Money Matters Abroad for Expatriates and Travelers

Among the biggest challenges for travelers and expatriates is managing their finances while traveling or living abroad and maximizing the value of their currency. Travelers and expats must deal with the ever-changing exchange rates and different fees and commissions charged by exchange houses and banks. You never know when the U.S. dollar or your home currency will return to previous lows against the world’s major currencies. Such economic realities make it even more critical to wisely manage your funds while traveling and your finances back home when living abroad. The featured articles and listed resources provide various financial tools to help you get the most out of your travel and living budget. We have included resources for sending money abroad and websites that provide updated exchange rates for currencies worldwide. In addition, you will find links to ATM locators worldwide for the most popular credit cards. — Volker Poelzl Photo by Ted Campbell.

Currency Conversion

The are a plethora of currency conversion sites, many with useful tools providing quick access.

Oanda Currency Converter provides updated exchange rates.

XE Currency Converter is an online currency converter, listing exchange rates for currencies worldwide.

ATM's Around the World

American Express ATM Locator lists ATMs around the world where American Express cards are accepted.

Mastercard ATM Locator, provides Mastercard ATM locations for most countries.

Visa Global ATM Locator lists Visa Automated Teller Machines in most countries worldwide.

Money Transfer Networks

Paypal allows you to send and receive Internet money transfers in multiple currencies in Paypal: Money Transfer in Countries Worldwide

Western Union has over 500,000 agents worldwide for sending, receiving funds, as well as paying bills.

General Resources

Rick Steves' website offers Money Tips for travel in Europe.

CreditCards.com provides information about over credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

IRS: Tax Information for Aliens and U.S. Citizens Living Abroad offers essential information from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for anyone working abroad.