Originally Posted by
teddyballgame
I usually will convert some US funds at the departure airport (many kiosks offer an employee discount on the fees) to get "seed money" for the first day in the foreign country (tips, a beer at the airport, etc.).
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Stay away from this Thomas Cook, Forex kiosk,and the like. they are nothing but a ripoff.
Not only do they hit you for a service fee but they also get you on the spread.
Forget about the employee discount at the money changers, an ATM will give a better rate. Of course that also depends on your bank. Many bank also have partner banks in other countries, if yours does, you can also skip the foreign ATM transaction fee.
And of course, don't change money at the front desk of a hotel, huge ripoff.