How to Find the Best Exchange Rates

Published on: 12 December 2018 Last Updated on: 19 July 2019
Best Exchange Rates

Traveling or trading with foreign currencies require additional fees, which often include surcharges for credit cards, commissions, fees for ATM, and others. Whether you are travelling to a new country for a vacation or considering expanding your currency portfolio, it’s no surprise that financial institutions are looking for ways to increase their profit in the long run. After all, each of them is technically running a business.

If you are looking for a way to add more value to your money, there are ways on how you can find the best exchange rates almost effortlessly.

Here are some tips to remember:

1. Research the Exchange Rate Beforehand:

Exchange Rate

Exchange rates differ from country to country. There are countless online currency converters available, many of which come from reliable sources that are derived straight from the Forex market. If you are purchasing cash online via a mobile application, you may notice some additional charges that come with the conversion.

To get the most of your money, consider searching for various cash apps with affordable transaction fees and compare them with each other before ultimately deciding which works best for you.

2. Plan ahead:

For travelers who are visiting another foreign country, one of the best things you can do while preparing for the trip is to plan how much money you are going to need. After that, you can purchase your foreign currency ahead of time online instead of the last minute which usually requires costly delivery rates.

Purchasing ahead also gives you a chance to see whether or not your payment has come through and allows the business the chance to confirm your identity. Purchasing currency online also saves time spent standing in lines and can be done as quickly as possible.

3. Use Credit and ATM Cards:

ATMs abroad usually provide the best exchange rates when it comes to purchasing foreign currency which are usually 2-7% better compared to exchanging cash or traveler’s checks. During travel, it’s best to avoid using money exchange kiosks in public transportation areas and tourist spots.

4. Exchange Cash and Traveler’s Checks:

For people who may not want to use their cards for small purchases, exchanging cash and traveler’s checks is another way to find good exchange rates. However, be wary of exchanging them in tourist-filled areas like airports and train stations. Consider checking in banks and post offices. To get a proper exchange rate, read the postage rates very carefully and ask for the net rate that comes after commissions. It’s important to remember that commissions work in two ways:

  • The commission that takes per percentage.
  • The commission that is charged per item and transaction.

To lure tourists, certain money changes that are not at banks or post offices will post the sell rate for the currency rather than the buy rate, which means you might be buying more than what you intend to spend. These money changers may also offer great rates exclusively for traveler’s checks or very large sums of money which can be dangerous to hand carry around.

As an added precaution, be wary of exchanges in the black market which often include scams and counterfeit currency.

5. Watch out for hidden charges:

Some companies may offer deals that advertise how much money you can save if you choose a specific delivery option, which actually includes extra hidden charges. To be safe, find out how much you are paying in total and exactly how much currency you will receive, changes with great exchange rates can be negated by commissions and handling fees.

6. Read the fine print:

There are various apps and sites out there advertising the fact that they do not include transaction fees, delivery fees, and commissions. While this is very tempting, the last thing you want to do is to purchase a large sum of currencies only to realize that there are certain limitations and deductions. As much as possible read the fine print in the site’s terms of use. You can also call the company and ask some questions they may not address in their website.

Conclusion:

Dealing with foreign currency doesn’t have to be a hassle. As a currency trader or a traveller, one of the most important things you can do is actively research on a reliable business that stays close to the exchange rate without adding in extra hidden charges. While it may be time-consuming at first, learning to add value to your purchases is simply an investment you can’t avoid.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Apply For A Mortgage Loa

How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan Without Making Common Errors

