How to find US dollars and euros
Get the right currency for your Local Payment or Local Fund
If you would prefer not to travel with your Local Payment or Local Fund you should be able to exchange local currency or buy US dollars from a bank in our joining cities. Please note that it is not always possible to obtain US dollars at the joining city, so it pays to give yourself plenty of time before you travel to find the money that you need. Please note that the following information is intended to be a rough guide only and may be subject to change.
On this page:
The Middle East & North Africa
Asia & Russia
East & Southern Africa
Latin America
- Central America
- South America
Further Information e.g. ATM locator websites
The Middle East & North Africa
Egypt
Cairo
You can obtain US dollars from an ATM machine approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the joining hotel in Cairo. As you leave the hotel you turn right, then first right, then first left. Walk for approximate 15 meters and you will find the ATM machine. If you are not confident about finding your way to this ATM, you can ask the hotel reception for directions. After the tour briefing on day one, the Tour Leader will go with the group to first group meal in one of the local restaurants and will pass by the ATM on the way.
Jordan
Amman
There are many banks near the joining hotel where you can withdraw local currency or change US dollars. There are also many ATMs near the hotel but they will only dispense Jordanian Dinar. The hotel reception will be able to give you directions when you arrive. You can buy US dollars there at a bank 30m from the hotel and the prices are official. There are also by many foreign exchangers down town. You will pay large commissions if you want to change travellers’ cheques.
Syria
Damascus
US Ddllars can be obtained near the joining hotel, next to the nearby railway station. Please ask the hotel reception for directions.
Turkey
Istanbul
There are many banks and foreign exchange offices near the joining hotel. The hotel reception will offer advice and directions on request.
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Asia & Russia
Russia
St Petersburg
There are some ATMs in the airport. There are small exchange points all over the city, and near the joining hotel, where you can withdraw money from your credit card, but you will need your passport. The hotel reception will give you exact directions. It is not advisable to bring travellers’ cheques as very few banks accept them.
China
Beijing
You must obtain US dollars before you travel to Beijing.
India
Delhi
It is not possible to obtain US dollars from ATM machines.You can exchange local currency for US dollars at some foreign exchange offices though this is not guaranteed to be available.
Malaysia
Singapore
Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged, or money drawn from an ATM in local currency and exchanged into US dollars at: Shan Gems (Authorised Money Changers)
#01-26, Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Road, Singaore (Next to Singapore Turf Club). This is about a 3 or 4 minute walk from the Hangout Hotel.
Thailand
Bangkok
Many ATMs, foreign exchange offices and banks are located near the joining hotel on Soi Rambuttri. You need to exchange cash first into the local currency, Bhat, and then exchange your Bhat into US dollars in a bank (only some foreign exchange offices will change for Dollars). Travellers cheques can be exchanged at foreign exchange offices or banks. The nearest bank is on Kao San Road or Samsen Road, 2 to 5 minutes walk from the joining hotel.
Vietnam
Please note: Travellers and tour leaders have recently reported that it is very difficult to withdraw US dollars at banks at the moment. You are strongly advised to buy US dollars before you travel to Vietnam in order to ensure that you can get your Local Payment and obtain the best possible exchange rate. (Updated 15 October)
Hanoi
There are gold and silver shops near the hotel where you can exchange money from dong to US dollars but you will find the exchange rate is poor. There is a Vietcombank next to the Hoan Kiem Lake as well. This bank is located 10 minutes walk from the Hong Ngoc 4 joining hotel, however we have received reports that banks often do not have US dollars to sell.
HCMC/Saigon
There are banks approximately 5 minutes walk from the hotel. No ATMs in Vietnam offer US dollars. We have received reports that banks often do not have US dollars to sell.
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East & Southern Africa
It is very important to ensure that you obtain enough US dollars cash to cover your Local Fund or Local Payment, visas and optional excursions before you travel to any destination in East and Southern Africa. It can be very difficult to obtain US dollars in Africa, even in major cities like Cape Town. Tour leaders cannot accept any notes that are marked, torn or older than the year 2002, and you may have difficulty exchanging these notes elsewhere in Africa, so please check your cash carefully at the point of purchase. Mastercard debit cards and credit cards are not widely accepted in ATM machines - Visa cards are usually accepted.
