You’re packed and ready to go! London, here I come! You have checked your lists, and everything is checked off. But did you remember that when the plane lands in London, those US dollars in your wallet won’t get you very far? Planning and taking some foreign currency with you can alleviate a lot of stress and headaches when it comes to starting your dream vacation.

1. “I’ll just use my credit card, I won’t need to carry any cash.” With the advent of zero foreign transaction fees on many credit cards, many people think that they can charge everything on their vacation. However, some small shops and service providers will only take local currency. On a recent trip we took, a family needed to secure local currency for a guided tour they wanted to take. There wasn’t an ATM nearby, and they ended up having to exchange US dollars on their cruise ship, which added about 20% to the cost of the excursion. Ouch!
2. “I’ll just use the ATM in the airport when I land to get some local cash.” Many international travelers leave getting foreign currency for the last minute and are blindsided by exorbitant exchange rates in airports and at local hotels. Others wait until arriving at their destination country to use local ATMs. This can quickly add unnecessary fees since many debit cards or ATMs have lower maximum withdrawal limits and the local ATMs usually charge a withdrawal fee, plus your own card fees may apply.
3. “I’ll pay a premium for foreign currency if I buy it here in the U.S.” Our Best Rate Guarantee ensures you receive a competitive rate for services. We will match or beat any local bank or airport for the same product and service on the same day and time of the exchange.
   
   
   
4. “I’ll just get some currency from my local bank here in KC.” Most banks in the Kansas City area do not have foreign currency on hand, or you must be a customer to use their service. You must drive there, find a place to park, go in, pay for the currency, and then come back in a day or two and pick it up! With KC Travel Desk, you can get most currencies the same day. Call ahead and tell us what you need, and we will tell you if we can fulfill your request right over the phone… the same day!
5. “I’ve never heard of CXI. Who are they?” Currency Exchange International, Corp is one of North America’s largest foreign currency exchange providers of banknotes. The combination of servicing individuals, corporations, and financial institutions gives CXI a unique balance, which in turn allows the company to offer competitive exchange rates for more than 80 foreign currencies to all its customers.

Think of it this way. Do you always have some US Dollars with you when you travel in the U.S.? Then take the same approach when you head off to London. Give us a call. Cheers!