Making a Mortgage Loan application is challenging and dangerous. Potential homeowners must know how to overcome these challenges. Thorough planning and awareness of common errors are the first measures to guarantee a flawless application. Several websites offer valuable details regarding this process. What Is A Mortgage Loan? Did you know what Mortgage is? Let me share with you about this type of loan where you can maintain or purchase a home, any type of real estate, or a plot of land. If you are a borrower then you have to agree that you have to pay back! You have to pay back the loan amount along with the interest rates to the lender! Typically, these types of payments are divided into principal and interest regularly leading to proper solutions. Once you completely made the payment, you are the sole owner of the property. However, if you are unable to make payment effectively in the given time, it is the property that acts as the collateral when securing the loan. Let me also share how there are several requirements that you need to meet to keep a minimum credit score! Let's talk about the benefits of a mortgage loan and how it helps in processing the aspects of the borrower! Benefits Of Mortgage Loan? There are several advantages of taking a home or a mortgage loan as it not only helps you in creating an asset but also contributes in giving you an idea of the real estate industry. You get a sense of accomplishment when you buy a house or a property even when paying a loan. After all, the money you pay is your hard-earned dollar! Furthermore, you will get low interest rates as it helps a potential buyer be more confident in investing. The hard-earned money that you will keep paying to own the house will make you proud. We cannot forget the flexible tenure especially when repaying home loans becomes so easy. You can extend your time of payment or even decrease it if you have a significant amount of money and you submit it. With principal repayments, you get tax benefits on both interest and principal amount! Overall, you must enjoy the overall loan payment especially when fulfilling the dream of owning your own home or property! How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan? For both businesses and individuals, use a mortgage so that when they make the purchase, be it entirely with your money upfront or take a loan to make payment. When you plan on applying for a mortgage loan, you aim to free your property from the expectations of the bank. Your home will be free and clear with fully amortizing the traditional mortgage. What you need to evaluate is the number of years through which you have to complete the payment. Mostly, people take years somewhere between 15 to 30 years. You get to learn about how to foreclose the property to the lender leading to completely making the payment thus, claiming the property! Undervaluing The Financial Inquisitive One of the most critical steps in the mortgage application process is lenders assessing an applicant's financial standing by considering their income, assets, debts, and credit ratings. A frequent error that can cause delays or rejection is not providing enough fiscal papers or outdated financial information. Pay stubs, tax returns, current financial statements, and any other pertinent financial documents should be provided to potential borrowers. Ensuring that these data accurately reflect the borrower's financial status and are current is imperative. Additionally, to prevent fraud and strengthen the application's credibility, make sure that financial commitments are clear and consult financial experts. Ignoring Credit Score Improvement A strong credit score is central to securing favorable loan terms for home purchases. Often, applicants need to pay more attention to the benefits of enhancing their credit score before initiating the home financing process. Errors in credit reports, outdated information, and unresolved debts can adversely affect a credit score. Individuals should obtain a credit report from major credit bureaus well before applying to correct any inaccuracies and to pay off outstanding debts. This proactive approach can significantly enhance one's creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders. Regularly monitoring credit status and avoiding new debt during the home loan application period are also strategic moves. These steps demonstrate financial responsibility and can further boost credit scores, ensuring better terms are available. Not Comparing Mortgage Offers Not doing any research before taking the first mortgage offer is another standard error. Varying lenders provide varying terms, costs, and interest rates. If borrowers shop around, they can avoid missing out on better terms that could end up saving them a lot of cash throughout the loan. Examining several lenders and carefully weighing their terms is advised. This covers the mortgage type, terms of repayment, interest rates, and any related costs. Further, arming candidates with the knowledge to negotiate better terms can be achieved by conducting in-depth studies of market trends and economic situations. Knowing the tiny print in every deal guarantees that there aren't any unanticipated fees that could drive up expenditures. Overlooking Total Costs A mortgage involves more costs than just principal and interest payments. They consist of insurance, taxes, fees, and occasionally additional costs like private mortgage insurance or homeowners association dues. Sometimes, applicants' budgets need to consider these extra costs. This oversight can lead to financial strain. It is crucial to understand all the costs involved and ensure that the monthly payments are manageable within one's budget. It is essential to advise applicants to include future property taxes and insurance increases in their fiscal planning. Thoroughly estimating these costs early prevents unpleasant surprises and secures economic stability. Lacking Long-Term Financial Planning Mortgage commitments typically last for many years, often up to 30 years. Short-sighted financial planning can lead to complications later on. Applicants should consider their long-term economic stability and any potential changes that might affect their ability to meet mortgage payments. This includes changes in employment, potential significant expenses such as higher education or health issues, and retirement planning. Effective financial planning should accommodate these factors to maintain mortgage payments without hardship. The Bottom Line Applicants for home mortgage loans can avoid frequent mistakes by meticulously completing their applications before completing them. Potential owners can secure a mortgage that suits their needs and financial status by exercising caution and initiative. Ensure that one understands every aspect of the mortgage and that one will maintain financial stability for the term of the loan. Read Also: Property Valuation Software for Real Estate Appraisals 4 Mistakes New Rental Property Owners Must Avoid Benefits of Investing in City Centre Property

