Fees vary, but expect to pay more to exchange money at transportation hubs than at financial institutions in the city center. Try to avoid exchanging money at cash exchanges located in heavily traveled tourist areas or at those open late at night. For those conveniences, you'll pay steep fees. Even if you have to go out of your way, exchange your money at financial institutions. These are the safest, most reliable sources, and they usually charge the lowest fees.
Exchange rates vary daily.
Exchange boards, located at exchange offices and financial institutions, post what that country will pay to buy or sell another country's currency. If you want to cash a personal check, and you hold a valid American Express card, you can usually get a very good exchange rate for local currency at any full-service American Express office overseas. Credit Cards Credit cards are convenient because they're accepted practically everywhere in the world. I can attest to the fact that local vendors everywhere, even on beaches in some of the most remote locations, including Bali, Java, and Greece, are at the ready with their handy-dandy credit card machines. Using credit cards, while potentially an invitation to overspending, can actually be a convenient way to extend your buying power.