Tag Archives: currency exchange online

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.

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.

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.

Considerations for Every Traveler

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Traveling for business or pleasure is both exciting and exhausting, especially if the traveler finds a number of surprises along the way, such as changing exchange rates, surprise fees, and more. There are many things to consider before traveling, especially with finances, from understanding currency rates to realizing that currency exchange online is one of the greatest benefits of today’s fast-paced, Internet-led world. You can save money with currency exchange online and get some of the best information that you can find about the most widely exchanged currency options in the world.

Tell Your Bank

Make sure to call your bank and communicate your itinerary with them. What countries will you visit, and for how long? This is especially important if you are planning to use the cash you converted with Xchange for America in combination with a credit card. Take down the emergency numbers for your bank or card holder, in case your card is lost. Ask about a microchip option for your card, if you don’t already have one, because these are generally accepted at unmanned kiosks, such as train stations. Leave extra plastic, such as gas station cards, at home.

Convert Early

If you are converting before you go, which is the best option for most travel, make sure you do it as part of the planning stage of the trip – it must be done early. Remember that institutions may limit amounts, and if you plan to spend only cash, you may need to interact in more than one transaction. Make sure to start the process early and, if possible, at the best rates available.

Research the Banks

Research what banks and ATM’s will honor your card of choice without crazy hidden fees. Map them out along your trip so you make sure to get the best rates possible, and read about the experiences of others at the same facilities to double check that there are no hidden fees. Do as much research as possible about the facilities near your planned travel route to get the best possible rates throughout the length of the trip.

Research Your Own Bank

Remember to look into your own bank for overseas services. For example, you’ll never see a Wells Fargo outside the United States, but you will enjoy the convenience of international telephone assistance. Find out how your bank will help you while you’re traveling, and if they offer any convenient traveling services. Some banks will offer receipt tracking; make sure to ask about this. Otherwise, save all your receipts in case you need to dispute a charge.

Returning with Cash

If you return home with leftover cash, head to Xchange for America first, where you will get the best assistance in returning the foreign money into American money. Most banks will buy foreign money, but only paper – never coins. Go with the company that started it all for your trip, and the one you’ve trusted from the beginning – Xchange for America. It’s fast, convenient, and the best way to convert your money while you get back to your daily life.

The Best Way to Understand Currency Exchange

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Currency exchange rates are subject to change, as every traveler understands. The overall value of each currency is directly dependent upon the strength of the country’s economy, which rises and dips on a continuous basis. Understanding factors such as inflation, the people’s confidence in the government, and interest rates within the country of desired travel will give any traveler an advantage in exchanging currency before the trip begins. After acquiring this information, follow these steps to gain the best exchange rate possible.

Select Currency

Understand what currency you’re interested in exchanging. For example, some European countries still rely on their country’s currency, while others rely on the Euro. It’s important to find out what type of money you’ll be handling while in the foreign country. You’ll want to find out the exchange rates in this step.

Rates

Discover the rates for changing your money. Use sites such as Xchange of America to get the best rates for exchange before you travel. However, it’s wise to know the rates, in case you find yourself having to exchange while traveling. Understand the exchange rate on the American dollar so you won’t be cheated if you do not exchange enough with Xchange for America, and need to exchange while traveling.

Relationship

Understand the relationships of the currency. The American dollar has been strong in the world economy for decades, but there are some currencies that are stronger. Discover how much you will get on the dollar to understand the relationship between the currencies. It’s important to remember that a stronger currency will give you less spending power in the foreign country.

Convert Early

Use a site such as Xchange for America to change currency before you leave. Many travel advice experts recommend this, because airports or hotels will upcharge, creating unnecessary expense for the traveler. You’ll get less for your dollar when you wait to exchange at the airport. While banks tend to have lower rates, it’s best to work with a company at home.

Conversion Surcharges

This is an issue for many travelers, and it must be monitored. Watch for these surcharges during conversion, especially if you did not convert at home. There could be a 2 percent fee per transaction, which doesn’t seem like much, until it is repeated over the course of the foreign stay. Flat rates are nearly as bad, but will allow you to convert a larger amount of money at one time. The best way to avoid this whole situation is to convert money before leaving home.

Credit Cards

If you’d like to use your credit card, call your card company and inform them of your intention to travel. Ask about exchange rates and fees in the destination company, as they may change due to travel. Sometimes, rates are fair enough that it’s more convenient to use the card, but relying on one card while traveling can be nerve-racking. It’s best to combine converted currency with the use of a credit card for the most secure travel possible, and you can do that when you buy currency at Xchange of America.