READ MOREDetails
Payday Loan

4 Payday Loan Facts You Should Know Before You Borrow

Convenient, speedy, and available with bad credit. These are just some of the benefits of getting payday loans, but do these stats give you the whole story? Keep reading to find out more about this kind of small-dollar loan. 1. You Can Find Online Payday Loans People often lump in payday loan lenders with check-cashing businesses and pawnshops. And it makes sense — all three organizations provide small-dollar, short-term loans with high-interest rates. However, payday loan lenders are unique in that many of them operate online with no physical branch. Instead of walking through the doors of a brick-and-mortar store, you can fill out an online application for quick cash from your phone or laptop anywhere, anytime you have data. If approved, your borrowing experience unfolds entirely online, too — from collecting your funds as a direct deposit to arranging an automatic withdrawal to come out of your account. Check cashers and pawnshops, on the other hand, do all this the old-fashion way: in person. 2. Fewer People Used Payday Loans During the Pandemic According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, approximately 12 million Americans used at least one payday loan in 2010 — whether from a storefront or online payday lender. Now more than 10 years and a global pandemic later, you might think these numbers should have multiplied. But early reports suggest fewer people had to rely on payday loans. The Online Lenders Alliance, an industry association for payday loan lenders, told Bloomberg the demand for small-dollar loans fell by 67% during the lockdown. Instead of borrowing, many people took advantage of unemployment checks, rent moratoriums, and other COVID relief resources. 3. Most People Use Them Incorrectly If you take a look at any legit cash advance direct lender’s website, you’ll see they market payday loans as an emergency stopgap when your savings fall short of what you need. In other words, you should only turn to payday cash advances in unexpected emergencies, like when your furnace dies one winter morning, and you need help covering the repairs. But what cash advance direct lenders advise and how people borrow don’t always match up. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, 69% of borrowers use payday loans for expected expenses, like rent, utilities, and groceries. 4. Fees Vs. APR The reason why cash advance direct lenders say their loans are for emergencies is because of the cost. Let’s face it — payday loans are an expensive way to borrow. But do you know just how expensive? A cash advance direct lender might charge anywhere between $10 and $30 for every $100 you borrow. This may not sound like too much upfront, but it’s another story when APR enters the mix. Calculated on the annual percentage rate, your APR is anywhere between 300 and 600%. This APR might be OK depending on your budget, but it may be a challenge for people living paycheck to paycheck. That’s why a list like this is so important—it gives you the facts you need to make an informed decision about your finances. What’s your opinion now that you know about triple-digit APRs due back in two weeks? If this doesn’t sound like a good fit, explore alternatives like lines of credit or installment loans for bad credit. These options give you more time to pay what you owe, so they might be easier to handle on a tight budget. Read Also: 5 Benefits of Car Title Loans and One Important Warning Using Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score  No Credit Rating Check Lendings Online split Second Authorization How to get a loan on a day with bad credit

READ MOREDetails
Credit Score

Does Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?

