travel money exchange wolverhampton

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Deutschland
•   Magyarország
•   Nederland
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)
•   简体中文 (中国)

Best places to exchange currency in Wolverhampton

You've got a few options if you want to exchange currency in Wolverhampton. Whether you’re buying travel money in cash, looking for secure ways to cut the costs of making ATM withdrawals abroad, or sending money to someone overseas, we’ve got options for you.

You might decide to pop into a physical currency exchange store in Wolverhampton - but many customers will find it more convenient to pick up a low cost travel card instead, for on the go payments, cash withdrawals and easy to convert currencies with great exchange rates.

Wise travel card - A low cost alternative to exchange shops

Order and get your Wise travel card in Wolverhampton for convenient spending and withdrawals during your trip.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup or margin when converting your money to any currency you need. This may work out cheaper than most currency exchange shops in Wolverhampton.

3 best places to exchange money in Wolverhampton

The best place to exchange currency in Wolverhampton does depend a lot on where in the city you are, and which currencies you need. You'll need to do a bit of your own research - but to start you off, we've detailed 3 of the top rated exchange services in Wolverhampton, according to Google.

Asda Travel Money

• Phone : 01902 422369
• Website : https://money.asda.com/travel/travel-money/?
• Address : Molineux Aly, Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4DE, UK
• Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

eurochange Wolverhampton - Mander Centre

• Phone : 01902 902058
• Website : https://www.eurochange.co.uk/branches/wolverhampton/mander-centre?
• Address : Mander Centre, Wolverhampton WV1 3NH, UK
• Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Money Point

• Phone : 01902 420937
• Website : https://the-money-point.business.site/?
• Address : 32 Queen Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TL, UK
• Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

How we rated the currency exchange shops in Wolverhampton

We've taken into account the Google ratings at the time of research, looking at exchange services in popular Wolverhampton areas. As ratings are dynamic, and things change all the time, you’ll want to also do your own research before you head out to exchange your money.

How to exchange currency in Wolverhampton

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to choose between banks, currency exchange shops and online platforms to exchange currency conveniently in Wolverhampton. It’s worth noting that to keep customers safe, and to comply with the law, it’s common for exchange services to ask for ID when you buy foreign currency. Get ready by having your photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, with you when you arrange your exchange.

If you’re planning on exchanging currency with a bank, you’ll need to double check the travel money and exchange options available. Many banks only offer exchange to customers who already have an account - plus you might have to order online in advance, particularly if you’re looking for a more exotic currency. If your local bank offers currency exchange to people who aren’t customers, bear in mind that you’ll need to take an ID document along with you to collect your cash.

To exchange currency in Wolverhampton using a bank:

• Check that the bank you've picked offers currency exchange
• Make sure the currency you need is available - you may need to order ahead
• Visit a branch with cash, or order online, depending on the bank's process
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - remember your ID document if you're not a customer

As an alternative you could choose to visit a currency exchange service or travel money specialist which offers online or on the spot exchange. Currency specialists usually have a very good selection of foreign currencies available, although smaller branches may not hold everything in stock at one time. It’s also useful to know that the exchange rate you get for an on the spot exchange in a store may be different to the one you’ll get when ordering online for collection - usually online orders get a better rate.

To exchange currency in Wolverhampton using a currency exchange service:

• Decide if you'll visit a currency exchange store in person to exchange, or order ahead
• Place your order online and pay by card or with BPAY, or visit a branch with cash
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - you'll need to take along your ID document when you visit the branch to place a collect your order

Finally, you might choose to order your travel money online. There are a few ways to do this. Some providers will let you order online and either have the cash delivered to home, or you can collect at a branch or in the airport. Other options offer a travel money card which you can order online, top up, and then use for spending and withdrawals while you’re away. This can be an especially convenient option as it’s often possible to complete the whole process without needing to leave home.

To exchange currency in Wolverhampton online:

• Choose an online currency exchange service which suits your needs
• Order your travel money or travel money card, following their specific process
• You'll normally need to upload an image of your photo ID document for verification
• Your money or card can be delivered to home or collected, depending on the provider you pick

Things to look at before exchanging money

Before you decide how to exchange money it’s worth shopping around to compare a few different available options. That can mean your money goes further. Here are a few more important tips:

Avoid airport currency exchanges

Airports often have currency exchange services - but they’re not usually good value. Services at the airport know that customers have few options left, which means they can crank up the costs. You may not see any fee displayed, but there are likely to be charges rolled into the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you need, which can be very high.

Check the mid-market rate

Not sure what a good rate looks like? Check the mid-market rate for your specific currency. The mid-market rate is the one used on global markets, and when banks buy and sell currencies. However, it’s not usually passed on to customers. Instead extra fees are added - a markup, margin, or spread. Compare the rate you’re being offered to the mid-market rate for your currency - which you can get from Google - to see this.

Beware of ATM rates

If an ATM in a foreign country asks if you’d prefer to pay in dollars, say no. If you agree, the ATM will manage the currency conversion for you - and that ATM will not give you as good a rate as the one your bank or card network offers. Pay at ATMs and with merchants using the local currency wherever you are, to avoid this.

Get a travel money card from Wise

Travel money cards can help you avoid costs and hassle when exchanging money. Order a card online, add a balance in dollars, and either convert to the currency you need in advance or at the point of payment. Providers like Wise support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, and often use better exchange rates and lower fees compared to physical currency exchange stores.

Factors to consider when choosing an exchange provider in Wolverhampton

Before you pick the right Wolverhampton currency exchange option for your needs, do a little shopping around. Compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them.

When considering costs make sure you check both the exchange rate and the fees charged. It's common for services to state there's no commission, when the costs have simply been added into the exchange rate being used.

