8 Currency Exchange Tips to Get the Best Rates and Save Money

8. Use a Forex Card and Cash Mix

Prepaid forex cards—sometimes called travel cards—let you load currency at a set rate and spend from that balance, reducing exposure to rate swings. Experts in the field suggest loading the majority of your planned spend on such a card while keeping cash for markets and tips. One practical split is to load roughly 60–80% of your budget onto the card and carry the rest as cash, adjusting by destination. Forex cards often come with lower transaction fees and can be locked at a favourable rate when you load them. They also offer the convenience of ATM withdrawals, though you should check withdrawal fees and limits. Use the card where cards are widely accepted, and use cash in places that prefer notes. Combine this strategy with the earlier tips—buy the forex card balance on a weekday when rates are fair, and avoid loading on a weekend when margins may be wider.