Most people understand that bankruptcy can help you discharge the debt if you're in a bad financial situation. They also understand that bankruptcy can hurt your credit score. But can bankruptcy ruin your credit entirely? The Importance of Talking With an Expert First, if you’re considering filing for bankruptcy protection, make sure you talk to a bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you determine whether filing is appropriate for you and which type of bankruptcy you should pursue.  They'll also help you understand the core process of filing for bankruptcy and setting your expectations for timelines, costs, and consequences. Lawyers are an indispensable resource here, so don't neglect to hire one. Different Types of Bankruptcy You should also understand that there are different types of bankruptcy. Different types of bankruptcy manage debts in different fashions and have a different impact on your credit score. For example, Chapter 7 bankruptcies tend to stay on your credit report longer than Chapter 13 bankruptcies, due to the fact that Chapter 13 bankruptcies frequently allow consumers to pay back a portion of their debts. A chapter 13 case could benefit a person for numerous reasons. Typically, a person would file a chapter 13 case to save a house from a mortgage foreclosure action and a car from repossession, due to payment arrears. A person may also file for chapter 13 protection to pay back only a portion of unsecured debt because they do not meet the chapter 7 criteria.  Chapter 13 requires a person to make monthly trustee payments for 36 to 60 months. A chapter 13 case is completed after all monthly plan payments have been paid in full.  Chapter 7 bankruptcies allow an individual to eliminate all unsecured debt, such as credit card debt and personal loans. Therefore, a person who is only interested in eliminating unsecured debt would file a chapter 7 case, if one meets the criteria. The chapter 7 case takes about four months to complete after the filing. No payments are required in a chapter 7 case. The Impact of Bankruptcy on Your Credit A chapter 13 bankruptcy filing stays on a credit report for 7 years from the date of the filing. A chapter 7 bankruptcy case, stays on a credit report for 10 years from the bankruptcy case filing date. Typically, filing for bankruptcy has a negative impact on a credit score, although the filing may increase a person’s credit score, based on their financial circumstances. The most important criteria impacting the credit score are as follows: The shorter the credit history the less advantageous it; Missing payments reflect a derogatory mark; The amount of one’s revolving credit limit compared to the amount of the debt incurred. The optimum debt to credit limit ratio is a debt balance of 30% of someone’s credit limit. The additional debt incurred over 30%, the more the credit score is negatively affected. For example, a person that used $3k of their total $10k credit limit has used 30% of their total credit limit. However, if the same person charges a total of $6k of the $10k credit limit, the ratio is increased to 60%, which reduces the credit score. A person’s credit report lists their creditors and other facts regarding each creditor. This includes the status of payments; type of loan; length of the loan, and the loan balance. Typically, a credit report also reflects a bankruptcy filing, foreclosure action, repossessions, charge-offs, and debt settlements. The credit report also reflects a total score, indicating the general state of a person’s credit. A prospective lender must analyze a person’s financial circumstances to determine: if they will issue the loan; what type of loan will be issued; the loan amount; the loan interest rate; and, the length of the loan. Based on each creditor’s internal lending requirements, the determination of extending credit is based on a balancing act between the loan applicant’s credit report, income, expenses, the debt amount, debt payments, assets, and other information. Typically, a person considering filing for bankruptcy protection is experiencing difficulty paying their monthly credit card payments and/or mortgage or auto finance payments. Consequently, such a person usually has a low credit score. The lower the credit score at the time of the bankruptcy filing, the less the impact the bankruptcy filing has on a credit score. Conversely, a bankruptcy filing will have a substantial impact on a person with a high credit score. In general, a high credit score does not always guarantee that a person will obtain the loan they want with the best terms. A prospective debtor with an excellent credit score and substantial monthly credit card payments may experience difficulties, without filing for bankruptcy. What if a person with an excellent credit score has a very low income? Let’s assume that a person with a high credit score, with substantial monthly debt payments, eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score will sustain a substantial hit, resulting in difficulty obtaining any loan. However, within a reasonable time period, together with the proper credit repair, the person’s credit score will substantially increase. In the future, the person will apply for credit without their enormous monthly debt payment load. Now, let’s assume that a person with a low credit score and substantial monthly debt payments eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score may sustain a minimal hit. However, most likely this same person was experiencing great difficulty obtaining credit prior to the filing. If this person implements the proper credit restoration process, the person’s credit score will substantially increase, as well. Ultimately, within a short period, the bankruptcy filing will likely increase this person’s ability to obtain credit Typically a bankruptcy mark on a credit report has a negative impact on prospective creditors to review. Generally, within one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case, the debtor (the person that filed) will experience great difficulty obtaining a loan. Although obtaining a loan depends on the totality of the person’s financial circumstances, the rule of thumb for receiving automobile financing with a reasonable to low-interest rate is about one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case. The rule of thumb regarding the receipt of a reasonable to low mortgage rate is about two years after the completion of chapter 7.  Based on a debtor’s financial circumstances, she may be able to obtain automobile financing and/or a mortgage during the chapter 13 case. Otherwise, the same rule of thumb applies to a chapter 13 debtor as a chapter 7 debtor regarding obtaining a reasonable and low-interest rate after the case is complete. Read Also: 5 Smart Ways to Boost your Credit Score A Guide to Getting Out of Credit Card Debt Why Would I Need A Business Credit Report? No Credit Rating Check Lendings Online split Second Authorization

READ MOREDetails