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Currency Abroard (Asia)?

Travel Info
Im visiting many countrys in asia and am reading the guide books that are all saying that its good to have US Dollars. can i get my money out of machines or cash in travelers checks in to US Dollars over there. or are they strong because they are rare or in short supply or something

Travel Tips

Depends on where you are going. In countries like Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan, you can use your check card or ATM card to withdrawl their currency. Caution check with your bank about fees. Credit card are accepted in those countries. Now if you go to a place like Burma, make sure you have dollars with you. No ATMs and as far as credit cards, if you are lucky only major hotels will accept them. Now in Burma, the "official" exchange is like 6 Kyats for $1(It's a rip off). If you know someone there ask him/her if that person knows someone who exchange money. You usually get like 1,250 Kyats for $1. Careful though. Don't exchange money from people on the streets. It's better to go to the bank if you don't know anyone. Source(s): I know because I was born there, and I am wise 26 year old pilot. :o)
Other Travel Tips

You got it you have to take dollar travellers cheques or hard currency, no you cannot get dollars from machines.
The dollar is accepted all over Asia and is easy to use. I would take as many untorn or wrinkled $100 bills as you feel safe to carry. Then I would take some dollar travellers cheques. I also have used my credit card to with draw money at banks and a ATM. Have Fun. Cheers.
My traveling in Asia.
You cannot use US dollars in Japan.
US$ are useful to carry in Asia but make sure that they do not have writing on them or marks. Some money exchangers won't accept them and you would need to go find a bank and suffer a lower exchange rate.

ATM's will give out local currency and your card company will charge you a reasonable exchange rate but a nasty handling charge. It's probably worth it though. Think of it as insurance fee against for lowering the risk of getting robbed if you are carrying a lot of cash.