Double check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider. If you're exchanging money at a major bank you can rest assured it's licensed. If you're using physical currency exchange stores it's worth asking how they're regulated - and with online providers you can usually find everything you need in a footnote on the website, including licensing details.

Finally, ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family in Wolverhampton, and use online resources like Google reviews and Trustpilot to make sure previous customers are positive about any service you might pick.

Best foreign currency exchange rates in Wolverhampton

Exchange rates can be confusing. It can often seem like every bank, exchange store or online service has their own rate - and choosing can feel daunting.

The key to getting the best currency exchange rate in Wolverhampton is to understand the mid-market exchange rate for your currency pair. The mid-market rate is the rate used when trading on global markets - the one banks and currency exchanges get when they buy or sell currencies themselves. However, providers usually don't pass on this rate to customers - they'll add a percentage markup or margin, which is a fee, to the rate offered to retail customers buying or selling relatively small amounts of currencies.

You can take the mid-market rate for your currency as a good benchmark when measuring up your options for currency exchange in Wolverhampton. Find the mid-market rate on Google, and then look for a provider which offers this or as close as possible to it.

Another good bet is to pick a travel money card from a service like Wise which offers currency exchange which uses live mid-market rates, with the fees split out for clarity and transparency.

When is the best time to exchange currency

Exchange rates change a lot, based on the demand in global markets. That means that there's no best time for currency exchange, but tracking the market can certainly help you spot a good deal when one becomes available.

Keep an eye on the mid-market rate for your currency, using any of our handy tools, and watch how it's changing over time. It's also possible to set up rate alerts online which can help you learn when a rate hits the level you're looking for. If you're planning on converting cash - or if you have a travel money card - you can lock in the rate by buying your foreign currency at that point.

No matter how good a deal you think you're getting, be sure you're picking a safe and reputable provider for your exchange. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Tips for finding the best currency exchange rates in Wolverhampton

Here are a few final ideas on how to find the best exchange rates in Wolverhampton, no matter which currency you need to buy:

• Compare the available rates across different providers close to you and online - and be sure to check for any additional fees or commissions which can push up costs significantly
• Use online currency converters or mobile apps to stay updated on the current exchange rates for your currency pair, and buy when the time's right
• Consider using an online alternative such as Wise or the Revolut account so you can instantly convert currencies using just your phone, wherever you're ready

Why buy foreign currency in Wolverhampton?

Getting your foreign currency in Wolverhampton may offer a better deal compared to buying it from the airport or in your destination country. Airport exchange services know they have a captive audience and can add in extra fees and exchange rate hikes, pushing up the price you pay. Exchanging money in your destination eats into your precious holiday time - plus you may be targeted by unscrupulous money changers with bad rates.

Here are a few good reasons to exchange your currency in Wolverhampton:

• As you have time to shop around, you may find you can get better exchange rates
• Buying currency close to home (or even without leaving home) offers speed and convenience
• It's far easier to check the safety and reputation of a provider you know, rather than picking one at your destination
• You won't need to waste your holiday standing in line in a currency exchange store - you can get on with your trip instead

There are a few different ways you might want to currency in Wolverhampton. You could head to a bank, choose a physical currency exchange service, or go for an online option.

There are also some great travel money cards from providers like Wise and Revolut which allow you to order a card online or in an app, top up remotely, and spend or make withdrawals overseas easily. Travel money cards are secure and often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to switching currency at the airport or in a physical location in your destination.

Use this guide to figure out which currency exchange in Wolverhampton might be best for you, and don't forget to also take a look at travel money cards to see if popping one in your wallet can help you save.

FAQ - Best places to exchange currency in Wolverhampton

There's not one single best place to exchange currency for travel, but converting your currency online before you head off can save time - and often money. One convenient option is to get a travel money card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to add and exchange money with just your phone.

The cheapest way to get foreign currency in Wolverhampton will depend on the currency you need and the value you want to exchange. This guide gives some good pointers to locations you may want to compare, but shopping around is still essential. Compare the exchange services in Wolverhampton with online and digital services to get the best deal overall.

Exchanging cash on arrival is inconvenient and can leave you vulnerable to scams and unscrupulous money changing services in your destination. You can exchange money before you go conveniently - or get a travel money card which you can top up digitally and use for spending and withdrawals when you're away, often with great rates and low fees.

Yes. If you get a bad exchange rate - or high commission costs - you'll end up with less money in the end for your trip. Before you exchange money, shop around and compare both on and offline options to make sure you get a good deal without excessive fees.

Banks and currency exchange stores can exchange your foreign currency back to British Pound - but the rate is unlikely to be as good as it was when you converted in the first place, which means you get less back than you spent. Instead, consider a travel money card like the Wise card which lets you leave your money in dollars and convert on the spot when you make a payment or withdrawal overseas.

More places to exchange currency in the UK

ASDA Wolverhampton Travel Money Bureau

Opening Hours

Store hours:.

Eurochange - Wolverhampton

Photos & videos.

See all 1 photos

About the Business

eurochange are the foreign exchange experts providing a complete foreign exchange service from Travel Money in over 70 currencies to International Money Transfers. Foreign currency is available in notes, Travellers Cheques and Multi-Currency Cash Passport, and at great rates 365 days a year. There are also improved rates on over 20 currencies when you buy a minimum amount - order more, save more! - Commission-free Travel Money in over 70 currencies - Available in notes, Travellers Cheques and Multi-Currency Cash Passport - Great rates 365 days a year and improved rates on over 20 currencies - Over 150 branches across the UK - Click & Collect in just 60 seconds from a branch of your choice - Order right up until 4pm for next day Home Delivery, free on orders over £400 - International Money Transfers - Transfer funds overseas in 49 currencies to 194 countries - Use Quick Transfer for smaller amounts or one-off payments without the need for an account - Open an International Payments account for larger amounts or more regular payments, and enjoy benefits such as your very own personalised margin …

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

The Mander Centre

Wolverhampton WV1 3HH

United Kingdom

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Other Currency Exchange Nearby

Find more Currency Exchange near Eurochange - Wolverhampton

Related Cost Guides

Auto Insurance

Currency Exchange

Financial Advising

Home and Rental Insurance

Life Insurance

Tax Services

• 4 More Cost Guides

Discover every bank branch and currency exchange location in the UK.

