Common questions
What is the mid-market exchange rate?
The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices for a currency pair. It is the real exchange rate you see on Google and financial news. Banks and currency providers mark it up to generate profit, so you will always receive slightly less than the mid-market rate unless you use a genuinely fee-free service such as Wise.
Should I exchange currency before or after I travel?
For most destinations, using a fee-free card and withdrawing cash from local ATMs gives the best rate. If you prefer to carry cash, ordering from a reputable online bureau before you travel consistently beats airport rates. Never exchange at the airport departure lounge unless it is genuinely unavoidable.
What is dynamic currency conversion and should I accept it?
Dynamic currency conversion is when a card machine abroad offers to charge you in your home currency rather than the local one. It sounds convenient but always applies a poor exchange rate, typically 3 to 5 percent worse than paying in local currency. Always choose to pay in local currency and let your card handle the conversion.