How to Get Foreign Currency for Less When You're Already in The Country

savemore on 09/08/2019 - 17:16
Last edited 09/08/2019 - 17:16

Hi OzBargainer's,

I'm currently in Denmark (here for 7 days) and made the mistake of not organising Danish Krone before arriving. I have access to Australian / UK bank accounts and a Euro Currency Card. I know that I can use my Debit Card in an ATM, but straight away this attracts International fees (ranging from $4/£5 plus 1.5%-2.5% of currency). I did explore having a family member use Ria Money Transfer with a $0 fee 1st transfer, but they were restricted to sending money (tried $500, $400, $220 and message was exceeds amount agent will dispense). Western Union are a major rip off. Any of these money transfer sites won't allow you to setup an account outside of the country that you are currently in. Can anyone suggest how to avoid/minimise unnecessary international fees?

Many thanks in advance.
savemore

Travel

Comments

  • Hellfire on 09/08/2019 - 17:31
    +2

    Do you need cash? I just used my credit card for everything when I was in Denmark.

    • savemore on 09/08/2019 - 17:34

      Ideally want to be able to withdraw cash, as I don't have a Credit Card with no international transaction fees (other than cost of currency conversion).

      • Hellfire on 09/08/2019 - 17:39
        +2

        You really need to be more prepared!

        • savemore on 09/08/2019 - 17:41
          -1

          Not telling me anything new!

  • CyberMurning on 09/08/2019 - 17:40
    +3

    Contact local gangster they will be able to help.

  • Antares on 09/08/2019 - 20:01
    +1

    There's many cards that allow withdrawal of international currency with no fees, but because you're already there you can't do much about it now.
    You'll probably just have to accept the loss and use your debit card in an ATM.

    When you get back to Australia, if you plan to travel again, I recommend you open one of the fee-free debit cards or credit cards that allow international currency withdrawal without fees, such as a citibank account.

    • savemore on 09/08/2019 - 21:39

      Long story, but I did organise a Citibank Account before I left. Asked them to send to the UK, which is where I based in 2018, instead they sent it to Australian address, so despite best efforts, it didn’t happen. I had some $CAD that I was able to exchange in the short term, but I think only option is to get cash at ATM. Thank you for those who provided helpful responses.

  • 51kabunka on 09/08/2019 - 21:03
    +1

    This ∆
    There is not much you can do. Best option is use your CC. Cash is not going to be an easy option with the extra %'s they tend to skim off tourism/tourists. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time there :)

  • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2019 - 00:37

    I believe the solution is called begpacking.

    • savemore on 10/08/2019 - 00:49

      Not my style. World has enough beggars already (some countries more than others). I’d rather resort to keeping the streets of Copenhagen clean and picking up cans & bottles than ‘begpacking’.

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