You are here: Home / Exchange currency in Wolverhampton

Exchange currency in Wolverhampton

Find the best place to exchange currency in Wolverhampton in the UK. Whether you're looking to buy travel money or compare exchange rates , there are at least 64 local places in Wolverhampton you can visit. This includes 45 Moneygram branches and 19 Western Union agents in Post Offices, newsagents, and shops in Wolverhampton.

Browse the map above or view all locations in the list below. To compare prices in Wolverhampton, simply click on your nearest branch.

Places to buy currency in Wolverhampton

Post Office - Wolverhampton Unit 45 - 31-49 Lichfield Street, WV1 1EQ

Post Office - Willenhall Road 79 Willenhall Road, WV1 2HW

Internet Cafe 47 Victoria Street, WV1 3PJ

Post Office - Darlington Street 16 Darlington Street, WV1 4HW

Express And Star 49 School Street, WV1 4LR

Park Village Stores & Off Licence 341 Cannock Road, WV10 0BG

Post Office - Victoria Road 29 Victoria Road, WV10 0NG

Abhi Superstore 6 7 Ellerton Walk, WV10 0UG

Post Office - Oxley The Cooperative Store, WV10 6AN

The Cartridge Store 506 Stafford Road, WV10 6AN

Stafford Road News 319 Stafford Road, WV10 6DP

Post Office - Fordhouses Stafford Road, WV10 6QG

Post Office - Featherstone 10 Cannock Road, WV10 7AA

Post Office - Shareshill 64 Church Road, WV10 7LD

Post Office - North Bushbury Collingwood Road, WV10 8DX

Post Office - The Scotlands 747 Cannock Road, WV10 8PN

Post Office - Low Hill 3 Showell Circus, WV10 9BA

Post Office - Bushbury Lane 67-71 Bushbury Lane, WV10 9TN

Patsy`s Wines - Wolverhampton 335 Bushbury Lane, WV10 9UJ

Patsys Wines 335 Bushbury Lane, WV10 9UJ

Post Office - Long Knowle Lane 7a Long Knowle Lane, WV11 1HZ

Wood End News 4 Wood End Road, WV11 1NR

Post Office - Wednesfield 78 High Street, WV11 1SZ

Seven Skies 12 High Street, WV11 1SZ

Seven Skies Travels 12 High Street, WV11 1SZ

Post Office - Essington Village News, WV11 2BS

Post Office - Perry Hall 61 Stubby Lane, WV11 3NL

Post Office - Bilston 4-6 Hall Street, WV14 0AB

Post Office - Steelhouse Lane 241 Steelhouse Lane, WV2 2AB

Ss Sidhu 241 Steelhouse Lane, WV2 2AB

Arpan International Ltd 364 Dudley Road, WV2 3AY

Air Asia Travel Ltd 132 Dudley Road, WV2 3DH

Post & Parcel 171 Dudley Road, WV2 3DR

Asian Bazaar - #lgb0728 350 Dudley Road, WV2 3JR

Poundforce 241 Dudley Road, WV2 3JU

Post Office - Parkfield Road 335 - 336 Dudley Road, WV2 3JY

Mobilink Repair Uk Limited 25 Willcock Road, WV2 3JY

Post Office - Worcester Street 68 Worcester Street, WV2 4LE

Post Office - Blakenhall 88 Upper Villiers Street, WV2 4NX

Nijjar S Supermarket 131 Owen Road, WV3 0AN

Goldstar Letting 126 Bruford Road, WV3 0AZ

Spring Group - #lgb0668 41 Cardiff Street, WV3 0EZ

Spring Group 41 Cardiff Street, WV3 0EZ

Banga Stores 59a Lea Road, WV3 0LW

Post Office - Pennfields 136-140 Birches Barn Road, WV3 7BG

Post Office - Merry Hill 199 Coalway Road, WV3 7NG

Post Office - Bradmore 17 Broad Lane, WV3 9BN

Post Office - Clark Road 1e Clark Road, WV3 9NW

Pauls Superstore 266 Penn Road, WV4 4AD

Post Office - Penn 331b Penn Road, WV4 5QF

Post Office - Lanesfield 222 Birmingham New Road, WV4 6NR

Post Office - Ettingshall Park 100 Dovedale Road, WV4 6RB

Post Office - Wombourne Midcounties Co-op, WV5 9ED

Smart Trade Live 73 Leicester Street, WV6 0PS

Sekhon Supermarket Whitmore Reans, WV6 0QG

Post Office - Whitmore Reans Avion Centre, WV6 0QW

Sandhu Supermarket 15 Bargate Drive, WV6 0QW

Post Office - Perton 7 - 9 Anders Square, WV6 7QH

Post Office - Tettenhall 4 Upper Green, WV6 8QQ

Post Office - Pendeford West Midlands Co-op, WV6 9EH

Post Office - Albrighton 78 High Street, WV7 3JA

Post Office - Codsall 14 Station Road, WV8 1BX

Post Office - Wolverhampton - Lane Green 13 - 15 Bilbrook Road, WV8 1EU

Post Office - Pendeford Park T And S Stores, WV9 5NP

Cards, Loans & Savings

Car & home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money card, life insurance, travel money, exchange rate calculator.

