Find yourself a good "no international transaction fee" credit card. I carry an Amex and a Visa card since Amex isn't accepted everywhere. I try to keep all transaction on one card and the other as a back up.

ATM cards, try to find out if your bank has partner banks in whatever country you are traveling too. That way you can aviod the international service charges the banks will hit you with. Typical 1% plus $5. That can add up fast, trust me.

Money exchangers, esp in the airport, just plain out avoid them....pure ripoffs...they get you coming and going and then charge you a fee on top of that. Only place that I have seen that was half-way descent was in Japan.

10 years of long-haul flying will teach you what not to do.