Latin America
Central America
No ATMs give out US dollars in Central America, but it is possible to exchange at local banks. Also, some ATMs only allow you to withdraw from one of your accounts so it's a good idea to have money in both your cheque and savings accounts.
Cuba
La Habana
You can obtain euros from ATMs and get cash advances over the counter at local banks. You cannot change travellers’ cheques into US dollars.
Costa Rica
San Jose
You can obtain local currency from ATMs and then exchange this for US dollars in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can also withdraw local currency at a bank and then exchange this for US dollars in the same transaction. You can change travellers’ cheques into local currency and then buy US dollars.
Guatemala
Antigua
You can obtain local currency from ATMs and then exchange this for US dollars in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can also withdraw local currency at a bank and then exchange this for US dollars in the same transaction. You can change travellers’ cheques into local currency and then buy US dollars.
Honduras
Tegucigalpa
You can obtain local currency from ATMs and then exchange this for US dollars in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can also withdraw local currency at a bank and then exchange this for US dollars in the same transaction. You can change travellers’ cheques into local currency and then buy US dollars.
Mexico
Mexico City DF
Cancun
You can obtain local currency from ATMs and then exchange this for US dollars in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can also withdraw local currency at a bank and then exchange this for US dollars in the same transaction. You can change travellers’ cheques into local currency and then buy US dollars.
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South America
Argentina
In Argentina it is not possible to obtain US dollars at ATM machines, however most currencies can be exchanged at casa de cambios (foreign exchange offices). Withdrawals from Argentine banks are often restricted to 1,000 Argentine pesos or less and bank charges can be costly.
El Calafate
In El Calafate you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars but please note that restricted trading hours apply.
Bariloche
In Bariloche you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars but please note that restricted trading hours apply.
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars but please note that restricted trading hours apply.
Salta
In Salta you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars but please note that restricted trading hours apply.
Ushuaia
In Ushuaia you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange. You can exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars but please note that restricted trading hours apply. You are advised to bring US dollars cash with you if you are joining in Ushuaia as exchange rates in the town will be low and you are likely to find better exchange rates elsewhere.
Bolivia
La Paz
US Dollars are available at selected ATMs in La Paz. You can obtain US dollars at banks and also exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars.
Brazil
Rio de Janiero
US dollars are NOT available in Rio de Janeiro. You cannot withdraw US dollars from ATMs, over the counter at banks and you cannot exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars either. If you are joining your tour in Rio de Janeiro, please obtain your US dollars for your local payment before you travel to Brazil.
Iguazu Falls
US dollars are NOT available on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls. You cannot withdraw US dollars from ATMs, over the counter at banks and you cannot exchange travellers’ cheques for US dollars either. If you are joining your tour at Iguazu Falls, please obtain your US dollars for your local payment before you travel to Brazil.
Chile
Santiago
In Santiago you cannot obtain US dollars directly from ATM machines, but you can obtain local currency and exchange it in a separate transaction at a bank or foreign exchange.
Ecuador
Quito
US dollars can be obtained at all ATMs and as a cash advance at a bank. You can also cash travellers’ cheques into US dollars.
Peru
Lima
US Dollars are available at selected ATMs. You can also obtain US dollars at local banks and cash travellers’ cheques for US dollars.
Puno
US dollars are available at selected ATMs. You can also obtain US dollars at local banks and cash travellers’ cheques for US dollars.
Cuzco
US dollars are available at selected ATMs. You can also obtain US dollars at local banks and cash travellers’ cheques for US dollars.
Venezuela
Caracas
US dollars are NOT available in Venezuela. If you are joining your tour in Venezuela, please obtain your US dollars for your local payment before you travel to Venezuela.
Please note that it is not wise to rely solely on your cash card (debit card or credit card) to access your funds as staff and clients have recently reported that sometimes the ATM machines do not work or do not recognise the card. You can also use travellers cheques but the exchange rate is currently quite high, so it is best to bring cash with you to exchange locally if possible.
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Further Information
What is the Local Payment?
Learn about the Local Payment (applies to all travel styles except Budget Expeditions)
What is the Local Fund?
Learn about the Local Fund (only applies to Budget Expeditions travel style)
Find a cash machine worldwide
http://www.visaeurope.com/personal/findacashmachine/main.jsp
http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global
http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html
Check the latest rates - foreign currency conversion
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
http://www.oanda.com/
Need more help? Don't forget to ask your tour leader for local advice.