Nectar members get better rates on travel money*

• Europe - Euro (EUR)
• USA - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• United Arab Emirates - UAE Dirham (AED)
• Australia - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Canada - Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• New Zealand - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
• Aland Islands - Euro (EUR)
• American Samoa - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Andorra - Euro (EUR)
• Anguilla - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Antigua and Barbuda - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Austria - Euro (EUR)
• Bahrain - Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
• Barbados - Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
• Belgium - Euro (EUR)
• Bulgaria - Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
• Chile - Chilean Peso (CLP)
• China - Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Cook Islands - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Costa Rica - Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
• Croatia - Euro (EUR)
• Cyprus - Euro (EUR)
• Czech Republic - Czech Koruna (CZK)
• Denmark - Danish Krone (DKK)
• Dominica - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Dominican Republic - Dominican Peso (DOP)
• Ecuador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• El Salvador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Estonia - Euro (EUR)
• Faroe Islands - Danish Krone (DKK)
• Finland - Euro (EUR)
• France - Euro (EUR)
• French Guiana - Euro (EUR)
• French Southern Territories - Euro (EUR)
• Greece - Euro (EUR)
• Greenland - Danish Krone (DKK)
• Grenada - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Guadeloupe - Euro (EUR)
• Guam - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Haiti - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Holy See (Vatican City State) - Euro (EUR)
• Hong Kong - Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Hungary - Hungarian Forint (HUF)
• Iceland - Icelandic Króna (ISK)
• Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Ireland - Euro (EUR)
• Israel - Israeli New Sheqel (ILS)
• Italy - Euro (EUR)
• Jamaica - Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
• Japan - Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Jordan - Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
• Kenya - Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• Kiribati - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Korea, Republic of - South Korean Won (KRW)
• Kuwait - Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
• Liechtenstein - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Lithuania - Euro (EUR)
• Luxembourg - Euro (EUR)
• Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Malta - Euro (EUR)
• Marshall Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Martinique - Euro (EUR)
• Mauritius - Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
• Mayotte - Euro (EUR)
• Mexico - Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Micronesia, Federated States of - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Monaco - Euro (EUR)
• Montenegro - Euro (EUR)
• Montserrat - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Nauru - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Netherlands - Euro (EUR)
• Niue - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Norfolk Island - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Northern Mariana Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
• Oman - Omani Rial (OMR)
• Palau - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Panama - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Peru - Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
• Philippines - Philippine Peso (PHP)
• Pitcairn - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Poland - Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Portugal - Euro (EUR)
• Puerto Rico - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Qatar - Qatari Riyal (QAR)
• Saint Barthélemy - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Lucia - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Martin (French part) - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• San Marino - Euro (EUR)
• Saudi Arabia - Saudi Riyal (SAR)
• Singapore - Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Slovakia - Euro (EUR)
• Slovenia - Euro (EUR)
• South Africa - South African Rand (ZAR)
• Spain - Euro (EUR)
• Sweden - Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Taiwan - New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
• Timor-Leste - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tokelau - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Türkiye - Turkish New Lira (TRY)
• Turks and Caicos Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tuvalu - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Virgin Islands, British - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Virgin Islands, U.S. - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• No matches found

Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.

^ Travel money cards are available on selected currencies only.

Buy travel money

Buy, exchange money and order foreign currency online, by phone, or at our bureaux.  

How to get travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank

Need holiday money? Order currency online, by phone or visit a Sainsbury’s store with a bureau today. Or get a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card for easy and secure spending overseas.  

There are various ways to buy travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank. Choose the method that’s easiest for you. 

1.    Buy currency online for home delivery.  2.    Order currency online and collect instore. 4-hour click and collect available. T&Cs apply.  3.    Buy currency via telephone. 4.    Visit one of our bureaux to buy currency in a Sainsbury’s store.  

Buy a prepaid travel money card

Our travel money card makes it safe and easy to manage and spend your holiday money.  1.     Order for collection – Collect your travel money card from your nearest Sainsbury’s Bank bureau. 2.     Order for delivery – We’ll send your travel money card straight to you. 3.     Download the app or log in online  – Check your balance, exchange between currencies, top up and manage your account.  

Where can you get foreign currency with Sainsbury’s?

Get travel money delivered to you.

Order online or by phone and we’ll mail your holiday money to you securely via special delivery. Order more than £400 of foreign currency and get free delivery.  

Collect travel money instore

Visit a store with an instore travel bureau to collect your travel money on your next weekly shop.

In a hurry? You can now order and collect Euros, US Dollars, and Travel Money Card pre-paid orders in as little as 4 hours with our click and collect travel money service^.

Click and collect currency the same day at a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau when you:

• Order Euros, US Dollars, or a Travel Money Card
• Place your order on a Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), and
• Order at least 4hr before the bureau’s scheduled closure time

For orders made outside of this period, or for any other currency, you will be able to select your preferred collection date when placing your online order.   

Get your travel money card delivered to you

We’ll send your travel money card straight to you, with your PIN arriving separately for security.  

Visit one of our bureaux 

We have stores with instore travel bureaux across the UK where you can pick up holiday money on the day.  

