small amount of currency conversion

[wendlle]

I usually get some US currency from Australia Post before we go over there, but they have increased it to an amount we just don't need.

I prefer to use cards when I'm there and only take around US$100 in small bills for tips and sundries

I live in a rural town so can only go to Australia Post, or get something online and mailed to me - or I can use the desks at the airport.

Should I just go to the airport? Do they have a minimum amount they will exchange? And can I ask for small bills as opposed to $50 notes??

 

[daft009]

get a debit card with excellent exchange rates i would suggest.
something like the citi debit card, Citibank Plus Everyday Account - Citi Australia

citi isn't the only one with such an offering but its what I use
you will get near mid-market exchange rates and usually no fees

your options will either charge a commission or build the commission into the exchange rate

USA: Citibank branded ATMs are fee-free. These can often be found in 7/11s, in some Target stores, and in some CVS / Walgreens / Duane Reade pharmacies – check the Citibank US website to be sure. Be aware that this locator lists surcharge-free ATMs for Citibank US which may not apply to Citibank Australia. In some cities (e.g. San Francisco, New York) it is also easy to find Citibank branches and these will always be fee-free.

Non-Citi ATMs will generally charge a fee (I’ve seen anywhere from 1.50 – 6.95 USD) and this may be your only option in an area without a Citibank branch. Note that if you run short on cash pretty much everywhere in the US lets you pay by card – remember to process it as Credit and not Debit.

• Hawaii – fees between 1.75 USD and 6.95USD. As of Feb 2020, the cheapest was Bank of Hawaii (fee 1.75 USD at Costco, 3.95 USD elsewhere) or First Hawaiian Bank (fee 3.75 USD)
• As of Aug 2021, 7/11 Citibank ATMs have been rebranded and now charge a US$2.80 fee for withdrawals. (This means there are many fewer Citibank ATMs and often none in cities without Citibank branches, e.g. Boston.

from Citibank Plus Transaction Account

 

[yaziyo]

Seconding the above suggestion. For cash I've never had any issues anywhere in the world just hitting an ATM on arrival. A couple hundred in AUD in your wallet can get you out of trouble in a pinch but I've never needed to actually use them.

 

[justinbrett]

I just got back from the US. I only needed cash for tips - $100 would last a couple of weeks easily if you are using card for everything else. Everything is (finally) tap & go like here; even the hawkers on the Las Vegas strip selling water & beer were taking card. (oh, I guess I also needed cash for gambling... )

I'd just make a withdrawal on arrival. The fees will be less than you'll pay at an Australian airport travel exchange.

But if you go to an Australian travel exchange they'll give you whatever denominations you request - but $20 is the norm (as is US ATMs). Alternatively, and it might be cheaper (not sure), Travelex have USD ATMs at most Australian international terminals.

 

[RooFlyer]

While getting a debit card is a very good idea, I always take some small bills to get me out of a tipping bind if I can’t get to an ATM to use the debit card. Some USA airports only have one brand of US bank ATM, which may not be an option for your card.

So yes, you can get small amounts of FX at the int airports, certainly US$50-100 worth and yes you can ask for say $20 in $1s, $30 in $5s etc. Ask before you purchase if they have that much low denominations on hand and what the commission is. It will be relatively expensive FX-wise but trivial in comparison with your other costs!!

 

[wendlle]

Thanks everyone, we leave in 3 weeks so not really enough time to get a fee free international debit card.
I have a NAB Visa and a NAB Visa Debit card and I have used both in the USA before so guess I'll just do that again.
I just hate being caught short with the darn tipping over there so like to leave here with at least a few $5 notes just in case!

 

[Scr77]

I have $7 in notes that I forgot to donate to unicef when returning to AU. I’m happy to donate/post to you if you want to PM me an address.

 

[wendlle]

I have $7 in notes that I forgot to donate to unicef when returning to AU. I’m happy to donate/post to you if you want to PM me an address.

You’re so sweet!! But I couldn’t do that!!
Funnily enough I found a us$5 note inside my old passport tonight so at least I have one