When you travel, it is always a good idea to take some cash, such as coins and bills, with you: preferably a hard currency like US dollars or British pounds. A lot of places will refuse to change soft currencies from countries with weak economies. The US dollar is strong at the moment, so when American travelers go to Asia, their dollar will buy more of the local currency. When it is weak, they will get less local currency for their dollars. You can change traveler's checks at any bank or currency exchange in the city, but check the exchange rate they are offering you first, and also check how much commission you will be charged as this can be as high as $10, or 8% of your total transaction, in some places. If you are using an ATM abroad to withdraw money, it is better to use a debit card, where money is taken directly from your bank account, rather than get an advance on a credit card, such as American Express, Visa or Mastercard, as you don't have to pay interest to the card company.