Why use Sainsbury’s Bank for foreign currency

• Wide range of currencies, including USD and EUR We offer over 50 different foreign currencies, so it’s easy to get the holiday money you need.
• Nectar Prices Nectar members get better exchange rates both online, on the phone and at our bureaux. See our Nectar member benefits .*
• Currency buy-back  Got holiday money left over when you get home? We’ll buy back most foreign currency, so you’re not out of pocket. 
• Pick up your travel money in one of our stores Within travel bureaux  across the UK, it’s convenient to pick up holiday money as you shop with Sainsbury’s Bank.
• Multiple ways to order and receive travel money Order online or by telephone, collect instore or receive holiday money by post – the choice is yours.
• 24/7 telephone assistance and online portal   Our team are on hand to help with your travel money card any time of the day or night, no matter where you are in the world. 
• Access to Western Union You can send an international money transfer instore with  Western Union Money Transfer® services .

Choose your foreign currency

From Euro and US Dollar to Swedish Krona and Japanese Yen, we have more than 50 foreign currencies from all over the world. 

Take a look at our most popular currencies.

Add to your travel money card to withdraw and spend on holiday.

US Dollar (USD)

Order by telephone and receive your travel money in the post.

Dirham (AED)

Order online for bureau collection or buy directly instore.

Turkish Lira (TRK)

Buy travel money at one of our bureaux de change.

Thai Baht (THB)

Order currency online and get free delivery over £400.

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Get a travel money card instore to use on holiday in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any administration fees.

No, we don't charge any administration fees when you order currency from us.

Will I be charged for using my credit/debit card?

No, we don’t charge any extra when you buy foreign currency by card.

Some card providers may charge a cash advance fee and interest for buying currencies. Cash advance fees will not show on your travel money order, but you’ll be able to see them on your card statement. If you’re not sure, you should check with your card issuer.

There is no cash advance fee when you use a Sainsbury’s Bank Credit Card. No interest will be charged, as long as the full outstanding balance on the credit card is cleared during the current billing cycle. If a balance remains on the account at the end of the billing cycle, interest will be charged and may apply to the currency purchased.

Do I get any benefits for being a Nectar member?

Yes, you do. If you tell us your Nectar card number when you place your order, we’ll give you a better exchange rate*. Not a Nectar member? Sign up today .

When will I receive my home delivery order?

You can select a specific working day delivery date up to seven days in advance. Please note Saturday deliveries are not guaranteed. Also, if you’ve chosen a Monday delivery, Royal Mail may try to deliver on Saturday.

The earliest day you’ll be able to select for delivery is:

What are the home delivery fees?

How much money can i order online.

Orders for collection at any Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau or for home delivery are subject to a maximum value of £4,500 per person per day.

All home delivery orders are subject to a minimum value of £100** and a maximum of £2,500. There is no minimum order value for orders for collection at a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau.

How long will my travel money card take to arrive?

We’ll send out your travel money card as soon as you order it, so it should be with you in three to five working days. You can also get a travel money card immediately at our bureaux if you need yours at short notice. 

Can I exchange unused travel money?

Yes, we can buy back your foreign currency. Just bring your unused currency back to a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau and we’ll exchange it back to sterling. Please note that we can buy back notes but not coins. 

Can I pay using Apple Pay?

Yes, as long as the card issuer you are using is Maestro, Mastercard or VISA.

Terms and conditions

*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.© You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. No cash alternative is available. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

**You can order currency for a secure home delivery by 1pm on the day of your choice by Royal Mail (Mon- Sat). For next day delivery your order needs to be confirmed before 2pm (Mon- Fri). Please note that whilst Royal Mail make every effort to delivery on schedule, we cannot guarantee this as it is beyond our control. Highlands and Islands (including Channel Islands) are not guaranteed next day delivery. Delivery is free on all cash orders £400 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £399.99). The minimum order for home delivery is £100. The delivery day quoted is dependent on the order day being a working day; if one of those days is a public holiday then additional day(s) will be added accordingly. All home delivery orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless we advise you otherwise, to your billing address, and a signature will be required upon delivery. A valid telephone number is required for home delivery. ^ For Euro, US Dollar and Travel Money Card only:

If you selected same-day collection your order will be available 4 hours from the initial order confirmation email received or if your order was placed before 6 am then the earliest your order will be available to collect is from 10 am. Please allow at least 4 hours for your order to be processed. Remember to check the bureau opening hours before collecting your order.

If you selected tomorrow or a future date your order will be ready from 10 am on your chosen collection date. For all other currencies

Your order will be available from 2.00 pm on your chosen collection date.

Your order should be collected within 72 hours or will be subject to cancellation. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.  

Find more Terms & Conditions here

Nectar prices for Nectar members*

• Destinations
• All Inclusive
• City Breaks
• Summer 2024
• Pay Monthly Holidays
• Winter Holidays
• Faraway Escapes
• Holiday money
• Travel Money Card
• Travel Insurance
• Cruise Holidays
• Faraway Holidays
• Costa Del Sol
• Costa Dorada
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Praia Da Rocha

News & latest offers

Hays Travel Foreign Exchange, 4 convenient ways to buy your holiday money. Choose from the options below to get started.

^^Branch rates will differ from our online rates

For your next departure, buy your holiday money from Hays Travel. Always commission free currency with competitive online and high street exchange rates.

• Wide selection of currencies available
• Hundreds of nationwide Hays Travel branches offering on-demand Foreign Exchange; buy from branch to receive high quality customer service from the travel experts or order online for convenient home delivery
• 0% commission when we buy and sell foreign currency
• Buy Back Guarantee available for just £3.95^
• Voted the nations favourite Foreign Exchange retailer

^Please speak to one of our Hays Travel colleagues for the full Terms & Conditions of the Hays Travel Buy Back Guarantee

^^In-branch rates will differ from our online rates. The rates displayed online are for currency banknotes pre-order only, and guaranteed if currency is collected before close of business on {{ currentDateTime }}.

