormen to restaurant workers, and other service providers, tipping is often highly appreciated in many destinations, as service workers may partially depend on tips or it can simply supplement their income. You don’t necessarily have to tip for poor service but when you find someone who is particularly helpful or courteous, it’s always a good idea to have cash with you to reward them for being hospitable. In some destinations tipping is considered rude, so you will want to determine this before you visit, but in most cases it is welcome depending on where you visit.

For Transportation

Ridesharing apps may not be available when you travel, and thus you might have to take a local bus, trolley or taxi, many of which operate on local currency. Those that accept coins or cash for example are not likely to accept your native currency, and if you try to pay with it, you might run into complications or simply be denied. You can avoid this by simply having cash with you – this way you’ll be able to get around in the country that you visit and can get change whenever needed.

For Souvenirs or Items

Just like street food vendors, you will also probably find several vendors selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry and other souvenirs. This is another circumstance where having cash can be very handy – just like food vendors they may prefer payment in their local currency. You can often get discounts as well by paying in cash and haggle on the price a little – many will sell you items for a lower price if you only have a certain amount of cash with you. Don’t be afraid to bargain a little, but be sure that you have local currency before you travel, which is easy to find when you use Xchange of America.

How to Plan for a Trip Abroad

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.

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.

Currency Exchange for Travel to Venezuela

Nothing gets any more exciting than traveling to other countries to experience their unique culture, get pampered by their unparalleled hospitality services, or have a blast at their main attractions and entertainment establishments. With that said, Canaima National Park is a popular tourist destination, as its currency has remained relatively lower in comparison to the currencies of many developed countries – other than the fact that it has plenty in store for its visitors!

As of today, the US currency exchange rate is a little more than four times that of the Venezuelan Bolivar, thereby granting people with the green stronger purchasing power. Upon arrival at Canaima’s airport, many travelers choose to have their cash exchanged at the bureau within the compound, as it’s highly recommended by those who’ve been here before.

Tourists are often approached by individuals offering to exchange their money themselves, which in some cases, could be a big mistake. There are some shady characters that either run off with the dough or give forged notes in exchange. These situations could lead to a lot of trouble, especially when tourists use fake bills to pay for their accommodations, who subsequently call the local authorities to fix the problem at hand.

That being said, travelers are advised to deal with legit US currency exchange outlets only, and never with a complete stranger. The only exception to this rule would be if that “stranger” happens to be a trusted friend.

After a vacationist gets his cash converted into the Bolivar currency, the next step would be to find a nice place to stay within the park. Those who frequently visit the mystical little getaway paradise recommend Campamento Ucaima for anyone looking to save money, yet still enjoy the perks of charming local hospitality.

This venue is filled with simple yet affordable rooms which offer great value in return, thereby allowing guests to use their money for more important things, such as food or travel. Moreover, the establishment was founded by the Legendary Rudy Truffino, and is currently operated by his descendants.

Alternatively, vacationers who want VIP-like accommodations during their stay can feel free to head on over to Waku Lodge. Although it’ll be more expensive — but not TOO pricey considering the strength of the US currency exchange rate in relation to Venezuela’s currency — the rooms and service are much better, and it’s said to have exquisite views of the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Things To Watch out for When Handling Foreign Currency

Before departing for a trip – be it for business or pleasure – to another country, it’d be extremely helpful to have certain amounts of the nation’s local currency on person. The option to buy foreign currency online is one of the most convenient ways to satisfy this need, as reputable exchangers can have the money sent to their customers’ doorsteps within 24 to 48 hours.

Although rare, there are instances where handling holiday money can actually inconvenience the vacationer during their breaks abroad, regardless of whether the tourist decides to carry cash or card. For instance, travelers usually carry two currencies – or even more –while traveling abroad.

Despite trying to keep the currency notes separated from one another, the coins can sometimes get mixed up, which can cause a little distress when paying for public transport. Attempting to pay the typical British bus driver in foreign coin – be it intentional or unintentional – may prompt the guy or girl to immediately kick the commuter off the bus.

Nevertheless, this potential setback can easily be negated by using color-coded wallets. To be extra safe, using wallets with colors that more or less match the flag colors or bear symbols of the country’s flag would definitely be helpful.

Second problem stems from the use of ATM cards – upon reaching the airport, there’s always that moment of hesitation and anxiety that sinks in upon inserting the card into the machine. Although uncommon, there’s still a small chance wherein the money dispenser fails to spit any cash out, or even fails to release the card completely.

This scenario is either psychologically or literally worse in a foreign country, as the thought of being without local currency for an undetermined span of time can be daunting.

Third and last potential money-related problem is not having enough change to tip concierges, waiters, and other hospitality employees. There’s a wide range of establishments within various tourist destinations wherein giving a tip is an absolute must, or neglecting to do so would be rude.

All three issues may not be that too big of a deal, but they sure can lead to feelings of discomfort. Saving face and avoiding awkward situations is an issue which can be addressed by simply opting to buy foreign currency online, and have the notes delivered in both large and small denominations.