How to Avoid Currency Conversion Fees When Traveling

January 25, 2026

Ever come home from a trip, looked at your credit card statement, and had that sinking feeling? The numbers just don’t add up. That beautiful €50 dinner in Rome somehow cost you $57, not the $54 you expected. You’ve just met the quiet thief of travel budgets: hidden currency conversion fees. These little charges aren’t just a minor annoyance. They’re a real drain on your funds, especially on longer trips. Banks and payment processors often bake a markup of 3-5% into the exchange rates they give you. ...