^^^Not all notes presented for buy back may be able to be exchanged, please ask our staff for more details

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Hays Travel Prepaid Currency Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

• Skip navigation
• Find a branch
• Help and support

Popular searches

• Track a parcel

Travel money

• Travel insurance
• Drop and Go

Log into your account

• Credit cards
• International money transfer
• Junior ISAs

Travel and Insurance

• Car and van insurance
• Gadget insurance
• Home insurance
• Pet insurance

Travel Money Card

• Parcels Online

For further information about the Horizon IT Scandal, please visit our  corporate website

• Travel Money

Get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash

Foreign currency

Find our best exchange rates online and enjoy 0% commission on over 60 currencies. And you can choose collection from your nearest branch or delivery to your home

Go cashless with our prepaid Mastercard®. Take advantage of contactless payment, load up to 22 currencies and manage everything with our app, making travel simple and secure

Order travel money

• UAE Dirham AED
• Australian Dollar AUD
• Barbados Dollar BBD
• Bangladesh Taka BDT
• Bulgarian Lev BGN
• Bahrain Dinar BHD
• Bermuda Dollar BMD
• Brunei Dollar BND
• Canadian Dollar CAD
• Swiss Franc CHF
• Chilean Peso CLP
• Chinese Yuan CNY
• Colombian Peso COP
• Costa Rican Colon CRC
• Czech Koruna CZK
• Danish Kroner DKK
• Dominican Peso DOP
• Fiji Dollar FJD
• Guatemalan Quetzal GTQ
• Hong Kong Dollar HKD
• Hungarian Forint HUF
• Indonesian Rupiah IDR
• Israeli Sheqel ILS
• Icelandic Krona ISK
• Jamaican Dollar JMD
• Jordanian Dinar JOD
• Japanese Yen JPY
• Kenyan Shilling KES
• Korean Won KRW
• Kuwaiti Dinar KWD
• Cayman Island Dollar KYD
• Mauritius Rupee MUR
• Mexican Peso MXN
• Malaysian Ringgit MYR
• Norwegian Krone NOK
• New Zealand Dollar NZD
• Omani Rial OMR
• Peru Nuevo Sol PEN
• Philippino Peso PHP
• Polish Zloty PLN
• Romanian New Leu RON
• Saudi Riyal SAR
• Swedish Kronor SEK
• Singapore Dollar SGD
• Thai Baht THB
• Turkish Lira TRY
• Taiwan Dollar TWD
• US Dollar USD
• Uruguay Peso UYU
• Vietnamese Dong VND
• East Caribbean Dollar XCD
• French Polynesian Franc XPF
• South African Rand ZAR
• Brazilian Real BRL
• Qatar Riyal QAR

Delivery options, available branches and fees may vary by value and currency. Branch rates will differ from online rates. T&Cs apply .

Why get your holiday cash from Post Office?

• Order online, buy in branch, or choose delivery to your home or local branch 
• 100% refund guarantee* if your holiday’s cancelled, at the same exchange rate, excluding bank and delivery charges. Just send your receipts and evidence of cancellation to us within 28 days of purchase. *T&Cs apply
• Order euros or US dollars to collect in branch in as little as 2 hours

Euros and US dollars in 2 hours

Click and collect euros and US dollars in 2 hours. Terms and conditions apply 

Today’s online rates

Rate correct as of 20/06/2024

Travel Money Card (TMC) rates may differ. Branch rates may vary. Delivery methods may vary. Terms and conditions apply

Safe and secure holiday spending

Manage your holiday funds on a Travel Money Card with our free travel app. Top it up, freeze it, swap currencies, view your PIN and more.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

Need some help?

Travel money card lost or stolen.

Please immediately call: 020 7937 0280

Available 24/7

Travel money help and support

Read our travel money FAQs or contact our team about buying currency online or in branch:

Visit our travel money support page

Other related services

Travelling abroad? These tips will help you get sorted with your foreign ...

We all look forward to our holidays. Unfortunately, though, more and more ...

From European hotspots to far-flung destinations, UK travellers are making ...

Hoi An in Vietnam is still the best-value long haul destination for UK ...

Our annual survey of European ski resorts compares local prices for adults and ...

The nation needs a holiday. And, with the summer season already underway, new ...

If you’re driving in Europe this year, Andorra’s your best bet for the cheapest ...

One of the joys of summer are the many music festivals playing across the ...

Prepaid currency cards are a secure way to make purchases on trips abroad. They ...

Thinking of heading off to Europe for a quick city break, but don’t want to ...

Knowing how much to tip in a café, restaurant, taxi or for another service can ...

Post Office Travel Money unveils the first Islands in the Sun Holiday Barometer ...

To avoid currency conversion fees abroad, always choose ‘local currency’ ...

Kickstarting your festive prep with a short getaway this year? The Post Office ...

Eastern Europe leads the way for the best value city breaks this year. And ...

Long-haul destinations offer the best value for UK holidaymakers this year, ...

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

A strong dollar is great news for most of us — but not everybody is a winner

Strong dollar.

A strong dollar reinforces America's economic might and helps bring down inflation — but it also hurts exporters. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The American dollar has been soaring this year relative to most currencies in the world. That's providing a lot of benefits to Americans — but it's also creating a lot of pain.

The U.S. dollar conquered the world. Is it at risk of losing its top spot?

The strong dollar brings a number of advantages. It reinforces America’s economic dominance and it helps reduce inflation by making imports cheaper.

But a rising dollar doesn’t lift all boats. Some exporters have been hit as the stronger domestic currency makes them less competitive in overseas markets, while also creating economic headaches around the world.

Here are three things to know about the dollar – and its rally this year.

What's behind the strong dollar — and will it last?

