Exchanging money for a trip: how to compare quotes yourself
How to read an exchange quote, compare the spread with the mid-market rate, and account for fees and commission. Covers banks, licensed counters and exchanging at your destination, how to carry cash safely, and what to do with leftovers. No rates quoted.
Risposta rapida
- A good rate is something you compare yourself. Look up the mid-market rate from a reliable reference on the same day, then compare it with what each place offers: the buy or sell rate, fees and commission. The total gap is the real cost of the exchange, whether at a bank, a licensed counter or at your destination.
- We quote no rates and do not say where is cheapest, because rates change constantly and vary everywhere. Our currency tools are a good starting point.
Mid-market, buy and sell rates: reading a quote
The mid-market rate is the midpoint between market buy and sell prices, used as a reference. An exchange provider offers buy and sell rates that sit away from the mid-market on both sides. That gap is the spread, and it is how the provider earns. A board is therefore read in two parts: the rate offered, and anything added on top, such as fees.
A five-step way to compare quotes
- 1Look up today's mid-market rateOpen a reliable reference, or use the currency tools on this site, and note the rate with the time.
- 2Ask for the rate you would actually getAsk for the rate for the amount you plan to exchange, as some places vary by amount or channel.
- 3Ask about fees and commissionAsk whether there is a flat fee, commission or other charge, and how it is applied.
- 4Work out what you receive in the target currencyApply the rate and subtract fees to get one final number you can compare across places.
- 5Compare with the mid-market rateSee how far the result sits from the mid-market rate. The smaller gap means a lower cost at that moment.
Where you can exchange
| Place | Cosa controllare | Attenzione a |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Buy and sell rates, fees, whether currencies must be ordered ahead | Some currencies may be scarce, so allow time |
| Licensed exchange counter | Licence, clearly displayed rates, commission | Headline rates that exclude fees |
| At the destination (airport or city) | Compare the quote with the mid-market rate yourself | If needed, exchange a small amount first, then find a better place |
| Exchange apps | Whether the provider is authorised, fees and how you receive the money | Check conditions on the official site, not from adverts |
Exchange places and what to check
Before you go, or once you arrive?
Exchanging before you go gives you cash for transport or food right after you land. Exchanging at the destination may offer more choice but means finding a place and comparing rates while tired from travel. A middle path is to exchange a small amount before departure for the first 24 hours, and decide the rest from what you learn, such as how widely cards are accepted there.
Carrying cash safely
- Split cash across two or three places rather than one: wallet, daypack and hotel safe.
- Do not count cash in public, and keep the exchange receipt.
- Check rules on bringing cash in and out and any declaration needed for larger sums on the official customs or authority sites of both countries.
- Beware of counterfeit notes or withdrawn currency; if unsure, ask a bank at the destination.
Leftover foreign currency after the trip
Coins can often not be exchanged back, while notes may be accepted in some places, with another spread each time. Try to spend what is left before you fly, on souvenirs or a last transport fare, or keep it for the next trip if it is a currency you will use again.
When paying by card may replace exchanging
If your destination accepts cards or QR payments widely, you may exchange less cash, but card payments carry their own conversion and fees, which you should check with the issuer. See our guides on card charges abroad and on travel card versus credit card versus cash.
Staying online while abroad
Checking live rates, opening a converter app or confirming a bank transaction abroad needs internet. If you want to check the rate before exchanging at the destination, having data from the moment you land helps. You can compare eSIM plans for your destination at the live price on the plan pages.
FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money?+
There is no fixed answer because rates keep changing. Compare each place's quote, including fees and commission, with the same day's mid-market rate.
How much should I exchange?+
Think in groups: cash you will certainly need at first, an emergency reserve, and the part you leave to cards. Adjust to the destination and your trip style.
Is exchanging at the airport expensive?+
We do not state this as fact, since it differs by airport and day. Compare the quote with the mid-market rate before deciding.
Where can I find the mid-market rate?+
From a reliable reference, or our currency rates tool, which is only a reference and not the rate you will actually get.
Can leftover coins be exchanged back?+
Often not. Spend them before you leave, or keep them if you will return.
Is there no limit to cash I can bring in?+
Countries have different declaration rules and thresholds. Check with customs or the official authority before you travel.
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