Beware - credit card rip-off

Raffi Balmanoukian wrote:
in article , Frank F. Matthews at
wrote on 4/22/04 6:15 PM:


Alan wrote:

snip


Our biggest currency cost came when we arrived home and tried to convert
the left-over cash in US$, euros, czech crowns, Swiss francs, Pounds
Sterling and Singapore dollars back into AU$. That's when they hit us
with fees, and refused to touch the coins at all. Doesn't sound like a
lot, until you realise that a single 2 pound coin is AU$5. So I have
about $150 in "souvenir change".

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Alan

Too late for you but three generic suggestions for reducing left over
currency. First, if you are on a tour or boat where tipping is expected
give the tip in your left over currency. Since guides move thru similar
areas they can usually manage easily. Second, if you are interested on
airline stuff they will manage a purchase in multiple currencies quite
easily. Third, get new money using the left over cash from the last
place. Usually it's easier there and you would be paying some fee to
get money from a home account. Finally there are charities that are
grateful for coins. FFM

If I have any intention of going back to a place (like Australia), I simply
keep it - very useful for layovers and also in case the ATMs on arrival are
down. Gets me into town via shuttle, etc. if necessary. Much better than
taking a bath on the exchange.

I forgot another use for coins. If you know any children they usually
find strange coins fascinating. FFM