A solid dollar signifies a strong economy. And the U.S. economy has proven relatively strong and stable, certainly compared to other countries that are growing more slowly.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies of major trading partners, is up nearly 4% this year despite falling in May and experiencing some volatility along the way.

For the dollar, the gains mark quite a comeback. The greenback had soared in 2022 to its highest in around two decades, but slipped a little last year.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attending the G7 finance ministers meeting in Stresa, Italy, last month. A strong dollar reinforces America's economic power. Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Interest rates are playing a part too. The Federal Reserve continues to maintain relatively high interest rates compared to U.S trading partners, like Japan and Europe.

Higher interest rates traditionally push up a currency's value. One big reason is that they tend to attract more foreign investors into the country’s debt markets. For instance, a Japanese investor looking to buy U.S. government bonds would have to buy dollars to invest in this country.

And at the moment, the Fed appears in no hurry to start cutting interest rates after raising them to their highest level in more than two decades.

By contrast, other major economies have started lowering their interest rates. In fact, Canada cut its interest rate on Wednesday, becoming the first G7 nation to do so. The European Central Bank followed on Thursday by cutting key rates.

Many analysts expect the dollar to weaken later this year. Just how much will depend on how many rate cuts the Fed actually delivers.

A recent poll of market strategists conducted by Reuters predicts only a modest decline in the dollar.

So who benefits?

Simply put, almost everybody in the country.

A key benefit of a stronger dollar is that it lowers the cost of importing stuff. That’s a big deal for the U.S., a country that imports more than it exports.

And it’s not just the millions of shoppers buying cheap Chinese-made items from Walmart and Amazon. American companies benefit because they need to import things too, like raw materials or components, for manufacturing and production.

Lower import costs help to counter inflation. And that's especially helpful now when inflation remains one of the biggest challenges for the U.S. economy.

Containers arrive from Taiwan to the Port of Los Angeles on March 6, 2020. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Although inflation has come down significantly since hitting a four-decade high in 2022, it’s still above the Fed’s 2% inflation target.

“If you ask any American what's bothering them the most about the economy it’s that they're paying more for all kinds of things, goods and services,” says Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “So the number one issue here is inflation. We've got to rein that in. And one way of doing that is to have a strong dollar.”

The strong dollar also benefits Americans traveling abroad, especially to countries that have seen their currencies weaken the most against the U.S. dollar.

Take Japan. The yen has fallen to a 30-plus-year low against the dollar. American visitors have flocked there to take advantage of the resulting low prices, according to Japan's tourism agency .

Not only is traveling abroad cheaper, it’s also allowing Americans to snag luxury handbags and clothing in places like Europe at much lower prices than in the U.S., as well as making fancy meals and upscale hotels more affordable.

Then there's the pride factor. A strong dollar reinforces the U.S.'s economic dominance as the world’s most important currency.

And who gets hurt?

The soaring U.S. dollar may provide big benefits to many Americans, but not everybody comes out a winner.

It can hurt domestic manufacturers.

Take Drew Greenblatt. He owns Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore, which exports products like baskets and racks to other countries.

Greenblatt says his company has “easily” lost more than $4 million a year in sales of exports because his products are not as competitive in markets overseas.

The strong dollar also means he can’t hire as many people as he would like.

“I could hire more unemployed Baltimore City people that are right now in poverty,” he says. “I could pull them up into the middle class if I had more orders.”

Drew Greenblatt runs Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore. His business is being hurt by the strong dollar. Drew Greenblatt hide caption

Drew Greenblatt runs Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore. His business is being hurt by the strong dollar.

Greenblatt is being hurt even more because he only uses American steel. Quantifying the exact impact of a strong dollar on American exporters is tough. Economists agree that manufacturers are suffering because of the strong dollar, but also note the sector is more resilient to currency pressures and high interest rates than in previous devastating periods like in the early 1980s.

"They're not booming, but they're holding their own," says Zandi of American manufacturers.

A manufacturer tried the 4-day workweek for 5 days' pay and won't go back

Other companies are able to offset the hit to their exports by paying less for importing materials or components they need for their production

American companies who manufacture abroad can also feel the sting. For multinational corporations, like Apple which have many overseas operations, the strong dollar can prove costly when converting local foreign currencies back into U.S. dollars.

Beyond hurting U.S. companies, the strong dollar can wreak havoc around the world.

While foreign countries can benefit from exporting goods more cheaply to the U.S., they pay a price because imports into their own countries become more expensive too.

Japan and South Korea, two major trading partners with the U.S., have expressed “serious concerns” about the depreciation in their currencies even if both nations are major exporters.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

And then there are the emerging economies that have borrowed in U.S. dollars. They suffer as well. Paying back the interest on their debts becomes costlier since they need to buy more dollars to repay investors. Those dollars cost more when the greenback strengthens — and as the debt mounts so do the costs.

So the strong dollar may benefit many Americans, but when it comes to currencies, not everybody can come out a winner whether abroad or at home.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Frugal Traveler

Where to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

American travelers going abroad this summer will find their money buys more in some unexpected countries, including Japan and Australia.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

It’s the backpacker’s call to India, the sunseeker’s attraction to Mexico, and the digital nomad’s drive to get to Thailand: Go where the dollar buys more.

The evergreen budget travel strategy is getting a boost this summer: The dollar has surged against a number of foreign currencies, including the Japanese yen, thanks to high interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve — attracting foreign investment, which bolsters the dollar.

“A destination’s weaker currency spells greater value for U.S. tourists,” said Erina Pindar, the chief operating officer and managing partner at SmartFlyer , a global travel agency based in New York City.

“This economic advantage could make far-flung bucket list destinations in Asia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan, or in South America, like Peru, Argentina and Chile, more accessible than ever before,” she added.

