Currency & Exchange : Planning Your Trip

The exchange rates valid at press time (Sept. 1993) are listed at the beginning of each country’s section: however, rates fluctuate-often dramatically-so check them in the financial pages of a national newspaper when planning your trip. Before leaving home, buy about US$50 in the currency of the first country you will visit. This will save you time at the airport, and protect you if you arrive after banking hours on a holiday or weekend.

Commissions can van’ greatly; compare rates when exchanging money. Train stations, luxury hotels, and restaurants generally offer the worst rates. Try not to purchase more of a currency than you’ll need in a particular country, for every time you re-convert money you incur a loss. If your home currency is failing, however, you will save money if you exchange as much money as is practical at the beginning of your trip. Divide your money among pockets, bags, and a moneybelt.