Cheapest to most expensive: destination bank ATMs with a no-foreign-fee debit card (best rate), a multi-currency card like Wise (mid-market rate + small fee), your U.S. bank's currency service (3-5% markup, order ahead), and last place: airport exchange kiosks and DCC at foreign ATMs (8-15% worse). Order $50-150 cash per person for arrival day; pay everything else by card or ATM withdrawal at your destination.
Every option ranked by what $500 actually costs you
| Method | Rate you get | Typical cost on $500 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Destination bank ATM + no-fee card | Mid-market −0-3% | ~$0-15 | Best for most trips |
| Wise multi-currency card | Mid-market + ~0.5-1% | ~$3-5 | Best for holding cash balance |
| Your U.S. bank (ordered ahead) | 3-5% markup | ~$15-25 | OK for arrival cash |
| Credit card purchases abroad | Mid-market + 0%* (*no-FX-fee cards) | ~$0 | Use wherever accepted |
| Airport / hotel kiosks | 8-15% worse than market | ~$40-75 | Avoid |
| Foreign ATM 'accept conversion' (DCC) | 5-12% worse | ~$25-60 | Always decline — see ATM fees guide |
How much cash do you actually need?
Less than you think. Card acceptance is near-universal in Europe, East Asia, and most of Latin America's tourist zones. Cash matters for: street food and markets, taxis in some cities, tips, rural areas, and countries still cash-heavy (Japan, Germany, Egypt, much of Southeast Asia). A working rule: $50-150 per person for arrival day, then withdraw local currency from bank ATMs as needed.
The three traps that quietly cost 10%+
- Dynamic Currency Conversion — when a foreign ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD, always choose local currency. The 'convenience' costs 5-12%.
- Airport kiosks — the worst rates in the entire system, plus 'service fees.' If you land with no cash, use the airport's bank-branch ATM instead.
- Your bank's 'free' exchange — no commission doesn't mean no cost; the markup hides in the rate. Compare the offered rate to the mid-market rate on Google before accepting.
Spend abroad at the real exchange rate
Wise gives you the mid-market rate with a debit card accepted in 160+ countries — no hidden markup, and multi-currency balances for longer trips.
The modern setup most frequent travelers use
- Multi-currency account — Wise holds 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate with a debit card that works in 160+ countries
- No-foreign-fee credit card — for hotels, restaurants, larger purchases
- $50-150 cash from your bank — ordered a week ahead for arrival day
- Backup card in a different bag — if one gets eaten or frozen, the trip continues
Spend abroad at the real exchange rate
Wise gives you the mid-market rate with a debit card accepted in 160+ countries — no hidden markup, and multi-currency balances for longer trips.
Best Way to Get Foreign Currency Before a Trip (2026) — FAQ
Should I exchange money before I leave the U.S.?
Is it cheaper to exchange cash or use ATMs abroad?
What is Wise and is it legit for travelers?
Do I need cash in Japan or Europe in 2026?
Related guides
Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed November 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.