When traveling internationally, you'll need to consider the currency exchange rate between your country's currency and the country you're visiting when making purchases.
Know your destination country's currency
For starters, you should research any currencies you'll be using during your tour. You can find tour-specific currency information in your online account or mobile app under the "Getting ready" section. Need help finding this information? Learn how to access tour-specific pre-departure details.
Currency converter
The EF Adventures mobile app contains a built-in currency converter specific to the currencies you'll be using on tour. When viewing your tour from the app, scroll to the bottom of the page until you see "Currency converter" located under "Destination resources."
We suggest getting familiar with what the equivalent of one dollar is to your destination country's currency. Also, keep in mind that exchange rates are constantly fluctuating, but you shouldn't notice a major difference.
Example: 50 Egyptian Pounds = $1 USD
Withdrawing local currency
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it never hurts to order some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks and ATMs as needed. We recommend asking your Tour Director for the best places to withdraw cash while on tour.
Many major airports also have currency exchange counters or easily accessible ATMs at your final destination. However, these options often come with higher exchange rates and fees.
Pro tip: Before departing for your tour, inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Some cards charge foreign transaction fees each time you make a purchase abroad. Contact your bank and credit card company beforehand to understand their foreign transaction fee policies.
Using debit and credit cards
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most countries.