Where to exchange U.S. currency in a foreign country We recommend you skip the airport currency exchange, as tempting as it may be, and find an ATM within your bank’s network.

Airport currency exchange counters generally offer the worst exchange rates you'll find. If you need cash, order foreign currency from your bank before you travel.

Avoiding common exchange mistakes. Airport currency exchange services market themselves on convenience, but that convenience comes at a price — often up to 10 percent worse than bank rates.

Avoiding common exchange mistakes. Airport currency exchange services market themselves on convenience, but that convenience comes at a price — often up to 10 percent worse than bank rates.

You may pay a small service fee, but you’ll likely get a far better rate than at the airport currency exchange kiosk. At HSBC, for example, you can get next-day delivery on foreign currency for ...