Distant destinations are usually more expensive to fly to, which, along with the physical toll of jet lag, helps make the case for the country’s North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico , where the exchange rates have long favored the dollar’s buying power.

But this year there are some new contenders with attractive exchange rates to consider, including the following destinations.

Currently, the U.S. dollar is worth about 1.50 Australian dollars, up about 16 percent over the last three years.

The hurdle, of course, is the long flight, which can easily run over $1,000 round trip. But the travel search engine Kayak lists some attractive summer round-trip fares between the West Coast and Sydney starting at $770, with the best availability in August.

Getting around Australia by air isn’t cheap either, especially since the recent collapse of the low-cost carrier Bonza. Jetstar offers lower fares, including, recently, $50 one-way tickets between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Camper vans can be an affordable way to take an Australian road trip, with companies like Jucy , Britz and Apollo offering vehicles that include beds and cooking facilities. Jucy recently priced a two-person van rented for a week in July at about $53 a night.

The Northern Hemisphere summer is Australia’s winter. If you’re planning a ski vacation in the Australian Alps, Tourism Australia suggests avoiding mid-July when schools are on break and many families head to the slopes.

Australia does not have a culture of tipping, potentially saving travelers 20 percent on restaurant meals, according to Craig Bradbery, the chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, which includes the newly rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge , a luxury property on Kangaroo Island.

Bali, Indonesia

Many destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, offer compelling exchange rates. In Indonesia, the rupiah is at a four-year low against the dollar.

“I would send clients to Bali, Indonesia,” said Rob Huie, the owner of Luxury Travel Services by Rob , based in Millsboro, Del., noting that the cost of living is low on the island. “The caveat is a higher upfront cost to fly there, but once you’re there you are able to stay at three- and four-star hotels at very affordable rates, have meals for $10 to $25 per day and massages for $10 to $30.”

Travelers with Marriott loyalty points can cash them in at the Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta (rooms from $57 a night). IGH Reward members can spend or earn points at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (from $138).

Tripadvisor’s list of the top budget hotels in the central highlands around Ubud includes options under $100.

Bali is a good place to look for a vacation rental, according to the home rental platform HomeToGo . Its data shows the median per-night price for a rental property on Bali this summer is $86, compared to the median price of a rental in the United States at $388.

“Despite the strength of the U.S. dollar on a global scale, prices across the states continue to rise, prompting travelers to look to international destinations where their dollar can stretch further,” said Eleanor Moody, a travel expert at HomeToGo, who added that searches for rentals in Indonesia have more than doubled in the past year.

South America — including Argentina where inflation has spiraled, and Peru where the sol has softened against the dollar — is another place to look for value.

“Stop going to Europe,” said Cecile Blot, the owner of the travel agency Boundless Travels in Washington, D.C., praising “destination dupes” in South America. “Many of the countries on the southern continent offer the entire package — history, culture, nature, culinary delights, world-class accommodation — at a fraction of the price.”

One of these is Colombia , where the dollar recently equaled about 3,935 pesos, a gain of roughly 20 percent over the past five years.

“Colombia has something for everyone,” said Stefanie Pichonnat, the owner of AAV Travel , based in Terre Haute, Ind., citing Cartagena on the Caribbean as a budget-friendly substitute for a European capital, and coastal Tayrona National Natural Park as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica.

“Coffee aficionados can spend days touring the coffee fincas, passionate hikers can challenge themselves with a trek to the páramo desert and bird watchers will find an abundance of options to explore,” she added.

Air service is frequent and affordable. A recent search for round-trip fares from the New York area turned up summer departures starting from about $290 to the capital of Bogotá and $320 to coastal Cartagena.

From Bogotá, visitors can reach Chingaza National Natural Park in the eastern Andes or spend a few days in the laid-back colonial city of Villa de Leyva . But Colombia’s mountainous terrain and perilous roads often require travelers to fly domestically to see other areas.

Among tour operators that do the planning for you, Responsible Travel , based in England, offers a customizable 12-day trip to Colombia that visits Bogotá, Medellín and the central coffee country, including the lush Cocora Valley with its nearly 200-foot-tall wax palm trees (from $2,990 a person).

The U.S. dollar is currently worth about 156 Japanese yen, a gain of more than 11 percent over the past year.

Demand for Japan was already booming when the economic picture improved. BWH Hotels , which includes Best Western Hotels & Resorts, said occupancy and rates have grown steadily for the past two years because of demand and a shortage of employees, especially in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido.

But with careful planning, Americans can still exploit the exchange rate. IHG Hotels & Resorts , which operates hotel brands in the country from the design-focused Voco to the high-end InterContinental, suggested traveling by early July for the best rates (an overnight at the Voco Osaka Central starts at $135).

The Japanese-owned Hoshino Resorts tend to be upscale, but their OMO line offers more entry-level accommodations, from capsule hotels to full-service locations. The OMO5 Kyoto Gion , for example, offers rooms that sleep up to six people and include kitchens, starting at 24,000 yen, or about $153. Staff guides offer free tours to temples in the area.

While many temples, parks and shrines are free, travelers in the capital can get the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2,500 yen (about $16) that includes admission to more than 100 museums and attractions around town.

Among its tips for budget travelers, the tourism office of Japan recommends making lunch your big meal as many restaurants offer midday specials.

There are a number of cost-conscious ways to get around Japan, including trains (a Japan Rail Pass starts at 50,000 yen, or about $320, for seven days), low-cost airlines like Peach and Zipair and overnight buses .

Or consider walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that connects sacred shrines in the Kii Mountains. Walk Japan has a self-guided seven-day trip, including accommodations and most meals, starting at 224,000 yen.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?