Heading overseas? See why exchanging currency before you leave Chicago can make your first few hours abroad a little easier.
Planning an international trip takes a lot of preparation and organization. Beyond booking flights and accommodations, travelers have to think about transportation, passports, medications, luggage, phone service, and how they’ll pay for things once they land.
While you can use a credit card for many purchases abroad, it’s still useful to have some foreign currency on your person before you leave Chicago. You may come across some cash-only expenses when you first arrive at your destination. Having some money on hand means you won’t have to immediately figure out where to find an ATM when you’re tired from traveling or still getting familiar with the area.
Plan How You’ll Pay Before You Leave Chicago
Well before you catch your flight at Midway or O’Hare, think about how you want to manage your spending abroad. Even if you have a debit or credit card you plan to use for most purchases, it’s worth it to have at least some foreign currency on hand. That can come in handy when you want to tip, when you come across a cash-only market or restaurant, or when you need to pay for local transportation.
When you’re considering how much cash to take out, think about what you might spend during your first day or two, including transportation, food, tips, and small purchases. You don’t need to take out a large amount of cash, especially if you plan on mostly paying with a card. You just don’t want to arrive without any cash and then have to figure out your options after you’ve landed.
Of course, cash is only one part of your travel budget. Before you swipe your credit card anywhere abroad, check to see if any of your cards charge foreign transaction fees, and ask your bank if they have their own fees for using an ATM abroad. This will help you plan ahead and choose options with little or no extra fees.
It’s also worth checking the current exchange rate before your trip. Knowing roughly what your money is worth in the local currency can help you set a realistic budget and avoid spending more than you planned.
Before You Leave
A little planning before your trip can help you avoid a few last-minute money decisions.
Look up your card’s foreign transaction fee.
Estimate how much cash you’ll need initially.
Call your local currency exchange location and ask about currency availability.
Why Have Foreign Currency Before You Get to the Airport?
When you first land at your destination, the first few hours of your trip can feel a little rushed. Before you can truly begin your trip, you’ll want to check into your hotel and drop off your bags. You’ll need to figure out how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel, whether that’s a taxi, rideshare, or local transportation. In some cities, you may need cash for the ride, so it’s worth checking ahead of time. In places where tipping is customary, you’ll also want cash on hand for hotel staff or luggage handlers.
Transportation is only one of the small expenses that can come up shortly after you arrive. Many travelers also find that using cash for small purchases, like a cup of coffee or quick snack, makes those early transactions simple. Even if you don’t end up using cash for purchases like these, it’s still helpful to have on hand in case a merchant doesn’t accept your card.
After landing in a new city, the last thing you want to do is start searching for an ATM before you’ve even reached your hotel. While you may find currency exchange kiosks at the airport, they aren’t always the best option. They often have long lines and fees that you haven’t had time to compare with other currency exchange options. Having your travel money sorted beforehand can make airport day a little less hectic.
Exchange Currency Before You Head to O’Hare
Exchanging currency before you’re rushing to catch a flight gives you one less thing to think about on travel day. It also helps to find a convenient, close-by location to get this errand done. Associated Currency Exchange has 43 locations throughout Chicagoland, so no matter what neighborhood you’re in, you can find a convenient location to exchange currency. You can call ahead to ask whether your location has the currency you need; if it isn’t currently available, ask about placing an order.
Handle Your Currency Before You Head to the Airport
You don’t need to overcomplicate how you’ll handle money on an international trip. Knowing how you’ll pay, checking your card fees, and having some foreign currency ready can make the beginning of the trip easier. Checking out your local Associated Currency Exchange in the weeks leading up to your trip means you can head to the airport with one less errand hanging over your travel day.
Before your next international trip, find an Associated Currency Exchange near you and call ahead to ask about the currency you need.
