How to get the best exchange rate

Everyone wants to get more for their money – help your foreign currency go further with our tips on getting the best exchange rate for your dollars**.

Finding the best exchange rate

With foreign exchange rates going up and down from one minute to the next, it’s not easy to predict the best time to buy your travel money. But, assuming you don’t have a crystal ball, there are things you can do to get better rates. Here’s our handy hints** to getting the best exchange rate for your holiday money.

1. Do your research

Start keeping an eye on the exchange rate for the country you’re travelling to. Our handy exchange rate chart gives you real time currency conversions based on the Travelex.com.au exchange rate, so you can see if it's a good time to buy with us. Or you can try our currency converter if you want to check what you’ll get for a specific amount.

Finding the best exchange rate

2. Look at the total cost, not just the rate

It’s important that you check the total price when you’re looking at buying currency, not just the exchange rate itself. That’s because other costs, like commission, credit card fees and delivery charges, can mean you’re paying more than you think.

Commission
Some companies will charge commission to exchange your money. The good news is there’s absolutely no commission when you buy online at travelex.com.au.
Card fees
Lots of companies charge extra if you pay by credit or debit card. When you order with Travelex, there’s no charge if you pay by BPAY.
Delivery
No one wants a delivery fee added at the last minute. Order your foreign currency with Travelex and this won’t happen – it’s totally free to pick it up in store or at the airport.

3. Order online

Planning ahead usually pays off – you’ll get our best* rates when you order online and collect your currency in store. It’s quick, easy, and means there’s one less thing to worry about before you go away.

Order your travel money now

4. Lock in your rate with a Travelex Money Card

If you choose a Travelex Money Card to take your money overseas, you can lock in the exchange rate on the day you buy. That way you’ll always know exactly what you’re spending, and you won’t lose out if the exchange rate takes a dive.

Find out more about our Travelex Money Card

5. Don’t worry if you have leftover currency

Add the Travelex Rate Advantage when you buy your travel money and you can change it back to dollars at a really competitive rate when you get back. Then you won't lose out on the value of your currency if you take more cash than you spend.

Find out more about the Travelex Rate Advantage

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, Heritage Bank Limited (ABN 32 087 652 024, AFSL 240 984) pursuant to license by Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement (for the relevant product) available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

The promoter is Travelex Limited (ABN 36 004 179 953, AFSL Number 222444) (Travelex).

*When compared to the walk-in rate offered at Travelex stores located in Australia during non-promotional periods

**This is not to be taken as financial advice. The online exchange rates are intended as a guide only and should not be used for transactional purposes. All rates are subject to change from time to time without notice. Exchange rates used in-store may differ from those offered online. The Travelex online sell rate will be used for conversions from the local currency to a foreign currency.Any advice herein does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you.

+When you purchase TRA, you may exchange your foreign currency on your return at our special rate. The return transaction amount cannot exceed the original transaction amount. TRA transactions are subject to the TRA Terms and Conditions.

++The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.