Which is better for travel?

griffbos says on Feb 15, 2009, 14:33:

can you use an atm card here , I have found when traveling to Colombia I get the best rate from my bank card, one I pay no fee at al and the other ranges from 75 cents to $1.50 . Using the exchange houses you never get a good rate. Not sure how well it works traveling to the States.

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Rikito says on Feb 15, 2009, 14:45:

Yes, I have a Debit card and have never been denied anywhere. So are you saying that I should do nothing and whne I get to the States jsut do the take what I need thing?

...and so it goes

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Cheers Terry says on Feb 15, 2009, 14:59:

Investigate exchanging your COP into USD before you go.

Colombia is flooded with foreign (drug) cash currency so it usually offers USD and EUR at a decent discount. I made out like a bandit last year, buying USDs then dumping them into an account in Canada. Instant 15% profit for zero work or effort.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Terry

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Cheers Terry says on Feb 15, 2009, 15:04:

Read Post #3 in particular...

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?messageID=14980090&#...

Cheers,
Terry

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Rikito says on Feb 15, 2009, 15:12:

thanks for the advice.

...and so it goes

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scumbuster says on Feb 15, 2009, 16:35:

I converted money one time in the US when I came back from Russia I got stuck with rubbles. My rate sucked. Almost wish I had kept them but I didnt plan to go back. ATM is the way to go.

Lord Acton: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"

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Gator says on Feb 15, 2009, 18:21:

We have used Abbots for years-Downtown Miami at 230 NE 1 St, (305) 374-2336.They will quote over the phone, DO NOT CHANGE AT THE AIRPORT!!!!

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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GregYohn says on Feb 16, 2009, 12:08:

DO NOT BRING CASH! Use an ATM card!

I met a band that was invited to Hong Kong for an all expense covered trip. One guy thought they did not have good ATM's there, so he brought US Dollars! Stupid!!! He lost over $1000's in a club there.

Just get the best rate on currency at the ATM and pay the small fee for using the ATM. You will be ahead all the time!

If you lose your ATM card, then someone could use Western Union to send you money.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Cheers Terry says on Feb 16, 2009, 12:20:

Here's why I said to investigate buying USDs before you leave Colombia... Abbots in Miami (the exchange house that Gator mentioned above) is selling USD for 2,700 COP today. That is WAY MORE expensive that you can buy USD in Colombia.

All I'm saying is do a little research and I think you'll be surprised. USD and EUR are WAY cheaper in Colombia than anyone on this thread realizes because it's a conversion that (almost) none of you are familiar with. Most of you have only ever done USD to COP so you're clueless about the possibilities when doing the reverse...

Cheers,
Terry

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ghostdog says on Feb 26, 2009, 10:10:

if you use a debit card of any sort- I'd recommend having as little in that account as possible.

when u need extra money- transfer money online from one account not on your card to the account your card is on...

just in case u lose your card or it gets stolen or whatnot...

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