Foreign currency translation is a challenging situation for most of us. Can I use dollars where I'm going? Should I take foreign currency with me or plan to buy it there? Should I plan to use my credit card or cash? What about traveler's checks? What are prepaid currency cards? The answers depend on where you are going and what you intend to purchase while there.
Be aware that different exchange rates are used when you're buying foreign currency and when you're selling it back. Also, different banks offer different exchange rates. ATM's, credit cards, airport kiosks and hotel cashiers all offer different rates. Those rates are all moving targets.
In addition, most credit card companies impose a surcharge on foreign transactions, which can be as high as 3%. When planning your travel budget, be sure you're aware of your credit card company's policies on foreign transactions. It's also a good idea to notify them that you are taking the card out of the country so they won't deny an "unusual" charge.
You can look up the latest average buy/sell conversion rate for foreign currencies. This will give you an idea when you talk to your bank or to the airport kiosk or when you use the Travel Ex link above of how reasonable the rates being offered are.
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