Getting Foreign Currency

[DLev]

I'm going to Japan next Thursday and want to get some Yen, maybe $600 worth or a little more. Where do I go? What about traveller's checks? I'm a AAA member. I'll be in Austin and I'll also be in Houston this Saturday if maybe a bank there is more likely to have it on hand. Apparently you have to order it or something and it might be too late?? That doesn't sound right.

 

[hellbunny]

Some banks can do currency exchange so call around. Sometimes only one branch will have the ability so make sure you ask if any of the local branches can do the exchange. It helps to be trading for 'strong' currency (like Yen) as opposed to a less trusted form. Maybe some hotels although I'd expect a poor rate.

There is a Japanese consulate in Houston, you might ask them if they know a place that has a good rate and is open weekends. The rates usually suck but you can check to see if there is a Thomas Cook branch close to you. (in a mall or near tourist sites). And the airport is probably the worst place to exchange currency.

 

[iamtigerwoods]

You can order from American Express, though they tend to have a somewhat hefty transaction fee. I believe I have usually received it in 3-4 working days..

AMEX Foreign Currency Site

 

[Woland]

Why not visit an ATM once you get there? I would imagine there are ATM's everywhere in Japan.

 

[midtown]

There has to be a Thomas Cook in Austin or Houston. Get minimal cash. You best exchange rate is going to be at an ATM.

 

[DLev]

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[Woland]

$3.00 seems OK to me if you are taking out $600. ATM's do give the best exchange rate, so figure that into the equation. I don't have experience with Japan, but I do travelling to Europe. Check what you have to declare (if anything) when you enter the country. By using an ATM, I didn't carry enough in the country to have to declare anything, thus I was on the fast track entering and exiting Russia. My experience with travellers checks was poor. If you need to cash one out for the cash, they hit you with a fee for the transaction plus whatever they charge for the currency conversion (a big rip-off). Finally, set aside some dollars specifically for your return trip.

 

[Lat22]

Get it at the airport on the way out.

 

[politically correct horn]

Go to the atm when you get there, you get a that day exchange rate and the atm fee is nothing compared to the exchange rate scalping you take at a US bank that holds yen.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

politically correct horn is right.

 

[midtown]

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[Bernard]

Use ATM's for cash in Japan. Also, use a credit card to purchase what you can while you are there. You'll get a good exchage rate on your card as well.

Bernard.

 

[Mack Tripper]

The only place in downtown Houston where you can walk in and immediately exhange currency is the Chase Bank on Travis across from the Chase Tower. Other banks will make you wait a few hours.

 

[TR_Horn]

The best idea is to get it once you get there - and preferably not from the airport.


"added not on edit"

 

[The Muzzler]

I agree with all the replys concerning ATMs. I have lived in Asia for nearly 3 years. Use an ATM in Japan. Most convenient and best exchange rate. Might want to use one at airport so you have money for the cab from the airport to hotel.

 

[hookem2003]

Use a credit card/debit card as much as possible. That way you're getting an instiutional exchange rate.

 

[Hornin NYC]

"Get it at the airport on the way out."

Agreed.

The best place to get jewelry is at the bellagio casino gift shop too.

 

[midtown]

MSRP on a car is also the best price.

 

[TxEx2x]

I totally agree with using the ATM and credit cards. However, it's not a bad idea to have a small denomination in your pocket when you land... Just in case there's a problem with the ATM in the airport or you can't find it/understand the directions. If you have a few bucks in your pocket, you can at least get to another ATM... Learned the hard way...