Hi all
Heading off to a few Asian countries shortly where American dollars are the de-facto currency and recommended for travelers. Has been recommended to me to stock up one US $1 notes but having trouble locating them. No bank that I've been to has that many in stock, so if I go that route will end up having to pay a whole set of fees each time. Does anyone know where the best place to get these might be?
Cheers!
Thanks - yeah been to a few banks/post offices and they want like $8 plus conversion fees per transaction, which adds up
I've only ever seen touristy things like maps selling for USD in asian countries; how many 1$ bills were you planning on getting?
Was probably looking at maybe $50 worth something like that. My experience in Vietnam was that you could use them for payment but rarely got USD in change, meaning you had to take quite a bit as you rarely got anymore over there.
If you are going to Vietnam, keep your Aussie $. You can exchange them to VND as easily as you can from USD, and apart from the 100% tourist-oriented shops (read: rip off), all shops would charge you in VND anyway.
Yeah, a lot of places quote in us $, but they accept local currency.
When you to SEA, you will find that people are keen for your business. Most will accept any currency that they know the exchange rate for.
Perhaps try KVB Kunlun on Collins St. You'll get the best exchange rates in Oz.
http://www.kvbkunlun.com/en/html/contactus/Contact_address_m…
I was in Laos and found that everywhere I could spend the local currency.
Burma MIGHT be the only one where US $ are required. I dunno about the smaller countries.
Most money changing places in asia are fee free on commissions. They are everywhere, not like here. You can get US$1 notes there.
ALWAYS COUNT YOUR MONEY BEFORE LEAVING THE COUNTER.
ALWAYS.
Regardless of how many people are waiting behind you.
Once you leave it is too late.
Most places accept AUD on par with US on a cash basis.
Many quote the price in US $ but take several currencies.
If this was a real problem, the banks would have bigger supplies of US$1 notes.
Thanks voteoften for all of your tips. Laos is one of my destinations so will stock up primarily on the local currency. Will definitely use your tip re: counting my money! Cheers
Don't stock up. You can not take it out of the country and it has no value elsewhere.
The tubing is closed in Vang vieng. I was shocked at how many seasoned travellers who alleged knew everything about everything did not know this. But closed, I mean the bars were all ripped down. You can still tube, but the drug and drinking scene has some to a near halt.
Vang vieng is now a sleepy town. Very beautiful.
Just got back from a 6 month trip in Asia.
Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia are the only places that come to mind where you need USD.
Cambodian ATMs dispense USD notes… They had a decent ANZ branch (known as ANZ Royal Bank) in Siem Reap.
Stocked up on USD in Cambodia via my 28 degrees card so got a decent rate.
Thanks HAL. Cambodia is one of my destination countries, so thanks for the tip. I've signed up for a 28 degrees card too (thanks to Ozbargain!) so hopefully I will be right with USD.
HAL, did the locals call it Burma? Thanks
My stay was very brief… Officially only saw references to Myanmar
Found Amex best for notes, if we buy more than $500.
Usually cheaper to convert your AUD at the foreign airports exchanges in SE Asia (compared to Australian currency exchanges).
Also, often vendors will list and ask for USD from tourists but just tell them you don't have any and pay in the local currency. This gives you more bargaining power as well (down to Australian cents instead of being forced to pay to the nearest dollar).
As people have already stated, dont stress about 'stocking up' on US currency. You will accumulate more than enough in change during your travels and AUD was readily taken wherever I went.
Money exchange booth/shop at your local major shopping centre?
Will not be cheap though